CREW: U.S. Department of Homeland Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Regarding Border Fence: 12/22/10 - FME002379-FME002595 BRP Info RGV 4-20-08 (Final)

FME002379
RioGrande Valley Project 4-18-08
RIO GRANDE VALLEY PROJECT
Project Summary
This document is based on information provided in the following: (1) the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Construction, Operation, and Maintenance
of Tactical Infrastructure, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Texas, dated November 2007; (2)
the Revised Draft Biological Survey Report, dated January 2008; (3) GIS data provided
in support of the Rio Grande Valley Sector Draft EIS; (4) site visits accompanied by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) personnel; and (5) literature cited in the Species
Accounts, Effects of the Action, and Cumulative Effects sections of the document as
cited in the Literature Cited section of this document.
Customs and Border Protection proposes to install and operate tactical infrastructure
consisting of primary pedestrian fence (includes picket-style bollard, bollard, floating
fence, and concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence), concrete retaining wall,
and access and patrol roads along approximately 70 miles of the U.S./Mexico
international border in Starr, Hidalgo, and Cameron counties, Texas (Figure 1). The
following federally-listed species and habitats are known to occur within twenty-five
miles of the international border in Starr County:
SPECIES LISTING DETERMINATION
STATUS
Ocelot, Leopardus pardalis endangered Likely to adversely
affect
Gulf Coast jaguarundi, Herpailurus endangered Likely to adversely
yagouaroundi cacomitli affect
Least tern, Sterna antillarum endangered No effect
Piping plover, Charadrius melodus endangered No effect
Piping plover, critical habitat designated No effect
Ashy dogweed, Thymophylla tephroleuca endangered No effect
Johnston's frankenia, Frankenia endangered Not likely to adversely
johnstonii affect
Star cactus, Astrophytum asterias endangered Not likely to adversely
affect
Walker's manioc, Manihot walkerae endangered Not likely to adversely
affect
Zapata bladderpod, Lesquerella endangered Not Likely to adversely
thamnophila affect
Zapata bladderpod, critical habitat designated Not Likely to adversely
affect
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The following federally-listed species and habitats are known to occur within twenty-five
miles of the international border in Hidalgo County:
STATUS
affect
Northern aplomado falcon, Falco endangered No effect
femoralis septentrionalis
affect
Piping plover, Charadrius melodus endangered No effect
Piping plover, critical habitat designated No effect
Texas ayenia, Ayenia limitaris endangered Not likely to adversely
affect
affect
miles of the international border in Cameron County:
STATUS
Ocelot, Leopardus pardalis Endangered Likely to adversely
affect
Gulf Coast jaguarundi, Herpailurus Endangered Likely to adversely
Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis Endangered No effect
Northern aplomado falcon, Falco Endangered No effect
femoralis septentrionalis
Hawksbill sea turtle, Eretmochelys Endangered No effect
imbricata
Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys Endangered No effect
kempii
Leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys Endangered No effect
coriacea
South Texas ambrosia, Ambrosia Endangered Not likely to adversely
cheiranthifolia affect
Texas ayenia, Ayenia limitaris Endangered Not likely to adversely
affect
Piping plover, Charadrius melodus Threatened No effect
Piping plover critical habitat Designated No effect
Green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas Threatened No effect
Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta Threatened No effect
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The species and habitats listed above are known to occur within 25 miles of the border in
Starr, Hidalgo, and Cameron counties. However, based upon the information provided
regarding the sections, no effects are anticipated for least tern, piping plover, piping
plover critical habitat, and ashy dogweed in Starr County; Northern aplomado falcon,
piping plover, and piping plover critical habitat in Hidalgo County; brown pelican,
Northern aplomado falcon, hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea
turtle, piping plover, piping plover critical habitat, green sea turtle, and loggerhead sea
turtle in Cameron County. Therefore, those species and habitats will not be addressed in
this section analysis for those counties.
Location
The proposed action will be implemented in 21 distinct sections, ranging from
approximately one mile to approximately 13 miles in length.
Figure 1. Sections O-1 through O-21 of the Rio Grande Valley Sector project.
Proposed Action
Construction of additional tactical infrastructure might be required in the future as
mission and operational requirements are continually reassessed. It is anticipated that
these actions would undergo future Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation.
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The 21 sections of proposed pedestrian fence are designated as Sections O-1 through O-
21 (see Figure 1). Each proposed tactical infrastructure section will be an individual
project and could proceed to completion independent of the other sections. Construction
of the proposed tactical infrastructure would begin in Spring 2008 and continue through
December 2008. Table 1 presents general information for each of the 21 proposed
sections.
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Table 1. Proposed Primary Pedestrian Fencea Sections Under the Proposed Action
Length
Section USBP Station Approximate Location
(miles)
O-1 Rio Grande City Near Roma POE 3.75
O-2 Rio Grande City Near RGC POE 8.74
O-3 McAllen Los Ebanos POE 1.90
O-4 McAllen From Penñitas to Abram 4.35
O-5 McAllen Future Anzalduas POE 1.76
O-6 McAllen Hidalgo POE 3.85
O-7 Weslaco Proposed Donna POE 0.90
O-8 Weslaco Retamal Dam 3.25
O-9 Weslaco West Progreso POE 3.87
O-10 Weslaco East Progreso POE 2.33
Unnamed Border Patrol
O-11 Harlingen 2.31
Road 1 - Nemo Road
O-12 Harlingen Weaver’s Mountain 0.92
O-13 Harlingen West Los Indios POE 1.58
O-14 Harlingen East Los Indios POE 3.59
O-15 Harlingen Triangle - La Paloma 1.93
Unnamed Border Patrol
O-16 Harlingen 2.97
Road 2 - Estero
Proposed Carmen Road
O-17 Brownsville 1.61
Freight Train Bridge
Proposed Flor De Mayo
POE to Garden Park
Brownsville/Matamoros
O-19 Brownsville (B&M) POE to Los 3.37
Tomates
Los Tomates to Veterans
International Bridge
Veterans International
O-21 Fort Brown 12.99
Bridge to Sea Shell Inn
Total 69.84
a
Notes: Primary pedestrian fence includes picket-style bollard, bollard, floating,
and concrete flood protection structure/concrete fences.
Design criteria that have been established based on United States Border Patrol (USBP)
operational needs specify that, at a minimum, any fencing must meet the following
requirements:
• Built 15 to 18 feet high and extend below ground
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• Capable of withstanding vandalism, cutting, or various types of penetration

• Semi-transparent, as dictated by operational need
• Designed to survive extreme climate changes
• Designed to reduce or minimize impacts on small animal movements
• Engineered to not impede the natural flow of surface water
• Aesthetically pleasing to the extent possible.
The proposed pedestrian fence alignment generally follows the Rio Grande in Sections
O-1 through O-3. There is currently an existing patrol road within the footprint of
Sections O-1 through O-3. The fence alignment follows the USIBWC levee system
associated with the Rio Grande along Sections O-4 through O-21. For Sections O-4
through O-10, the fence alignment and patrol road will be within the current USIBWC
levee ROW. For sections O-11 through O-21, the fence alignment will typically be
placed approximately 30 feet from the toe of the levee (i.e., lowest point of the base of
the structure facing away from the Rio Grande). These configurations will allow the
proposed infrastructure to be placed in an existing levee ROW without disturbing current
USIBWC operations or USBP patrol roads. The tactical infrastructure within several of
the 21 sections will also encroach on multiple privately owned land parcels. Some
proposed fence sections could also encroach upon portions of the LRGVNWR, Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), and The
Nature Conservancy lands in the Rio Grande Valley.
Gates and ramps will be constructed to allow USBP personnel and land owners access to
land, the Rio Grande and other water resources, and infrastructure. The proposed action
will include the construction of approximately 90 secure access gates. Gates will be wide
enough to allow access for necessary farming equipment and firefighting equipment. In
other cases, gates will be situated to provide access to existing recreational amenities;
water resources, including pump houses and related infrastructure; grazing areas; existing
parks; and other areas.
Tactical Infrastructure Construction
The four fence types that will be constructed for the USBP Rio Grande Valley Sector
include picket-style bollard fence, picket-style floating fence, concrete retaining wall, and
concrete flood protection structures/concrete fence. Bollard fences are comprised of steel
bollards anchored into concrete footings =and/or pickets welded to the bollards (see
Figures 2-4). If pickets are used, they are also anchored into concrete. Floating fences
are comprised of prefabricated floating fence panels placed on the levee (see Figures 5
and 6). Floating fence are generally concrete barriers with pickets anchored on top.
Concrete retaining wall is comprised of prefabricated concrete wall panels sheet-piled
into an existing embankment (see Figure 7). Concrete flood protection
structures/concrete fence would be a concrete retaining wall built on the south side of the
levee and would include a road, within the current footprint of the levee Right of Way
(ROW) (see Figure 8). Wildlife openings cannot be placed into floating fence, concrete
retaining walls, or concrete flood protection structures/concrete fence. Additional details
on each fence design and construction sequencing are presented below. Construction of
the proposed tactical infrastructure will begin in Spring 2008 and continue through
December 2008. Because each discrete tactical infrastructure section represents an
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individual project that could proceed independently, multiple sections will be constructed
at a time.
Figure 2. Photograph of a Typical Bollard Fence (representing Fence Types P-1 and P-2)
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Figure 3. Diagram of a Pickett-style Bollard (Fence Type P-1)
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Figure 4. Diagram of Bollard (Fence Type P-2)
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Figure 5. Cross Section of Typical Floating Fence (Fence Type P-3B-15)
Figure 6. Diagram of Bollard-Style Floating Fence (Fence Type P-3B-15)
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Figure 7. Cross – Section of Concrete Retaining Wall (Fence Type M-1)
Figure 8. Illustration of Typical Flood Protection Structure/Concrete Fence
All equipment and materials (e.g., steel bollards, pickets, and prefabricated fence and
wall panels) will be transported to the project site using heavy diesel trucks such as
tractor trailers and dump trucks using the designated construction access roads. The
storing and staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas. Construction access
areas and staging areas will be temporarily used for the duration of construction for each
section. Existing roads will be used for construction access roads but vegetation removal
and disturbance will be required. Staging areas were planned for disturbed areas to the
maximum extent practicable; however, vegetated areas will also be used for staging areas
(see Environmental Baseline and Direct Impacts).
For all fence types, construction will begin with site preparation, which includes
necessary, grading, contouring, and vegetation removal. It is anticipated that grading and
contouring will be minimal for bollard and floating fences. Site preparation will be more
involved for flood protection structures/concrete fence (as described below). Early
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phases of construction will be accomplished using heavier diesel, earthmoving

equipment. Later phases of construction projects involve tasks such as welding, cutting,
and applying surface coatings. These will be accomplished using lighter, gasoline
powered equipment.
It is assumed noise generation will last only for the duration of construction. Noise
attenuates over distance; a gradual decrease in noise level occurs the further a receptor is
away from the source of noise. Typical construction noise levels will decrease as the
distance increases from the source. It is estimated that around 50 feet the noise level will
be approximately 85 dBA, at around 300 feet the noise level will be approximately 70
dBA, and at around 5,280 feet (i.e., 1 mile) the noise level will be approximately 45 dBA
(less than expected ambient noise levels). Additionally, pile driving will be used for
Sections O-1, O-4 through O-10, O-12, O-14, and O-21. However, when pile driving
occurs, noise levels will be 101 dBA at 50 feet and will attenuate to 70 dBA around 1,800
feet. It is assumed that no pile driving will occur at night. Noise will not fill the entire
corridor at one time, but will move along the corridor with construction. An additional
temporary source of noise will be associated with traffic, along temporary construction
access roads. However, existing roads will be used as construction access roads.
Bollard Fence (O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-21)

To construct bollard fences, trenches (approximately 4 inches wide by 6 feet deep) will
be dug and filled with concrete. The steel bollards and pickets will be placed into the
concrete-filled trenches. Bollards will then be filled with additional concrete. For picket-
style bollards (Fence Type P-1), bollards will be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches and
spaced approximately 6 to 8 feet apart. Pickets will be mounted horizontal supports.
Pickets will be spaced approximately 3 inches apart. For bollard fences (Fence Type P-
2), bollards will be spaced approximately 4 inches apart. Bollards and pickets would be
15 to 18 feet high. Wildlife openings (8.5 by 11 inches) will be placed in the fence at
ground level (Figure 9). Bollard fence will require very little site preparation (grading
and contouring).
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Figure 9. Diagram of 8.5-inch by 11-inch Wildlife Openings.
Floating Fence (O-1, O-2, O-3, O-12, O-14, O-17, O-19, O-21)
Prefabricated floating fence (Fence Type P-3B-15) sections will be placed on the levee
using heavy diesel equipment.
Floating fence is removable Prefabricated floating fence sections will be constructed with
15-foot bollards anchored into the concrete barrier. Bollards would be spaced 6 inches
apart. Prefabricated floating sections will require very little site preparation (grading and
contouring). Note that it is assumed that Section O-12 will be floating fence; this fence
type may change depending on the results of the soil stability test.
Concrete Retaining Wall (Fence Type M-1), O-1

The concrete retaining wall will be constructed by driving prefabricated concrete
retaining wall panels (sheet pile) into or against existing embankments. Site preparation
will include cutting, filling, and grading of existing embankment. Heavy diesel
equipment will be used both for site preparation and placement of prefabricated wall
panels.
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Concrete Flood Protection Structure/Concrete Fence (Southern Toe of Levee), O-

4 through O-10
The concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence would range from 15 to 18 feet
high (based on USIBWC requirements to not impact floodwaters in Mexico, in
accordance with international treaty obligations). A guard rail would be constructed on
top of the concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence for the safety of drivers on
the patrol road atop the levee. A patrol road on the river side of and adjacent to the
bottom of the concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence (see Figure 8). Gates
and ramps will be constructed to provide access to land owners, were determined during
site visits. Additionally, intermittent metal fencing will be constructed where necessary.
Construction of additional tactical infrastructure might be required in the future as
mission and operational requirements are continually reassessed.
The concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence would be constructed within the
footprint of USIBWC levee ROW, and the patrol roads and all construction activities
would be contained within the USIBWC ROW. The contractor will be restricted to
excavating a maximum of 500-foot sections for concrete fence construction, in case the
levee has to be restored in the event of a hurricane/flood event. Construction of the
concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence would consist of the following:
1. Removal and stockpiling of levee soils. Levee cut and fill requirements are
estimated to be 978,592 cubic yards. Temporary stockpiling of soils would occur
within the USIBWC ROW or on approved construction staging areas.
2. Installation of temporary sheet piles or concrete forms where the levee soils have
been removed. The step will require pile driving.
3. Placement of preformed concrete panels or pouring of concrete to form the
concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence. The estimated quantity of
concrete required for the concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence is
230,778 cubic yards.
4. Replacement of levee soils behind the concrete flood protection structure/concrete
fence and repair of the 16- to 24-foot wide patrol road on top of the USIBWC
levee.
5. Construction of a USBP patrol road adjacent to and on the river side of the
concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence.
It is estimated that 23 construction crews would work simultaneously on the construction

of the concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence. In addition to the laborers,
these crews would use equipment consisting of dump trucks, excavators, and concrete
pump trucks. If approved, construction of the concrete flood protection
structure/concrete fence would begin approximately in June 2008 and continue through
December 2008.
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Patrol Roads
Patrol roads would be constructed on the north side of the primary pedestrian fence in
Sections O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-16 and O-21 and on the south side in
Sections O-4 through O-10 and O-17 through O-20, within the current footprint of the
levee ROW. Patrol roads will be all weather roads and will be constructed primarily by
grading and contouring by heavy, earthmoving, diesel equipment will primarily be used
for site preparation and construction of the patrol roads. The all weather patrol roads will
be surfaced with caliche or other similar local material, which will be transported to the
project site with heavy diesel equipment such as dump trucks.
Project Footprint, Sections O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-21
The project footprint will directly impact an approximate 60-foot-wide corridor (see
Figure 10). This corridor will include fences and patrol roads. Vegetation will be cleared
and grading will occur where needed. The area that will be permanently impacted by the
construction of tactical infrastructure will total approximately 362 acres. Figure 10
shows a schematic of typical project footprint.
Project Footprint, Sections O-4 through O-10

The project footprint for the concrete flood protection structures/concrete fence will
impact a corridor between 24 and 40-feet-wide on the river side of the levee. This
construction corridor consists of approximately 24 feet of existing levee on the Rio
Grande side of the levee that would be removed. Up to 16 additional feet within the
USIBWC ROW will be temporarily impacted by construction.
The total area that would be permanently impacted by the construction of the concrete
flood protection structure/concrete fence will be approximately 99 acres. Wherever
possible, existing roads and previously disturbed areas would be used for construction
access and staging areas.
Figure 10. [Add Schematic of Typical Project Footprint]
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Operations Activities
There will be no significant change in USBP Rio Grande Valley Sector operations based
on the proposed action. Operational activities (for example, patrols and apprehensions)
will move from existing patrol roads to the new patrol roads that are being built along the
north side of the primary pedestrian fence (Sections O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through
O-21) or the south side of the levees (Sections O-4 through O-10), but no significant
change in the number of patrols is expected. The USBP Rio Grande Valley Sector
operations routinely adapt to evolving operational requirements, and would continue to
do so under the proposed action. The USBP Rio Grande Valley Sector operations would
retain its current flexibility to use the most effective methods to provide a law
enforcement resolution to illegal cross-border activity.
Maintenance Activities
Maintenance of the primary pedestrian fence will include removal of debris and
vegetation removal, and fence and wall repair, when necessary. The fences will be made
from non-reflective steel. No painting will be required. Fence maintenance will include
removing any accumulated debris on the fence after a rain event to avoid potential future
flooding. Soil/sand that builds up against the fence and brush will also be removed as
needed. Vegetation removal could include mowing, removal of small trees and
application of herbicide if needed within the 60-foot project corridor on the north side of
the levee for Sections O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-21 and in the 40-foot project
corridor on the south side of the levee for Sections O-4 through O-10. CBP will
coordinate with USIBWC to adhere to the 1993 Biological Opinion regarding USIBWC
mowing operations and the terms and conditions 2003 Biological Opinion issued to
Immigration and Naturalization Service for Operation Rio Grande. During normal
patrols, Sector personnel will observe the condition of the fence. Any destruction or
breaches of the fence will be repaired, as needed, by a contractor. Fence maintenance
would initially be performed by USBP Sector personnel, but would eventually become a
contractor performed activity. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CBP and
USIBWC would be developed to address each agency’s responsibilities associated with
maintaining the concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence, patrol roads and
access roads.
Best management Practices (BMPs)

The following BMPs will be implemented as a part of these actions to avoid and/or
minimize impacts to federally-listed resources.
The following BMPs will be implemented as a part of these actions to avoid and/or
minimize impacts to federally-listed resources.
General BMPs
1. CBP will develop (in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
[USFWS]) a training plan regarding Trust Resources for CBP and construction
personnel. At a minimum, the program will include the following topics:
Occurrence of the listed and sensitive species in the area, their general ecology,
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sensitivity of the species to human activities, legal protection afforded these

species, penalties for violations of Federal and State laws, reporting requirements,
and project features designed to reduce the impacts to these species and promote
continued successful occupation of the project area environments.
Included in this program will be color photos of the listed species, which will be
shown to the employees. Following the education program, the photos will be
posted in the contractor and resident engineer office, where they will remain
throughout the duration of the project. The CBP and designated biological
monitors will be responsible for ensuring that employees are aware of the listed
species.
1. Project Reports. For construction and maintenance projects (e.g., primary

pedestrian fences, towers, stations, facilities) within 3 months of project
completion that involve land-disturbing activities, a report to USFWS will be
provided after the project is completed detailing the BMPs that were
implemented, identify how well the BMPs worked, ways that BMPs could be
improved for either protection of species and habitats or implementation
efficiency, and report on any federally listed species observed at or near the
project site. If site restoration is included as part of the project information on the
implementation of that restoration and any follow-up monitoring will be included.
CBP will provide a form-based report based on the project National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/Endangered Species Act (ESA) analysis and
documentation requirements for each specific project to ensure that compliance
conditions and requirements were met. This report will be part of the project
management plan and posted to the Information, Planning, and Consultation
(IPAC) system. The IPAC system is an internet based system allowing access to
natural resource information to help CBP design actions in a manner that reduces
potential conflicts with listed species and important habitat areas. Documentation
of completion of any compensation actions will be included in the report. Annual
reports may be required for some longer term projects.
2. Relocation of individuals of federally listed plants found in the project area is

generally not a suitable activity. Relocation of aquatic species is not appropriate.
Relocation of small cacti has not been very successful, and is not recommended.
Survival rates of translocated plants are usually very low; however, translocation
may be considered where there are no other alternatives. For particular actions,
USFWS will assist CBP by determining if relocation of plants will be undertaken.
3. Individual federally listed animals found in the project area will not be harassed
and allowed to leave on their own volition.
4. All construction and maintenance projects in federally listed habitats should have
a designated biological monitor on site during the work. The biological monitor
should be in charge of implementing and documenting construction-related BMPs
as designed for the project to reduce the potential for adverse effects to the species
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or their habitats. Reports from the biological monitor should be used for
development of the post-construction report. The designated biological monitor
needs to have the authority to temporarily suspend activities that are not in
compliance with the BMPs. This authority must be provided to the biological
monitor by the construction manager in the worker orientation training.
5. Where, based on species location maps and/or results of surveys, individuals of a

federally listed species could be present on or near the project site, a qualified
biological monitor (a person having experience with the species involved,
including having appropriate Federal and state permits) will be present during the
activity to protect individuals of the species from harm. Duties of the biological
monitor will include ensuring that activities stay within designated project areas,
evaluating the response of individuals that come near the project site and
implementing the appropriate BMP. As with the construction monitor, the
biological monitor must have the authority to temporarily suspend activities that
may harm or harass an individual of a federally listed species. All personnel will
be familiar with the role of the biological monitor. For some species, there may
only be a seasonal need for the biological monitor to be present.
6. Particular importance is given to proper design and locating roads such that the
potential for roadbed erosion into federally listed species habitat will be avoided
or minimized.
potential for entrapment of surface flows within the roadbed due to grading
should be avoided or minimized. Depth of any pits created will be minimized so
animals do not become trapped.
widening of existing or created roadbed beyond the design parameters due to
improper maintenance and use will be avoided or minimized.
9. Particular importance is given to proper design and locating roads such that
stream crossings should not be located near or at bends or meanders but rather at
straight stream reaches where channel stability is enhanced.
10. Particular importance is given to proper design and locating roads such that
excessive use of unimproved roads that results in their deterioration and affects
the surrounding federally listed species habitat areas will be monitored and
corrective maintenance will be coordinated with USFWS.
minimal number of roads needed for proposed actions will be constructed and
maintained to proper standards. Roads no longer needed will be closed and
restored to natural surface and topography using appropriate techniques. The
GPS coordinates of roads that are thus closed will be recorded and integrated into
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the OBP GIS database. A record of acreage of miles of roads taken out of use,
restored, and revegetated, will be maintained.
12. The width of all roads that are created or maintained by CBP will be measured
and recorded using GPS coordinates and integrated into the OBP GIS database.
Maintenance actions will not increase the width of the roadbed or the amount of
disturbed area beyond the roadbed. Dragging roads will not increase the width of
the roadbed or the amount of disturbed area.
13. The perimeter of all areas to be disturbed during construction or maintenance

activities will be clearly demarcated using flagging or temporary construction
fence, and no disturbance outside that perimeter will be authorized.
14. Materials such as gravel or topsoil will be obtained from existing developed or
previously used sources, not from undisturbed areas adjacent to the project area.
15. All access routes into and out of the project disturbance area will be flagged, and
no travel outside of those boundaries will be authorized.
16. If new access is needed or existing access requires improvement to be usable for
the project, BMPs included under Road Construction and Maintenance will be
incorporated into the access design and implementation and will be coordinated
with USFWS.
17. When available, areas already disturbed by past activities or those that will be
used later in the construction period will be used for staging, parking, and
equipment storage.
18. Within the designated disturbance area, grading or topsoil removal will be limited
to areas where this activity is needed to provide the ground conditions needed for
construction or maintenance activities. Minimizing disturbance to soils will
enhance the ability to restore the disturbed area after the project is complete.
19. Removal of trees and brush in federally listed species habitats will be limited to
the smallest amount needed to meet the objectives of the project. This type of
clearing is likely to be maintained over time, and loss of habitat is likely to be
permanent and needs to be compensated. Other infrastructure options to address
surveillance needs in these areas will be considered and appropriately
implemented to avoid loss of this habitat.
20. Water for construction use shall be from wells or irrigation water sources at the
discretion of the landowner. If local groundwater pumping is an adverse effect to
aquatic, marsh, or riparian dwelling federally listed species, treated water from
outside the immediate area will be utilized.
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21. Surface water from aquatic or marsh habitats will not be used if that site supports
aquatic federally listed species or if it contains non-native invasive species or
disease vectors and there is any opportunity to contaminate a federally listed
species habitat through use of the water at the project site.
22. Wells or irrigation water sources will be used when within one mile of aquatic
habitat for federally listed aquatic species. This is to prevent the transfer of
invasive animals or disease pathogens between habitats if water on the
construction site was to reach the federally listed species habitats.
23. Water tankers that convey untreated surface water will not discard unused water
within two miles of any drainage, aquatic or marsh habitat for federally listed
Species.
24. Storage tanks containing untreated water will be of a size that if a rainfall event
were to occur (assuming open), the tank would not be overtopped and cause a
release of water into the adjacent drainages. Water storage on the project area
will be in on-ground containers located on upland areas not in washes.
25. Pumps, hoses, tanks and other water storage devices will be cleaned and
disinfected with a 10% bleach solution at an appropriate facility (this water is not
to enter any surface water area) before use at another site, if untreated surface
water was used. If a new water source is used that is not from a treated or
groundwater source, the equipment will require additional cleaning. This is
important to kill any residual disease organisms or early life stages of invasive
species that may affect local populations of federally listed species.
26. CBP will develop and implement storm water management plans for every
project.
27. All construction shall follow DHS management directive 5100 for waste
management.
28. A CBP-approved spill protection plan will be developed and implemented at

construction and maintenance sites to ensure that any toxic substances are
properly handled and escape into the environment prevented. Agency standard
protocols will be used. Drip pans underneath equipment, containment zones used
when refueling vehicles or equipment, and other measures are to be included.
29. Nonhazardous waste materials and other discarded materials such as construction
waste will be contained until removed from the construction site. This will assist
in keeping the project area and surroundings free of litter and reduce the amount
of disturbed area needed for waste storage.
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FME002399
30. To eliminate attraction to predators of protected animals, all food related trash
items such as wrappers, cans, bottles, and food scraps, will be disposed of in
closed containers and removed daily from the project site.
31. Waste water (water used for project purposes that is contaminated with
construction materials, was used for cleaning equipment and thus carries oils or
other toxic materials or other contaminants in accordance with state regulations)
is to be stored in closed containers on site until removed for disposal. Concrete
wash water will not be dumped on the ground, but is to be collected and moved
offsite for disposal. This wash water is toxic to aquatic life.
32. Waste management may be of special concern at staging areas, detainee

processing sites, work camps, bivouacs, and camp details. Provision for proper
waste disposal at these sites will be made and implementation of waste
management protocols made the responsibility of the appropriate project officers.
33. Construction speed limits will not exceed 35 mph on major unpaved roads
(graded with ditches on both sides) and 25 mph on all other unpaved roads. Night
time travel speeds will not exceed 25 mph, and may be less based on visibility and
other safety considerations. Construction at night will be minimized. Other
minimization measures will be implemented, which could include biological
monitoring.
34. If construction or maintenance work activities would continue at night, all lights
will be shielded to direct light only onto the work site and the area necessary to
ensure the safety of the workers, the minimum foot candles needed, will be used,
and the number of lights will be minimized.
35. Noise levels for day or night construction and maintenance will be minimized.
All generators will be in baffle boxes (a sound-resistant box that is placed over or
around a generator), have an attached muffler, or use other noise-abatement
methods in accordance with industry standards.
36. Transmission of disease vectors and invasive non-native aquatic species can occur
if vehicles cross infected or infested streams or other waters and water or mud
remains on the vehicle. If these vehicles subsequently cross or enter uninfected or
noninfested waters, the disease or invasive species may be introduced to the new
area. To prevent this, crossing of streams or marsh areas with flowing or standing
water will be avoided, and if not, the vehicle sprayed with a 10% bleach solution.
37. Materials used for on-site erosion control in uninfested native habitats will be free
of non-native plant seeds and other plant parts to limit potential for infestation.
Since natural materials cannot be certified as completely weed-free, if such
materials are used, there will be follow up monitoring to document establishment
of non-native plants and appropriate control measures will be implemented for a
period of time to be determined in the site restoration plan.
21
FME002400
38. Fences and walls will provide for passage of wildlife species. Impermeable
fences and walls will not be constructed in key wildlife movement corridors. The
type of passage needed will vary with the location of the barrier and the species
that occur in that area. Specific designs and locations will be coordinated with
USFWS, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the landowner/manager. Wildlife
impinged entrapped or impinged in the fence will be reported to the USFWS.
39. For purposes of construction, infrastructure sites will only be accessed using
designated roads. Parking will be in designated areas. This will limit the
development of multiple trails to such sites and reduce the effects to federally
listed habitats in the vicinity.
40. Appropriate techniques to recontour the site, replace soils, and restore proper
drainage will be implemented.
41. During follow-up monitoring and during maintenance activities, invasive plants
that appear on the site will be removed. Removal will be done in ways that
eliminate the entire plant and remove all plant parts to a disposal area. Herbicides
(all chemical applications on refuges must be under a Special Use Permit to
ensure accurate reporting) (i.e., PUPS) can be used according to label directions if
they are not toxic to federally listed species that may be in the area and overseen
guidance will be done by a biological monitor. The monitoring period will be
defined in the site restoration plan. Training to identify non-native invasive plants
will be provided for CBP contractor personnel or contractors as necessary.
42. To prevent entrapment of wildlife species during emplacement of vertical

posts/bollards, all vertical fence posts/bollards that are hollow (i.e., those that will
be filled with a reinforcing material such as concrete), shall be covered so as to
prevent wildlife from entrapment. Covers will be deployed from the time the
posts or hollow bollards are erected to the time they are filled with reinforcing
material.
Species Specific BMPs
Ocelot
1. Pre-construction surveys will identify any ocelot habitat in or adjacent to the

project area and the presence of the ocelot at the habitat area will be assumed.
2. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of ocelot

habitat (or such distance that noise, light, or other effects reach the habitat), a
biological monitor with authority to temporarily suspend construction at any time
the appropriate BMPs are not being properly implemented as agreed to will be
present on site.
22
FME002401
3. In planning for roads, fences, and other facilities that would require land clearing,
include avoidance of wetlands, dense thorn scrub and riparian vegetation as a
consideration for facility location.
4. Removal of wetland habitat, dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation will be

avoided or minimized.
5. Removal of dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation within the conservation

easements established by the USIBWC of the Rio Grande will be avoided.
6. Impermeable fences/barriers will not be constructed that bisect or fragment ocelot

dispersal corridors.
7. If freshwater sources are limited, impermeable barriers will not be constructed

that prevent ocelot access to freshwater.
8. Artificial lighting will be avoided or minimized wherever possible, with

alternative use of electronic and infra-red surveillance. Artificial lighting will not
be used at known or planned ocelot corridors or crossings.
9. Where artificial lighting must be used, directed (shielded) lighting will be used
and directed away from ocelot (thorn scrub and riparian) habitat. Lighting
intensity will be minimized and light reaching such habitat will not exceed 1.5
foot candles.
10. Documentation of ocelots in project and activity areas will be reported to

USFWS.
11. Construction and maintenance activities will be conducted during daylight hours
only to avoid noise and lighting issues during the night. If construction or
maintenance work activities would continue at night, all lights will be shielded to
direct light only onto the work site, the minimum wattage needed, will be used,
and the number of lights will be minimized.
Jaguarundi
1. Pre-construction surveys will identify any jaguarundi habitat in or adjacent to the

project area and the presence of the jaguarundi at the habitat area will be assumed.
2. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of jaguarundi

present on site.
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FME002402
3. In planning for roads, fences, and other facilities that would require land clearing,
include avoidance of wetlands, dense thorn scrub and riparian vegetation as a
consideration for facility location.
4. Removal of wetland habitat, dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation will be

avoided or minimized.
5. Removal of dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation within the conservation

easements for the cat corridor established by the USIBWC along the Rio Grande
will be avoided.
6. Impermeable fences/barriers will not be constructed that bisect or fragment

jaguarundi dispersal corridors.
7. If freshwater sources are limited, impermeable barriers will not be constructed

that prevent jaguarundi access to freshwater.
Texas Ayenia
1. Surveys will be conducted on all intact Texas ayenia habitat within the impact
corridor in Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr counties prior to initiation of activities
that may affect individual plants or habitat.
2. Prevent or control guineagrass and other invasive plants from colonizing

uninfested native habitat following CBP disturbance.
3. Minimize permanent impacts to individual populations and habitats.
4. Reduce the duration of impacts to populations and habitats.
5. Where it is necessary to temporarily remove vegetation, cut plants above ground

level rather than clear with bulldozers, root plows or other implements that cut
into the soil.
a. Above ground cutting only in demonstrably high-quality Texas ayenia

habitat.
b. Above ground height not to exceed two inches.
6. Suitable habitat (determined in coordination with USFWS) of Texas ayenia that

has been destroyed will be replaced through acquisition and donation of similar
quantity and quality of habitat to an approved conservation organization.
7. Individual Texas ayenia plants that have been destroyed may be replaced through
propagation and reintroduction of Texas ayenia plants in suitable habitat managed
by an approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for propagation will
be obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not possible, propagation
may be accomplished using seeds of this species that are available through several
24
FME002403
conservation seed banks. Successful propagation methods have been developed

at Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR. Compensation for destroyed individuals of
Texas ayenia shall consist of five or more propagated, reintroduced plants for
each individual destroyed.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction Surveys Conducted Under Emergency Consultation
In order to avoid impacts on ocelot, jaguarondi, and federally-listed plants including (but
not limited to) Walker’s manioc, Texas ayenia, and Zapata bladderpod, and their habitats
and Zapata bladderpod critical habitat, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
requested emergency consultation for pre-project surveys in support of the EIS, to asses
environmental concern. These surveys include the following
 Visual Inspections
 Natural Resource surveys
 Cultural resource surveys
 Ground control and aerial fly-overs
 Geotechnical surveys
 Wetland delineations
 Environmental due diligence assessments
The USFWS concurred with the Request for Emergency Consultation. Based on the
Emergency Consultation, CBP, USACE, and their consultants coordinated their activities
with the USFWS to avoid and minimize impacts to Threatened and Endangered species
to the extent practicable. A biological monitor accompanied all pre-construction surveys.
To date, impacts to federally listed species have not occurred during pr-project survey. If
impacts do occur during these surveys, they will be assessed in a timely manner and
reported to USFWS.
1. Pre-construction surveys will identify any ocelot habitat in or adjacent to the

project area and the presence of the ocelot at the habitat area will be assumed.
2. Pre-construction surveys will identify any jaguarundi habitat in or adjacent to the

project area and the presence of the jaguarundi at the habitat area will be assumed.
3. Surveys will be conducted on all intact Texas ayenia habitat within the impact
corridor in Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr counties prior to initiation of activities
During Construction
1. All construction and maintenance projects in federally listed habitats should have
a designated biological monitor on site during the work. The biological monitor
should be in charge of implementing and documenting construction-related BMPs
as designed for the project to reduce the potential for adverse effects to the species
or their habitats. Reports from the biological monitor should be used for
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FME002404
development of the post-construction report. The designated biological monitor

needs to have the authority to temporarily suspend activities that are not in
compliance with the BMPs. This authority must be provided to the biological
monitor by the construction manager in the worker orientation training.
2. Where, based on species location maps and/or results of surveys, individuals of a

federally listed species could be present on or near the project site, a qualified
biological monitor (a person having experience with the species involved,
including having appropriate Federal and state permits) will be present during the
activity to protect individuals of the species from harm. Duties of the biological
monitor will include ensuring that activities stay within designated project areas,
evaluating the response of individuals that come near the project site and
implementing the appropriate BMP. As with the construction monitor, the
biological monitor must have the authority to temporarily suspend activities that
may harm or harass an individual of a federally listed species. All personnel will
be familiar with the role of the biological monitor. For some species, there may
only be a seasonal need for the biological monitor to be present.
3. If an individual of a federally listed animal species is found in the designated

project area, work will cease in the area of the species until it moves away on its
own.
4. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of ocelot

present on site.
5. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of jaguarundi

present on site.
Post-Construction
1. Site restoration will be monitored (see General BMP, Number 2) as appropriate,
i.e., for staging areas and construction access routes.
2. During follow-up monitoring of any restoration areas, invasive plants that appear
on the site will be removed. Removal will be done in ways that eliminate the
entire plant and remove all plant parts to a disposal area. Herbicides (all chemical
applications on refuges must be under a Special Use Permit to ensure accurate
reporting) (i.e., PUPS) can be used according to label directions if they are not
toxic to federally listed species that may be in the area and overseen guidance will
be done by a biological monitor. The monitoring period will be defined in the site
26
FME002405
restoration plan. Training to identify non-native invasive plants will be provided

for CBP contractor personnel or contractors as necessary.
The following conservation measures have been developed in consultation with CBP to
address the effects of the proposed project. The Service’s assessment of effects assumes
that these measures will be fully implemented.
Conservation Measures
1. For all staging areas, any vegetation removal or disturbance will be compensated
for by acquisition of like land in ratio of 3:1 for shrubland, woodland and forest
habitat types (i.e. for every acre removed or disturbed 3 acres will be acquired),
and 1:1 for grasslands. Open water and wetland habitats will be compensated for
as appropriate for Waters of the United States. Land acquired will be conserved
in perpetuity by an appropriate legal instrument.
2. For all access roads, any vegetation removal or disturbance will be compensated
for by acquisition of like land in ratio of 3:1 for shrubland, woodland and forest
habitat types, and 1:1 for grasslands. Open water and wetland habitats will be
compensated for as appropriate for Waters of the United States. Land acquired
will be conserved in perpetuity by an appropriate legal instrument.
3. For impacts from all other activities not mentioned above including loss of
connectivity and for the footprint of the project in Section O-4 to O-10, 1700
acres of land with habitat value will be acquired south of the proposed concrete
flood protection wall (concrete fence). Land acquired will be conserved in
perpetuity by an appropriate legal instrument.
4. For all activities and for the footprint of the project that abuts or enters National
Wildlife Refuge or Refuge managed property in Section O-1 to O-3 and O-11 to
O-21, like land in the amount of 73 acre/mile of impact area will be acquired.
Land acquired will be conserved in perpetuity by an appropriate legal instrument.
5. For the footprint of the project in Section O-1 to O-3 and O-11 to O-21, any
vegetation removal or disturbance will be compensated for by acquisition of like
land in ratio of 3:1 for shrubland, woodland and forest habitat types, and 1:1 for
grasslands. Open water and wetland habitats will be compensated for as
appropriate for Waters of the United States Land acquired will be conserved in
6. To compensate for the temporary disturbance impacts of lights in Section O-1 to

O-3 and O-11 to O-21, 0.25:1 acre of land will be acquired for the 150-foot
corridor around the footprint of the project for those portions of sections which
are in potential ocelot and jaguarundi habitat (i.e. contain suitable native shrub or
herbaceous cover which could provide a movement corridor; not agricultural
fields or other open, disturbed areas). Land acquired will be conserved in
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FME002406
7. To compensate for the temporary disturbance impacts of noise, 0.025:1 acre of

land will be acquired for the 300-foot zone of disturbance in sections O-2, O-3, O-
11, O-13, and O-15 to O-20; and for the 1800-foot zone of disturbance in those
portions of sections O-1, O-12, O-14, and O-21 that require pile driving. Land
acquired will be conserved in perpetuity by an appropriate legal instrument
8. For reduced or loss of connectivity in Section O-1 to O-3 and O-11 to O-21, in
areas with wildlife friendly fence openings 21.6 acre of land /mile of fence will be
acquired and in areas where floating fence is used, 43.2 acre of land/mile will be
acquired. Land acquired will be conserved in perpetuity by an appropriate legal
instrument
9. Permanent freshwater sources north of the proposed fence (for example, a water
tank powered by a windmill) will be provided in Section O-1, O-2, O-8, O-11,
and O-21 upon coordination with the natural resource agencies.
10. Surveys were not conducted south of the levee in Section O-4 through O-10 and
surveys were not conducted during peak season for detecting presence of
federally-listed plants for the other sections. If federally-listed plants are found
during construction monitoring, CBP will coordinate with USFWS to implement
BMPs and initiate compensation measures.
Description of the key species and their habitats

This section contains a brief summary of information regarding some of the key species
and habitats addressed in this document. Many species are not included here as with the
implementation of the agreed upon BMPs and conservation measures they are not
anticipated to be adversely affected. For more complete information and supporting
citations regarding species’ descriptions, distribution and abundance, habitat needs, life
history, and population ecology, please contact the local USFWS office.
Ocelot
Fragmentation of habitat and habitat loss due to brush clearing are primary reasons for
ocelot decline. Ocelots rely upon thick vegetation along the Lower Rio Grande and the
south Texas Tamaulipan brush community for foraging, resting, and establishing dens.
They require corridors, such as rivers, shorelines, and natural drainages to travel between
optimal habitat areas. Destruction and fragmentation of optimal habitat and travel
corridors increases threats to the ocelot, such as urban expansion and development, new
roads and expansion, loss of agricultural lands to development, mortality from vehicles
incidental trapping, and competition from feral dogs and cats. In Mexico, particularly in
the northeast, ocelots suffer from habitat loss due to charcoal production, agriculture and
livestock ranching. Human population increases and associated urban expansion in lower
Rio Grande Valley have resulted in brush clearing and increased pollution (USFWS
1986). Industrialization has degraded water quality (USFWS 1986). Brushland habitats
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FME002407
have also been converted to rangeland with herbicides (Bontrager et al. 1979), root
plowing and fire (Hanselka 1980).
Pesticides can be incorporated into the food chain and are potentially harmful or fatal to
terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Agriculture pesticides are used year-round in LRGV,
and drift and overspray from aerial applications occur periodically on NWR lands. In the
LRGV, runoff from cultivated fields may concentrate pesticides and herbicides in
permanent bodies of water. The types of pesticide chemical compounds and application
rates have been extensive and heavy throughout the LRGV. As a result, pesticide
accumulation in the biota remains a major concern in management of Tamaulipan
brushland. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury
have been detected in ocelot blood and hair samples at low concentrations but are not
believed to be a problem at this time (Mora et al. 2000).
Although habitat loss in south Texas is mainly attributable to agricultural and urban
expansion, other contributing factors include human modifications of the Rio Grande
with dams and reservoirs for flood control and hydroelectric power; floodway systems
that remove water from the stream channel during peak flows; water diversions for
irrigation, municipal, and industrial usage; and channel restriction and canalization
(Coastal Impact Monitoring Program, 1995).
As a result of increasing economic integration between the U.S. and Mexico, there is
increasing pressure for highways and bridge infrastructure and recently increasing
national security concerns increase pressure for fences and lighting in the Texas/Mexico
border region. There are nine existing and three proposed international bridges
(Anzalduas, Donna, Brownsville Navigation District) along the Rio Grande between
Falcon International Reservoir and the Gulf of Mexico. Local population growth and
rapid industrialization on the Mexican side of the border has raised Service concern
regarding the placement of road and bridge infrastructure in the Lower Rio Grande
Valley. Increased construction of these bridges may impact certain parcels of the Lower
Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge (LRGV NWR), the Rio Grande floodplain,
and the remaining riparian wildlife habitat and disrupt the continuity of the “wildlife
corridor.”
Importing and exporting skins of many spotted cats became illegal in the U.S. between
1967 and 1973 and the ocelot was added to Appendix I of the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora during 1989.
Recommendations were made by Tewes and Everett (1986) for selective methods of
predator control and the education of hunters to avoid accidental shooting of ocelots. In
1997 the Service entered into a section 7 consultation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Animal Damage Control for the use of leg-hold traps, snares, and M-44s
explosive predator baits in south Texas and provided provisions for the protection of
ocelots during their practices.
Data is limited regarding disease in the ocelot but several diseases and parasites have
been documented. Some include Notoedric mange (Notoedres cati) (Pence et al. 1995),
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FME002408
Hepatozoon in the blood, Cytauxzoon in their red blood cells, fleas (Pulex sp.), dog ticks
(Dermacentor variabilis) and Amblyomma ticks (Mercer et al. 1988). The tapeworm
(Taenia taeniaeformis) (USFWS 1990) and helminthes (Pence et al. 2003) were also
reported in ocelots.
Ocelot mortality has also been attributed to aggression and predation by other animals.
Ocelots can be prey of domestic dogs, coyotes, snakes, alligators and bobcats (USFWS,
1990).
Vehicular collisions are the greatest known cause of ocelot mortality in south Texas
accounting for 45% of deaths of 80 radio-tagged ocelots monitored by Haines et al.
(2005b) between 1983 and 2002. Underpasses and culverts have been or are to be
installed for ocelots in critical areas to be used as travel corridors. The construction or
modification of two roads that underwent formal section 7 consultation, State Highway
48 and Farm-to-Market Road 106 made provisions for the careful placement, design and
maintenance of such culverts. It is anticipated these culverts and underpasses will allow
ocelots to disperse between patches of suitable habitat and reduce genetic isolation of the
populations.
Gulf Coast Jaguarundi

The jaguarundi historically occurred in southeast Arizona, south Texas, Mexico and
Central and South America as far south as northern Argentina. Today this cat has a
similar distribution, but in reduced numbers, although it probably no longer occurs in
Arizona (Tewes and Schmidly 1987). It may also be extinct in Uruguay. They are
reported to occur at Masaya National Park in Nicaragua, Soberania National Park in
Panama and El Imposible National Park in El Salvador (Nowell and Jackson 1996). The
presence of jaguarundi in Florida is likely the result of human introduction (Nowak and
Paradiso 1983).
In Texas, jaguarundi has been known to occur in Cameron and Willacy counties. Tewes
and Everett (1986) could make no estimate of the jaguarundi population in south Texas,
although its population is presumably smaller than that of the ocelot, because confirmed
sightings are rare. Goodwyn (1970) reported from interviews he conducted in 1969 that
jaguarundi were thought to occur in seven specific areas: Santa Ana National Wildlife
Refuge; LANWR “Paso Real” an area along the lower Arroyo Colorado on the border
between Cameron and Willacy Counties; the southern part of the El Sauz Ranch in
northeast Willacy County; a small area west of Olmito in southern Cameron County; an
area east of Villa Nueva; and an area near the Port Isabel airport in Cameron County.
Loss of habitat is one of the main threats to the jaguarundi. Historically, dense mixed
brush occurred along dry washes, arroyos, resacas, and the flood plains of the Rio
Grande. A majority of shrub land has been converted to agriculture and urban
development. Unfortunately for the jaguarundi the best soil types used for agricultural
crops also grow the thickest brush and thus produce the best habitat for the jaguarundi.
Less than 5 percent of the original vegetation remains in the Rio Grande Valley.
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FME002409
RGV Program Environmental Baseline

The following description of the Environmental Baseline for the RGV Program is
excerpted from the Biological Survey Report (BSR) for the Proposed Construction,
Operation, and Maintenance of Tactical Infrastructure, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Texas
(e2M 2008). The BSR synthesizes information collected from a variety of literature
sources and field surveys to describe the biological resources within a survey corridor
that encompassed two alternative routes of the proposed action described in the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Construction, Operation, and
Maintenance of the Proposed Tactical Infrastructure, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Rio
Grande Valley Sector, Texas. However, this Environmental Baseline focuses on the
proposed action which as described in the Section 2.5 of the EIS as the preferred, least
damaging practicable alternative. Information provided in the BSR was gathered from
publicly available literature, data provided by relevant land management agencies, review
of aerial photography and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, data from
the State of Texas, data from NatureServe, and corridor field surveys conducted in
October and December 2007 (e2M 2008).
The project area climate is semiarid-subtropical/subhumid within the Modified Marine

climatic type, e.g., summers are long and hot and winters are short, dry, and mild (Larkin
and Bomar 1983, Bailey 1995). The marine climate results from the predominant onshore
flow of tropical maritime air from the Gulf of Mexico. Onshore air flow is modified by a
decrease in moisture content from east to west and by intermittent seasonal intrusions of
continental air.
Average temperatures in Brownsville/McAllen range from a low of 50 degrees

Fahrenheit (°F) to 48°F in January to a low of 76°F to 75°F in July, and a high of 64°F to
69°F in December to a high of 97°F to 96°F in August. Annual low and high
temperatures for Brownsville range from 12°F to 63°F and 93°F to 107°F, respectively.
The average annual precipitation of the Rio Grande Delta recorded in Brownsville ranges
from 22 to 30 inches (Brownsville recorded 21.68 inches and McAllen 22.6 inches for
2006), and the distribution of rainfall is irregular. Wind speeds are stable ranging from
10.4 miles per hour (mph) to 17.3 mph during the year. A long growing season is
experienced for the proposed project region, from 314 to 341 days. The evaporation rate
during the summer season is high, about twice the amount of precipitation.
The vegetation of the Rio Grande Delta of southern Texas has generally been classified
under the Dry Domain, Tropical/Subtropical Steppe Division of Bailey (1995). The
project area is more finely classified as the Southwestern Plateau and Plains Dry Steppe
and Shrub Province. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) (TPWD 2007)
provides discussion and describes vegetation geography to biotic provinces and natural
regions using topographic features, climate, vegetation types, and terrestrial vertebrates.
This system places the project area in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province, South Texas
Brush Country (Rio Grande Basin) Natural Region, and the Level III Ecoregions of the
Southern Texas Plains and Western Gulf Coastal Plain.
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FME002410
Occurring within the lower Rio Grande Valley (technically a delta) of southern Texas and
northern Mexico, Tamaulipan Brushland represents a unique ecosystem (USFWS 1988).
The characteristic natural vegetation is dense and thorny, and plant species distribution
can be correlated with geologic formations. The Rio Grande floodplain supports tall,
dense riparian forest, woodland, shrubland, and herbaceous vegetation while the xeric
upland areas support mostly spiny shrubs, short-stature trees, and dense nonnative
grasslands. Between the 1920s and 1980s more than 95% of the native brushland
(includes woodlands and forests) and 90% of the riparian vegetation had been converted
to agriculture and urban land use (USFWS 1988). In 1988, it was estimated that 98% of
the lush, subtropical region of the Rio Grande Delta had been cleared of native vegetation
in the United States and a large, but unknown percentage cleared in Mexico.
The USFWS (1988) recognizes 11 biotic communities in the LRGV using a combination
of plant species dominance, wildlife use, topography, hydrology, and geology. There are
eight biotic communities that could be associated with the project region: (1) Chihuahuan
Thorn Forest, (2) Upper Valley Flood Forest, (3) Barretal, (4) Upland Thornscrub, (5)
Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland, (6) Sabal Palm Forest, (7) Mid-Delta Thorn Forest, and
(8) Ramadero. Chihuahuan Thorn Forest could occur near the western terminus of
proposed Section O-1. These biotic communities are described in the BSR.
Proposed Sections O-1 and O-2 lie within the Upper Valley Flood Forest biotic
community and adjacent to the Barretal. Proposed Sections O-3 and O-4 occur within the
Upper Valley Flood Forest and Upland Thornscrub biotic communities. Proposed
Sections O-4 through O-20 are primarily within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland
biotic community, with some vegetative influence from the Mid-Delta Thorn Forest,
which occurs to the north. The Sabal Palm Forest biotic community occurs within
proposed Section O-21. Ramaderos occur where ridges and slopes are in proximity to the
Rio Grande, mostly along proposed Section O-1.
NatureServe (2007) has defined ecological systems to represent recurring groups of

biological communities that are found in similar physical environments and are
influenced by similar dynamic ecological processes such as fire or flooding. Ecological
systems represent classification units that are readily identifiable by conservation and
resource managers in the field. The ensuing vegetation description for the project area
was prepared in the framework of ecological systems that include (1) Tamaulipan
Calcareous Thornscrub (CES301.986), (2) Tamaulipan Mesquite Upland Scrub
(CES301.984); (3) Tamaulipan Mixed Deciduous Thornscrub (CES301.983), (4)
Tamaulipan Savanna Grassland (CES301.985), (5) Tamaulipan Arroyo Shrubland
(CES301.992), (6) Tamaulipan Floodplain (CES301.990), (7) Tamaulipan Palm Grove
Riparian Forest (CES 301.991), and (8) North American Arid West Emergent Marsh
(CES300.729). Table 2 provides a crosswalk between the biotic communities described
by the USFWS (1988) and the ecological systems of NatureServe (2008).
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FME002411
TABLE 2. CROSSWALK RELATIONSHIP OF USFWS BIOTIC COMMUNITIES WITH

NVCS ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND VEGETATION ALLIANCES
Ecological System (NatureServe 2008) Biotic Community (USFWS 1988)

- Vegetation Alliance
Tamaulipan Calcareous Thornscrub

- Cenizo – Blackbrush Shrubland
Barretal, Upland Thornscrub
- Bristleleaf Dogweed – Woody
Tiquilia Dwarf-shrubalnd
Tamaulipan Mesquite Upland Scrub
Chihuahuan Thorn Forest, Upper Valley
- Granjeno Woodland and Shrubland
Flood Forest, Mid-Delta Thorn Forest
- Honey Mesquite Woodland
Tamaulipan Mixed Deciduous Thornscrub
Chihuahuan Thorn Forest, Upland
- Huisache Woodland
Thornscrub
- Honey Mesquite Shrubland
Tamaulipan Savanna Grassland
Upper Valley Flood Forest, Mid-Valley
- Retama Shrubland
Riparian Woodland
- Tepeguahe Woodland
Tamaulipan Arroyo Shrubland Ramadero
Tamaulipan Floodplain
- Texas Ebony Riparian Forest and
Woodland
- Sugarberry Riparian Forest and
Woodland
- Mexican Ash Woodland
Upper Valley Flood Forest, Mid-Valley
- Honey Mesquite Riparian Forest
Riparian Woodland
- Mule’s Fat Shrubland
- Black Willow Woodland and
Shrubland
- Giant Reed Herbaceous Vegetation
- Common Reed Herbaceous
Vegetation
Tamaulipan Palm Grove Riparian Forest
Sabal Palm Forest
- Sabal Palm Forest and Woodland
North American Arid West Emergent
Marsh
- Alkali Sacaton Herbaceous
Vegetation Included among several Biotic
- Narrowleaf Cattail Herbaceous Communities
Vegetation
- Smartweed Herbaceous Vegetation
- Duckweed Herbaceous Vegetation
33
FME002412
Habitats observed, sampled, and photographed within the project corridor during the
October and December 2007 surveys range from upland thorn-scrub on the western end
of Section O-1, upper and mid-valley riparian forest and woodland communities
throughout the proposed middle sections, and sabal palm and mid-delta thorn forests
within Section O-21. Much of the vegetation cover along the sections consists of
nonnative grassland species that are themselves dominant or they often support an
overstory of honey mesquite, retama, tepeguaje, mule’s fat or jara, or huisache shrubs or
small trees; vegetation cover occupies approximately 63% of the corridor. Agricultural
fields occur along much of the corridor as proposed and include sugarcane, sorghum,
Johnsongrass, sunflowers, cotton, row crop vegetables (particularly onions, beans,
tomatoes, broccoli, corn, etc.), citrus trees (grapefruit and orange), or fields that were
fallow at the time of the site visit; fields occupy approximately 21% of the corridor.
Urban development and private property with single homes occurs adjacent to several
proposed sections; along with roads, these land uses occupy approximately 15% of the
corridor.
A complete list of the vegetation alliances and other land uses within the 150-foot survey
corridor north of Sections O-1 through O-21 is presented in Appendix B, Table 1. A
complete list of the vegetation alliances and other land uses within a 150-foot corridor
south of the Section O-4 through O-10, based on field surveys and aerial photo
interpretation is presented in Appendix B, Table 2. Detailed descriptions of each
vegetation alliance are provided in the BSR.
A total of 301 plant taxa were identified during late summer and fall surveys, with four
species occurring in all proposed fence sections. The most diverse of the proposed fence
sections was O-1 where 189 plant species were recorded in upland, riparian, and wetlands
habitats. A complete list of all taxa identified is provided in Table 5-2 of the BSR, which
is Appendix I of the RGV EIS.
The proposed project corridor is in the Rio Grande Drainage Basin, which composes an
area of approximately 355,500 square miles. Much of the Rio Grande drainage basin is
composed of rural, undeveloped land used primarily for farming and ranching. Water
development projects in the Rio Grande Valley have disrupted natural flow regimes,
including structures such as Anzalduas Dam, Falcon Dam, and Amistad Dam.
Substantial quantities of surface water are diverted from the Rio Grande to meet
municipal, industrial, and agricultural demands in Texas and Mexico, with a significant
portion used in the Rio Grande Valley for farming and urban applications. Most of the
water diverted in the Rio Grande Valley is not returned to the river as irrigation tailwater
or treated wastewater effluent because the land naturally slopes away from the river
channel. The return flows are usually discharged into constructed drainage
ditches/channels and floodways that drains into the Arroyo Colorado and eventually flow
into the Laguna Madre estuary, and ultimately into the Gulf of Mexico (Moore et al.
2002).
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FME002413
In addition to the Rio Grande, surface water features that could be potentially classified
as waters of the United States in the proposed project corridor include arroyos, resacas,
lakes, ponds, drainage canals, channelized streams, and wetlands including those formed
from irrigation wastewater flows or groundwater seepage. Arroyos are deep, narrow
intermittently flooded drainages that flow down bluff faces into the Rio Grande. Resacas
are oxbow lakes that have formed in historic floodplain channels of the Rio Grande.
Dams and levees for flood control and water storage along the Rio Grande have severed
the natural surface water connection between the river and most of the resacas, although
groundwater flows are thought to be intact. Resacas are typically filled by pumping
water from the Rio Grande, rainfall, or input of irrigation return flows.
The project corridor is located in the Rio Grande Plain, also known as the south Texas
brush country. The Rio Grande Plain encompasses about 20.5 million acres in an area
extending from Del Rio to San Antonio, and southeast to Rockport. Eleven unique plant
and animal communities occur in the four southernmost counties of Texas, and eight of
the communities occur within the project corridor (USFWS 1988). These eight
communities have been crosswalked to the National Vegetation Classification System at
the ecological system level (NatureServe 2008) (see Table 2) where eight ecological
systems have been described by vegetation alliances and plant associations observed
during the October and December 2007 survey. Collectively labeled the Tamaulipan
Brushland by Texas biogeographers, much of the landscape has been cleared, farmed,
developed, grazed by livestock, and/or planted to nonnative pastures and agricultural
crops.
Wildlife flourishes in a wide array of species and large numbers of individuals due to the
extant habitat diversity resulting in part from a warm climate, moderate amounts of
precipitation, and the Rio Grande flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The economics of Rio
Grande Valley wildlife and habitat diversity are important to the international border
region as approximately 200,000 tourists annually spend approximately $150 million.
Because approximately 95% of the vegetation in the LRGV has been cleared or altered,
NWRs, state parks and wildlife areas, properties purchased for conservation by nonprofit
organizations, and some private holdings, are important links in the efforts to protect the
tremendous biodiversity and related economics of the region. To preserve and manage
remnants of these communities and attempt restoration of adjacent disturbed lands, the
USFWS has established the LRGV NWR, which consists of numerous parcels that are
made up of from 2,000 to 20,000 acres per parcel.
Most of the 70 miles of the proposed project corridor has been heavily disturbed by
agriculture and grazing; however, some high-quality habitat was identified during the
October and December 2007 surveys. Unique habitat includes wetlands, riparian areas,
arroyos, the LRGV NWR, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Wildlife
Management Areas (WMAs), National Audubon Society’s Texas Sabal Palm Sanctuary,
and Nature Conservancy lands.
There are presently three National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Rio Grande Valley:
the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and LRGV NWR, which form a
complex rather than two separate entities; and LANWR, which is outside the project area.
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FME002414
Santa Ana NWR contains one of the largest remaining tracts of subtropical riparian forest
and native brushland in south Texas and provides habitat for more endangered and
threatened species than any other U.S. NWR (USFWS 1988).
The LRGV NWR, established February 2, 1979, is a component of a multipartner effort

attempting to connect and protect blocks of rare and unique habitat, known locally as a
Wildlife Corridor. The Wildlife Corridor partnership includes the USFWS, the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), National Audubon Society, the Nature
Conservancy, and private owners. Found within the lower four counties of Texas, the
refuge currently contains more than 90,000 acres and is considered a top priority
acquisition area by the USFWS. The refuge provides breeding and foraging habitat for
numerous coastal wetland, inland wetland, and upland migratory bird species, and
numerous other amphibians, reptiles, and mammal species (USFWS 2007b).
There are several tracts of land owned by TPWD and private conservation organizations
throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The TPWD administers the Wildlife Management
Areas (WMAs) in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr counties. Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park
is southwest of McAllen adjacent to the Rio Grande. The National Audubon Society’s
Texas Sabal Palm Sanctuary is south of Brownsville along the Rio Grande (USFWS
1988).
The fauna representative of the Rio Grande Valley region is characterized as semi-
tropical, with some tropical species at the northern limit of their ranges and, additionally,
some Chihuahuan desert species. This region was once open grassland with a scattering
of shrubs, low trees, and wooded floodplains along rivers. Overgrazing, the suppression
of prairie fires, and other changes in land use patterns have transformed most of the
grasslands into a thorn forest, covered with subtropical shrubs and trees (CBP 2003).
Ninety-one species of vertebrates were recorded during the October and December 2007
surveys, including 2 species of fish, 7 amphibians, 6 reptiles, 63 birds, and 13 mammals.
Section O-1, as with vegetation, was the most species-rich with 26 wildlife species
recorded.
Past collections of fish from the Rio Grande suggest two indigenous faunal assemblages,
upstream and downstream. A total of 104 species of fish have been recorded from the
Rio Grande (Falcon Reservoir to Boca Chica). The upstream fauna is dominated by
minnows and sunfishes, while the downstream fauna includes dominant estuarine and
marine species of herrings, drums, and jacks (USACE 1994).
Two fish species, Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) and mosquito fish (Gambusia
affinis), were observed in irrigation ditches during the October and December 2007
surveys.
A variety of different entities manage lands or structures or implement activities within

the vicinity of the project area. Segments of the Lower Rio Grande Floodway with the
associated USIBWC ROW are within the project area. The South Texas Refuge
Complex, made up of Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa and the Lower Rio Grande Valley
36
FME002415
NWR are located within the vicinity. State Wildlife Management Areas, Texas Nature
Conservancy lands, and World Birding Centers are located within the project area. Nine
POEs operated by the USBP are within the project are (Pharr, Los Indios, Progresso, Los
Tomatoes, B&M bridge, Gateway bridge, Rio Grande City , Roma and Reynosa). Flood
control or water retainment structures are within the vicinity area. Several federal actions
have occurred or are occurring in the vicinity of the proposed project. Several other
federal actions have been proposed.
Three federal actions resulted in the issuance of Biological Opinions (BO) by the FWS.
First, a BO was issued for “Operation Rio Grande” in 2003. This action included
installation of permanent lighting, use of portable lights, improvements to existing roads,
installation of fencing, boat ramps and remote video surveillance (RVS) as well as,
mowing of vegetation for what was then known as the McAllen Sector Border Stations
(renamed Rio Grande Valley Sector). These project components were proposed and
implemented to assist USBP in reducing influx of illegal immigration and drugs into the
sector, increase arrests of those not deterred, increase safety of operations by USBP
agents, and decrease the risk from drowning as people attempt to cross the river and/or
irrigation canals. Six stations encompass the project area including Rio Grande City,
McAllen, Mercedes, Harlingen, Brownsville, and Port Isabel. For the duration of the
project, the amount of take was limited one ocelot or one jaguarundi due to direct injury
or mortality associated with USBP motor vehicle collision and /or mowing activities or
other actions analyzed in the BO. To date, take has not been reported.
Second, The USIBWC implemented a vegetation mowing program along a 34-mile reach
of the Rio Grande between River Miles 28 and 62. The mowing occurs along the levee,
river channel, and interior floodway system. The purpose of the program is to maintain
flood levels, ensure river channel and integrity of the levee. The vegetation is mowed
once a year between July and October using tractors equipped with rotary mowers. As
part of that BO a MOU between the Service and the USIBWC agreed to provide a 33-
foot wide vegetated corridor was to be adjacent to the Rio Grande or the 75-foot mowed
areas and could contain segments of less-than-mature/climax vegetation not less than 3
feet in height (e.g. native grasses, sunflower, some cactus species), only if these segments
were not so long as to prevent the cats from utilizing the mature/climax vegetation
corridor or the larger dense brush habitat. For the duration of the project, the amount of
take was limited one ocelot or one jaguarundi. To date, take has not been reported
Third, the Brownsville Weir has proposed to construct a weir across the Rio Grande and
operate an in-channel reservoir to meet future municipal and industrial water needs in
PUB’s service area and other water purveyors located in southern and southeastern
Cameron County and has applied for a Section 404 permit from USCOE. The waters
from the Lower Rio Grande will be impounded during times of excess flows and diverted
by PUB for municipal and industrial needs. The weir project includes construction of a
gated weir across the channel of the Lower Rio Grande at river mile 48.7 approximately
eight river miles downstream of the Gateway Bridge in Brownsville, Texas and 4 miles
southeast of Brownsville. The in-channel reservoir would extend for 42 river miles along
the Rio Grande from RM 48.7 to RM 90, with an average width of 110 feet and a
37
FME002416
maximum water elevation of 26 feet above mean sea-level. The total surface area would
be 600 surface acres, inundating approximately 130 acres of the US and Mexico at least
50% of the time. Approximately 6 acres of US land (4 acres of river habitat and 2 acres
of uplands) will be permanently modified by the Weir and associated structures. In order
to minimize for these impacts PUB proposed to dedicate 280 acres of brush habitat that is
suitable for inclusion in the cat corridor being established by the Service, to establish a
travel corridor between Laguna Atascosa NWR and Bahia Grande areas, to revegetate 24
acres of habitat that would be temporarily impacted by construction activities, and to
mitigate for impacts to wetlands. For the duration of the project, the amount of take was
limited one ocelot or one jaguarundi. To date, construction of the project has not been
initiated.
The South Texas Refuges Complex is situated in southernmost Texas, and is made up of
three NWRs, Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa, and Lower Rio Grande valley NWR. The
Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR is a vital part of the wildlife corridor system in South
Texas and in the project area. The NWR was established in 1979 and today has more
than 100 individual units stretched along 275 miles of the Rio Grande and its delta. With
an eventual goal of 132,500 acres the Service has committed approximately $80 million
dollars over the last 25 years for acquisition and easement protection of 90,441 acres of
land that now comprise LRGV NWR. The Service is acquiring and enhancing native
Tamaulipan brushland along the LRGV NWR to promote movements of these
endangered cats between known and suspected areas of occupation. Consequently, much
of the land purchased by the Service ha been and continues to be, actively cultivated. To
address this, the NWR has developed an extensive cooperative farming and revegetation
program and is replanting between 750 and 1000 acres of farmland a year to native brush.
Since 1993 over 8000 acres have been revegetated, but this is not enough to keep up with
wildlife habitat needs. In 2000, the LRGV NWR managed 30,000 acres of land in need
of revegetation. If the Service is going to successfully address restoration needs in south
Texas over the next 20 years it must increase the acreage of revegetation effort on a per
annum basis.
The resource protection and management strategy for LRGV NWR consists of five
integrated approaches to address complex resource needs. They include: concentration of
biotic community needs, maintenance of a wildlife habitat corridor, safeguarding of
anchor units of large size, protection of strategically placed management units of smaller
size, and the incorporation of about 20 habitat islands into the protection plan. The
LRGV NWR is protecting and connecting blocks of rare habitat that will undoubtedly
serve as a model for future habitat conservation networks. Individual tracts of the LRGV
NWR serve as both core habitat blocks and corridor links. Directly to the south are
ecologically valuable areas such as the Laguna Madre of Tamaulipas, Mexico, and the
Sierra Picachos (in Nuevo Leon, Mexico) that are receiving focused conservation
attention from the Mexican Government and a number of interested Mexican and U.S.
conservation organizations. The Service’s Lower Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Binational
Ecosystem Group has been working with Mexico to establish a wildlife corridor along
the river within the project area and in Tamaulipas to connect these important
38
FME002417
ecologically valuable areas. To the north lies the Laguna Atascosa NWR and the great
Texas ranch country with their huge blocks of intact habitat.
Many of the past and present activities in the area have had the net result of brush
clearing. Collins (1984) remarked that brush clearing was a threat to endangered cats and
that the institution of protective measures for brush areas was an immediate concern. The
brush area served to support a variety of wildlife and as travel corridors for ocelots and
jaguarundi. The Service recognizes Tamaulipan brushland as a unique ecosystem that is
found only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of south Texas in the United States
and northeastern Mexico. Since the 1920’s more than 95% of the original native
brushland in LRGV has been converted to agriculture or urban use (USFWS, 1980 and
Parvin, 1988a, b as cited by Jahrsdorfer and Leslie 1988) and 90% of the riparian
vegetation had been converted to agriculture and urban land use (USFWS 1988). It is
estimated that 98% of the lush, subtropical region of the delta has been cleared in the
United States (USFWS, 1980 as cited by Jahrsdorfer and Leslie 1988), and a large
percentage of similar habitat has been cleared in Mexico (Collins 1984).
Clover (1937 as cited by Jahrsdorfer and Leslie 1988) noted that the brushlands of the
LRGV in Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo and Starr counties are more luxuriant than the
brushlands farther south, and they are characterized by the predominance of several
species of plants that decrease in abundance northward. Vegetation of the LRGV is
unique because plants with western desert, northern, coastal, and tropical affinities are
found in a relatively small area.
Presently, two general types of brush habitats exist in LRGV, riparian and scrub forests,
and upland thornscrub and thorn woodland. Riparian and scrub forests associated with
the Rio Grande consist of several intergrading habitat types that produce taller vegetation
than surrounding areas. This vegetation is important to wildlife as corridors throughout
LRGV as are “ resacas” which are former streambeds now subject to repeated drying and
inundation and often forming a long quiet pond or oxbow (USFWS 19984 and
Crosswhite 1980 as cited by Jahrsdorfer and Leslie 1988). Upland areas are dissected by
“arroyos” or riparian strips of dense brush known as “ramaderos”. Ramaderos provide
important nesting and feeding habitat for various wildlife species as well as access routes
to riparian brush along the Rio Grande (Collins 1984). Tamulipan brushland provides
important feeding, nesting and cover habitats for many species including the endangered
ocelot and jaguarundi.
A wildlife corridor is a linear habitat, embedded in a dissimilar matrix that is proposed

for conservation on the grounds that it will enhance or maintain the viability of specific
wildlife populations in the habitat blocks (Beier and Noss 1998). The original landscape
in many reserve areas, as in LRGV, was once a series of interconnected natural habitat.
Thus, corridors are an attempt to maintain or restore natural landscape connectivity.
Increased connectivity along with increased effective habitat area, counteract habitat
fragmentation (Noss 1987).
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FME002418
Corridors facilitate gene flow and dispersal of individual animals (Soule and Simberloff
1986). Life histories of wide-ranging animals suggest that maintenance or restoration of
landscape connectivity is a good management strategy (Noss 1987). Corridors alleviate
threats from breeding depression, and a network of refuges connected by corridors may
allow persistence of species that need more resources than are found in on refuge. A
corridor (e.g. riparian forests along the Rio Grande) is an important habitat in its own
right (Simberloff and Cox 1987 as cited by Beire and Noss 1998). The ideal corridor
width along the Rio Grande would be wide enough for target species to access sufficient
food, water, and cover. In this way, genetic exchange could occur along the corridor, and
populations could be maintained even though density at any particular place in the
corridor might be low.
Effects of the action
This BA focuses on the effects on star cactus, Johnston’s frankenia, Zapata bladderpod,
Walker’s manioc, Texas ayenia, Texas ambrosia, ocelot, and jaguarundi because these
are the only species that may be affected by the proposed action.
Direct Effects
Primary Pedestrian Fence
Approximately 1,175 acres of vegetation will be directly impacted from the installation
of the primary pedestrian fence in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. This includes direct
effects on vegetation resulting from disturbance in construction access roads and staging
areas. The proposed primary pedestrian fence will cut across or abut portions of Los
Negros Creek (Section O-1), Rio San Jaun, Los Velas and Los Velas West tracts (Section
O-2), Los Ebanos (Section O-3), Penitas , Abrams West and Abrams (Section O-4), Pate
Bend and Hidlago Bend (Sectio O-6), Monterrey Banco (Section O-7), a WMA and La
Coma (Section O-8), Llano Grande Banco (Section O-9), Las Palomas WMA (Section O-
11), Culebron Banco tract (Section O-13), Vaqueteria Banco (Section O-15), Palo Banco
and Phillips Banco (Section O-18) Jernimo Banco (Section O-20) and Bosque del la
Palma and Southmost ranch (Section O-21) but will avoid Arroyo Ramirez tract (Section
O-1), and the Tahuachal Banco tract (Section O-16) of the LRGV NWR.
Complete lists of the vegetation alliances and other land uses within each component of
the project footprint are presented in Appendix B. Appendix B, Table 3 presents the
vegetation alliances within the 60-foot impact corridor north of Sections O-1 through O-3
and O-11 through O-21. Appendix B, Table 4 presents the vegetation alliances within the
40-foot impact corridor south of Sections O-4 through O-10. Appendix B, Table 5
presents the vegetation alliance impacted within the staging areas. Appendix B, Table 6
presents the vegetation alliances impacted in the construction access roads. A summary
of the direct impacts on grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, open waters, and other land
uses is presented in Table 3. A summary of impacts on wetlands in the proposed project
footprint is presented in Table C. The proposed action will impact approximately 2.77
acres of delineated wetlands and other waters of the U.S.
40
FME002419
Table 3. Summary Impacts in the Project Footprint

Vegetation Impacts
Open Water Other
Project Component Grassland Shrubland Woodland Riparian Total
(acres) Land Use
(acres) (acres) (acres) Wetlands (acres)
(acres)
60-foot impact
corridor, north of
SectionsO-1 through 183.834 17.255 63.249 0.705 0 97.298 362.341
O-3 and
O-11 through O-21
40-foot impact
corridor, south of
56.482 0 1.126 3.061 1.184 36.785 98.638
SectionsO-4 through
O-10
Staging areas 58.571 1.993 21.903 0 0 69.849 152.317
Construction Access
94.229 16.173 101.922 16.734 0 332.608 561.666
Roads*
Total Impacts 393.116 35.421 188.2 20.5 1.184 536.54 1,174.961
Note: Impacts associated with construction access roads are assumed to be 75 feet from the centerline of the road.
The proposed action is located fully within Picachos Corridor, a wildlife corridor that is being developed with Mexico under a
Binational Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (see Figure 11). Currently, 11 agencies (3 from the U.S. and 8 from Mexico) are
developing the MOU to establish wildlife corridors on both sides of the Rio Grande (north and south of the Texas/Mexico border from
Falcon Dam to Laguna Madre). To date, all U.S. agencies (including USFWS, TPWD, and The Nature Conservancy) have signed the
MOU. Mexican agencies are expected to sign in 2008. The wildlife corridors will begin to reconnect fragmented habitat for the
ocelot/jaguarundi, birds, bats, and other mammals. The MOU will work to connect LRGV NWR tracts along the Rio Grande with
areas in the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon, Mexico and Natural Protected Area in Mexico.
41
FME002420
Falcon
Reservoir
U N I T E D S T A T E S
Texas L nn
Roma
O1
R o G nde
y
O2
R
io
G
a
r
n
d
e Gulf
of
Mexico
O3 McAllen
O4 M ssion
Harlingen
Alamo
Weslaco
Me cedes
O5 San Ben to
og es
ot
O6 sabe
O7 South
O9 Bay
Brownsville
O8 O 10 O 11
exas
O 12
O 15
O 13 O 14
Co pus
O 16
Ch st
M E X I C O
O 17
O 18
O 19 O 20
O 21
Map Extent
Gulf
of
Mexico
Proposed Fence Sections
MEXICO U S /Mexico nternational Border
- Fence Section Label

Miles
0 2 4 8
Scale
o ec on A be s
USA Con iguous A be s Equal A ea Conic
No th Ame i an Da um o 983
Figure 11. Picachos Corridor
All grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, open water, and other wetlands within the
Picachos Corridor are potentially ocelot and jaguarundi habitat. However, the most
appropriate habitat expected to be affected includes thornscrub shrubland and woodland
habitat, predominantly honey mesquite and retama; disturbed floodplain shrubland,
woodland, and forest habitat, predominantly honey mesquite and sugarberry; and to a
lesser extent sabal palm.
Habitat fragmentation is the separation of a landscape into various land uses (e.g.
development, agriculture, etc…) resulting in numerous small, disjunct habitat patches left
for use by wildlife. Fragmentation eliminates habitat for those species requiring large
unbroken blocks of habitat like the ocelot and jaguarundi. Additionally, the small habitat
patches resulting from fragmentation often do not provide the food and cover resources
for many species that do not attempt to use them. This can result in an increased risk of
death by predation if the animal has to venture beyond the cover of the patch to find new
food resources, or starvation.
Many remnant brush tracts in LRGV are small ( < 40 ha [<100 acres]) and scattered (
USFWS 1984 as cited by Jahrsdoerfer and Leslie 1988) Isolated native brush tracts in
extensively cleared areas may serve as “islands” of wildlife habitat as described by Blake
and Karr 1984 as cited by Jahrsdoerfer and Leslie 1988). The size of natural areas, or the
42
FME002421
degree of fragmentation, and their proximity to each other influence recruitment and
extinction relationships (Diamond, 1975 as cited by Jahrsdoerfer and Leslie 1988).
Larger areas, or smaller areas with close neighbors provide increased diversity, dispersal
potential and lower extinction rates (Harris 1984 as cited by Jahrsdoerfer and Leslie
1988). There is evidence that isolation from contiguous gene pools in surrounding
natural habitat (Miller and Harris 1977 as cited by Jahrsdoerfer and Leslie 1988).
Brushland tracts in LRGV are isolated. Movement rates and distances moved between
tracts by various species in LRGV are unknown.
Reduction of habitat connectivity within the portions of the wildlife corridor will likely
impact ocelot and jaguarund movement, access to traditional water sources, and potential
for gene flow. Sufficient data are not available to determine the impacts of this on
movement of these two species of cats as their actual movement corridors or movement
patterns in the area affected by the fence are not known. If their primary movement is
perpendicular to the river, then the proposed fence could have the potential to
substantially impact movements for some individuals. Such impacts to movement could
correlate with reduced access to traditional water sources, and reduced gene flow
between portions of the population for each species. However, that the fence is not a
solid feature 70 miles long. There are areas of habitat between fence sections through
which the cats, which are relatively mobile species, could move. In addition, wildlife
openings (i.e., holes in the base of the fence through which ocelot and jaguarundi could
pass) have been incorporated in the fence design; and the placement of the openings
include the areas considered most likely to serve as movement corridors for these two
species (see Appendix A for the location of cat holes). Consequently, impacts on these
species relative to habitat connectivity are anticipated to be both short-and long-term, and
range from minor to major depending upon the actual fence section. Movement of
individuals parallel to the river is still impacted by the proposed fence due to reduction in
travel corridors especially in areas where international bridges act as an east-west barrier
The proposed project corridor will also avoid several known locations of Zapata
bladderpod and Walker’s manioc. Based on survey results and proposed BMPs, the
proposed action is not likely to directly adversely affect individuals or populations of
federally-listed plants, including star cactus, Johnston’s frankenia, Zapata bladderpod,
Walker’s manioc, Texas ayenia, and South Texas ambrosia, but may directly affect
potential habitat for these species. Impacts on federally listed plant habitats are
anticipated to be long-term, moderate, and adverse. A critical habitat unit for Zapata
bladderpod will be impacted.
Patrol Roads
Patrol roads that are being built or improved as part of the proposed action are located
within the project footprint as described above (within the 60-foot corridor north of the
fence for Sections O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-21 and within the 40-foot
corridor south of the fence for Section O-4 through O-10). Therefore, direct impacts on
vegetation and habitat are included in the totals in Table 3. Additionally, roads fragment
ocelot and jaguarundi home ranges and travel corridors. Fragmentation results from
conversion and development of the most productive and/or most accessible sites, leaving
the remaining smaller patches increasingly isolated.
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FME002422
Vehicular traffic associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance activities
will remain on established roads. Rehabilitation of affected soils will include
revegetation of the disturbed area to reduce erosion while allowing the area to return to
native vegetation. Erosion control measures will be utilized to avoid siltation of aquatic
habitats. Any excess soils not used during construction of the proposed tactical
infrastructure will be hauled from the site and disposed of properly.
Vegetation Removal/Mowing
Maintenance activities on revegetated sites, (e.g., mowing, herbicide application, noxious
species control) will be targeted primarily for herbaceous species (grasses) and will occur
within the project footprint as described above (within the 60-foot corridor north of the
fence for Sections O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-21 and within the 40-foot
corridor south of the fence for Section O-4 through O-10). Therefore, direct impacts on
vegetation and habitat are included in the totals in Table 3 and discussion of impacts on
ocelot and jaguarundi habitat (above). Additionally, herbicide application could have
long-term effects on federally listed species and their habitat within the project footprint.
The implementation of BMPs will reduce impacts on federally listed species and their
habitats. CBP will coordinate with USIBWC to adhere to the 1993 Biological Opinion
regarding USIBWC mowing operations and the terms and conditions 2003 Biological
Opinion issued to Immigration and Naturalization Service for Operation Rio Grande.
These measures will reduce effect on federally-listed plant species
Temporary Construction – Noise and Lights

Noise created during construction will have the potential to affect individual ocelot and
jaguarundi that occur within the action area (see Appendix A). All project-related noise
will be temporary and will only be heard within the action area. All project-activity
related noise (with the exception of pile driving) is expected to attenuate to ambient noise
levels of 55 to 80 dBA within 300 feet. Pile driving will attenuate to ambient noise levels
of 55 to 80 dBA within 1,800 feet (see Appendix A).
The impacts of noise will include subtle, localized impacts from the overall elevation of
ambient noise levels during construction. Noise levels after construction is anticipated to
return to close to current ambient levels. Elevated noise levels during construction could
result in reduced communication ranges, interference with predator/prey detection, or
habitat avoidance in the action area. More intense impacts will include behavioral
change, disorientation, or hearing loss. Predictors of wildlife response to noise include
noise type (i.e., continuous or intermittent), prior experience with noise, in proximity to a
noise source, stage in the breeding cycle, activity, and age. Prior experience with noise is
the most important factor in the response of wildlife to noise, because wildlife can
become accustomed (or habituate) to the noise. The proposed action runs along many
areas that are developed and it is likely that any ocelot or jaguarundi that inhabit the
action area have prior experience with noise. The rate of habituation to short-term
construction is not known, but it is anticipated that most ocelot and jaguarundi will only
be permanently displaced from the areas where the habitat is cleared and the fence and
associated tactical infrastructure constructed, and will be temporarily dispersed from
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FME002423
areas adjacent to the project areas, within and outside the project footprint, during
construction periods.
Ocelot are primarily nocturnal, while jaguarundi are primarily diurnal with some
nocturnal activity recorded. Therefore, the use of lights for nighttime construction will
have the potential to adversely affect migration, dispersal, and foraging activities of
individual ocelot and, to a lesser extent, jaguarundi within the action area. However, the
dense habitat through which these cats tend to move resists substantial light penetration.
Lights used for construction will be shielded to avoid unnecessary illumination of
potential habitat for these two species. Finally, the proposed action runs along many
areas that already experience above-normal illumination. Therefore, construction lights
will not have more than temporary, minor to moderate adverse effects on any ocelot or
jaguarundi inhabiting the action area.
Indirect Effects
Little vegetation removal will be required for the installation of the primary pedestrian
fence and because some of this primary pedestrian fence borders agricultural and
residential areas, it will likely decrease the number of dogs and humans gaining access to
the area near the river in some sections of the fence. Dogs could harass the ocelots; the
fencing could potentially decrease such harassment in urban areas. The height of the
primary pedestrian fence and its impermeability to humans and no gaps in the primary
pedestrian fence will also restrict the cat’s movements. However, cats could continue to
travel through a vegetated corridor to the ends of the primary pedestrian fence and
through wildlife openings, although the extent to which they will do so is unknown. This
additional travel time will expend additional energy and increase the risk of encountering
humans or vehicular strikes. Additional long-term major adverse impacts on the ocelot
and jaguarundi and their habitats could result if the increased deterrence in one are results
in efforts by cross border violators to find other undisturbed areas in which to cross.
Removal of vegetation and grading during construction could temporarily increase

siltation in the river and wetlands and therefore have short-term minor adverse impacts
on water quality of water sources for ocelot and jaguarundi. However, implementation of
standard BMPs, such as use of silt fences, should reduce this potential impact to
negligible.
As described above, the primary pedestrian fence would reduce habitat connectivity for
ocelot and jaguarundi. Therefore, all ocelot and jaguarundi habitat between the fence and
the Rio Grande could be indirectly, adversely affected by the presence of the proposed
primary pedestrian fence. National Land Cover Data (NCLD) indicates that the land
between the primary pedestrian fence is comprised of 10, 558 acres of planted/cultivated
land; 1,706 acres of developed land; 4,880 acres of undeveloped land; and 6,700 acres of
WMAs and NWRs. Therefore, potentially 12,580 acres of ocelot and jaguarundi habitat
(undeveloped, WMA, and NWR lands) would be indirectly impacted by the presence of
the primary pedestrian fence.
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FME002424
Long-term negligible to minor beneficial effects could result from reduction or

prevention of cross-border violator traffic through habitats for and populations of star
cactus, Johnston’s frankenia, Zapata bladderpod, Texas ayenia, Walker’s manioc, and
South Texas ambrosia. Additionally, long-term major adverse impacts on these species
and their habitats could result if the increased deterrence in one area results in efforts by
cross-border violators to find other areas in which to cross. Although it is difficult to
predict where illegal cross-border violators will attempt to cross the border, vegetation in
areas where there will be no primary pedestrian fence could be adversely impacted by
increased illegal cross border activities. One area of particular concern is the western end
of Section O-1. A known population of Zapata bladderpod occurs to the west of the
western end of Section O-1, within Zapata bladderpod critical habitat in the Arroyo
Ramirez tract of the LRGV NWR . The presence of the primary pedestrian fence in
Section O-1 could funnel illegal cross-border activities through Arroyo Ramirez
potentially having an adverse effect on the known population of Zapata bladderpod, as
well as Zapata bladderpod critical habitat.
Several wildfires occur along the river regularly with the addition of a fence or flood
control wall additional impacts could occur to ocelot and jaguarundi and their habitat.
The cats could be trapped between the river and the proposed fence/wall during a
wildfire. Firefighters might not risk personnel behind the proposed fence/wall if their
escape routes are limited to fight a wildfire safely. This type of situation could have
negative impacts to ocelot and jaguarundi while trying to escape a wildfire. Also, more
habitat could be losts due to inability to fight fire safely.
Beneficial indirect effects on ocelot and jaguarundi habitat could occur from the
reduction of illegal cross-border traffic. However, installation of the primary pedestrian
fence may cause illegal border-crossers to seek other locations to cross the Rio Grande
and enter the United States. New areas disturbed by vehicular traffic, foot traffic, and
litter could alter the composition, structure and function of wildlife habitats.
Patrol Roads
It is possible that additional road improvements and/or a new patrol road will be proposed
in the future. An increase in roads will lead to more vehicular traffic and more
movement along the U.S./Mexico international border. Increased vehicular traffic will
lead to an increase in the amount of dust, caliche or otherwise, being deposited on nearby
vegetation and reduce the plants ability to photosynthesize. Increased vehicular traffic
will increase the likelihood of death or injury to cats through collision with vehicles.
Cumulative Effects
Cumulative effects include the effects of future State, tribal, local, or private actions that
are reasonably certain to occur in the action area. Future federal actions that are
unrelated to the proposed action are not considered in this section because they require
separate consultation pursuant to section 7 of the ESA. Past and present federal actions
in the vicinity of the proposed action are discussed under the Environmental Baseline
section.
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FME002425
It is reasonable to conclude that growth of cities and industries (factories, warehouses,

and food processing plants), and expansion of roads across the Lower Rio Grande Valley,
with their associated infrastructure, will continue to diminish the range of alternatives
available to recover the ocelot and the jaguarundi as the remaining habitat and the
corridor to connect them are turned into buildings, pavement and roads.
The rapid economic expansion of metropolitan areas such as McAllen, Mission, Rio
Grande City, Weslaco, and Brownsville, and with the influx of immigrants, retirees and
increased tourism will continue to result in loss of ocelot and jaguarundi habitat. Road
expansions to accommodate the NAFTA and border crossings will increase loss and
fragmentation of habitat corridors and increased road mortality. Included in road
expansion is the state master plan for the Trans Texas Corridor and the expansion of I-69.
The proposed I-69/Trans Texas Corridor extends from Texarkana/Shreveport to Mexico
through possibly the Rio Grande Valley or Laredo. Encroachment from urban
development and colonias bring increase noise and light and other disturbances that will
result in loss of habitat and avoidance of corridors by the ocelot and jaguarundi.
Determination of Effect (total project)

Following are assessments of anticipated effects and supporting information for each
segment of the proposed project.
1. Roma Port of Entry (POE) (Section O-1)

The Roma POE section is a fence and road
project to be implemented near the Roma Port
of Entry (POE) in Starr County, Texas (Figure
12.) and is expected to be completed by the
end of 2008. The project is approximately
3.76 miles long. This section will start at the
eastern boundary of the Arroyo Ramirez tract
of the LRGVNWR, it will continue past the
Roma World Birding Center as concrete
retaining wall and will end 1.55 miles
downriver from the Roma POE.
Approximately 0.33 miles of this section will
border Los Negros Creek tract of the LRGVNWR.
Figure 12. Location of Section O-1
Action Area
The Action Area is defined by a corridor that extends by approximately 300 feet from
construction access routes and staging area and 1,800 feet from the construction site.
These are the areas affected by the proposed action. Three hundred feet represents the
distance that all project-activity related noise (with the exception of pile driving) is
expected to attenuate to ambient noise levels of 55 to 80 dBA. Pile driving will attenuate
to ambient noise levels of 55 to 80 dBA within 1,800 feet. Pile driving will not occur in
staging areas and construction access roads. The Action Area includes primary
pedestrian fence and patrol road construction activities, three existing construction access
roads, and four construction staging areas totaling 15.88 acres (Appendix A, Map 1).
47
FME002426
beyond the 1,800-foot noise attenuation line, between the Rio Grande and the project site
are included in the Action Area.
Description of the Action

The proposed action includes the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical
infrastructure to include primary pedestrian fence and a patrol road on the north side of
the fence. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include bollard (Fence Type P-2)
(3.14 miles), and bollard floating (Fence Type P-3B-15) (0.24 miles) fence. Concrete
retaining wall (Fence Type M-1) (0.38 miles) will be used in the vicinity of the Roma
World Birding Center. The tactical infrastructure will follow along the Rio Grande for a
total 3.75 miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. Twenty-two wildlife opening
would be placed into 3.14 miles of bollard fence and approximately 0.62 miles will be
impermeable to wildlife. Three access gates will be installed for landowner access to
water pumping facilities. Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 1) will be used
for temporary construction access roads. As described under the RGV Program, the
patrol road will be built or improved north of the fence, except where the concrete
retaining wall occurs. There is an existing patrol road south of the bluff, which will be
south of the concrete retaining wall.
Fence Construction
Construction will occur 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and proceed at a rate of 0.1
miles per day, starting in early Spring 2008. Based on this rate, construction of this
section will take approximately 38 days to complete. A 0.38 mile section of concrete
retaining wall will be constructed adjacent to the city of Roma World Birding Center.
Therefore, pile driving will occur over a period of 4 days in Section O-1.
The installation of each fence panel will be completed before moving to the next. The
construction of bollard fence (Fence Type P-2), bollard floating fence (Fence Type P-3B-
15), and concrete retaining wall (Fence Type M-1) is described under the RGV Program
Tactical Infrastructure Description of the Proposed Action - Construction section. All
equipment and materials will be transported to the project site using tractor trailers using
the construction access roads presented in Appendix A, Map 1. The storing and staging
of equipment will occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix A, Map 1.
Construction access areas and staging areas will be temporarily used for the duration of
construction; after project completion, roads will be returned to current use, and staging
areas will be restored to original condition. Twenty-two 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings
(described in the RGV Program Description of the Proposed Action - Tactical
Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed in the bollard fence (Fence Type
P-2), in the locations on Appendix A, Map 1.
Based upon the new patrol road constructed in Section O-1 proposed action, operational
activities (for example, patrols and apprehensions) will move from the narrow and
segmented patrol roads to the new and continuous patrol road that is being built or
improved along the north side of the primary pedestrian fence and south of the concrete
retaining wall.
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FME002427
Maintenance activities for O-1 are described under the RGV Program Description of the
Proposed Action – Maintenance Activities.
Best Management Practices

All General BMPs and BMPs specific to ocelot and jaguarundi, listed under the RGV
Program - Proposed Action are applicable to this fence section to avoid and minimize
effects on federally-listed species. Twenty-two wildlife openings will also be placed in
this fence section. Additionally, the following BMPs specific to star cactus, Johnston’s
frankenia, Walker’s manioc and zapata bladderpod are applicable to this section to avoid
and minimize effects.
Star Cactus
1. Avoidance of Impacts – Avoid disturbance, including land clearing, introduction
and spread of invasive plants, herbivory, trampling and exposure to toxic
substances, to star cactus populations and occupied habitat. Surveys should be
conducted on all intact star cactus habitat and potential habitat in western
Hidalgo, Starr, counties prior to initiation of activities that may affect individual
plants or habitat.
2. Minimize Impacts – In cases where project activities cannot completely avoid star
cactus populations and occupied habitat, the impacts to the populations and
habitat should be minimized as much as possible. Minimization may be
accomplished by, but is not limited to, the following methods:
 Prevent or control buffelgrass and other invasive plants from colonizing sites
following disturbance.
 Minimize permanent impacts to individual populations and habitats.
 Reduce the duration of impacts to populations and habitats.
 Where it is necessary to temporarily remove vegetation, cut plants above
ground level rather than clear with bulldozers, root plows or other implements
that cut into the soil.
 Minimize the creation of new or increased illegal access routes into occupied
habitat of star cactus.
3. Compensation - The project proponent shall fund and/or pursue appropriate

conservation measures or recovery objectives in compensation for unavoidable
impacts to star cactus populations and habitat. Compensation may be
 Star cactus habitat that has been destroyed shall be replaced through
acquisition and donation of similar quantity and quality of habitat to an
approved conservation organization.
 Star cactus habitat that is degraded through vegetation impacts, invasive plant
colonization or other deleterious changes, shall be restored to a condition that
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FME002428
is consistent with long-term survival and growth of the star cactus population.
 Individual star cactus plants that have been destroyed may be replaced
through propagation and reintroduction of star cactus plants in suitable habitat
managed by an approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for
propagation should be obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not
possible, propagation may be accomplished using seeds of this species that are
available through several conservation seed banks. Successful propagation
methods have been developed (Strong 2007). Compensation for destroyed
individuals of star cactus shall consist of ten or more propagated, reintroduced
plants for each individual destroyed.
Johnston’s frankenia
substances, to Johnston’s frankenia populations and occupied habitat. Surveys
should be conducted on all intact Johnston’s frankenia habitat and potential
habitat in Starr counties prior to initiation of activities that may affect individual
plants or habitat.
2. Minimize Impacts – In cases where project activities cannot completely avoid

Johnston’s frankenia populations and occupied habitat, the impacts to the
populations and habitat should be minimized as much as possible. Minimization
may be accomplished by, but is not limited to, the following methods:
habitat of Johnston’s frankenia.

impacts to Johnston’s frankenia populations and habitat. Compensation may be
 Johnston’s frankenia habitat that has been destroyed shall be replaced through
 Johnston’s frankenia habitat that is degraded through vegetation impacts,
invasive plant colonization or other deleterious changes, shall be restored to a
condition that is consistent with long-term survival and growth of the
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FME002429
Johnston’s frankenia population.

 Individual Johnston’s frankenia plants that have been destroyed may be
replaced through propagation and reintroduction of Johnston’s frankenia
plants in suitable habitat managed by an approved conservation organization.
If possible, seeds or cuttings for propagation should be obtained from
populations prior to impact. If this is not possible, propagation may be
accomplished using seeds or cuttings of this species that are available through
several conservation seed banks. Successful propagation methods have been
developed by USDA-ARS. Compensation for destroyed individuals of star
cactus shall consist of ten or more propagated, reintroduced plants for each
individual destroyed.
Ashy Dogweed
1. Avoidance of Impacts – Avoid disturbance, including land clearing,
introduction and spread of invasive plants, trampling and exposure to toxic
substances, to Ashy dogweed populations and occupied habitat. Surveys
should be conducted on all intact ashy dogweed habitat in Starr, Zapata and
Webb counties prior to initiation of activities that may affect individual plants
or habitat.

Ashy dogweed populations and occupied habitat, the impacts to the
populations and habitat should be minimized as much as possible.
Minimization may be accomplished by, but is not limited to, the following
methods:
 Prevent or control invasive plants from colonizing sites following disturbance.

 Avoid permanent impacts to individual populations and habitats.

conservation measures or recovery objectives in compensation for
unavoidable impacts to Ashy dogweed populations and habitat.
Compensation may be accomplished by, but is not limited to, the following
methods:
 Ashy dogweed habitat that has been destroyed shall be replaced through
 Ashy dogweed habitat that is degraded through vegetation impacts, invasive
plant colonization or other deleterious changes, shall be restored to a condition
that is consistent with long-term survival and growth of the aAshy dogweed
population.
 Transplantation of Ashy dogweed to suitable locations may be possible.
Individual Ashy dogweed plants that have been destroyed may be replaced
through propagation and reintroduction in suitable habitat managed by an
approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for propagation should
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FME002430
be obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not possible,

propagation may be accomplished using seeds of this species that are
available through several conservation seed banks. Compensation for
destroyed individuals of aAshy dogweed shall consist of five or more
propagated, reintroduced plants for each individual destroyed.
Walker’s Manioc
1. Surveys will be conducted on all intact Walker’s manioc habitat in Starr and
Hidalgo counties prior to initiation of activities that may affect individual plants
or habitat.
2. Prevent or control invasive plants from colonizing uninfested native habitat

5. Where it is necessary to temporarily remove vegetation cut plants above ground

into the soil.
a. Above ground cutting only in suitable Walker's manioc habitat.

6. Suitable Walker’s manioc habitat (according to Service guidance) that has been
destroyed shall be replaced through acquisition and donation of similar quantity
and quality of habitat to an approved conservation organization.
7. Individual Walker’s manioc plants that have been destroyed may be replaced
through propagation and reintroduction of Walker’s manioc plants in suitable
habitat managed by an approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for
propagation will be obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not
available through several conservation seed banks. Compensation for destroyed
individuals of Walker’s manioc shall consist of five or more propagated,
reintroduced plants for each individual destroyed.
8. Transplantation of Walker’s manioc to suitable locations may be possible.
Zapata Bladderpod
1. Because loss of habitat is a significant risk to the Zapata bladderpod, no roads,
fences, structures, or other on-ground facilities will be placed on areas containing
the substrates that support the Zapata bladderpod. If these areas cannot be
avoided, minimization and compensation will be included in the project design.
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FME002431
2. Pre-construction surveys are not required as long as projects are located outside of
suitable habitat areas. Projects within suitable habitat will require site-specific
surveys of the project area.
3. Materials such as gravel will be obtained from existing developed or previously

used sources, not from habitat areas that could support the Zapata bladderpod.
4. The need for and extent of site restoration will be negotiated and coordination
with the landowner/manager and the extent of impacts to Zapata bladderpod
habitat.
5. Directed research, surveys, or restoration activities included in the Recovery Plan

may be implemented if areas of Zapata bladderpod habitat are adversely affected.
The scope of compensation will depend on the amount of area disturbed or degree
of effect on the Zapata bladderpod.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
See the RGV Program Description of the Proposed Action – Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
See the RGV Program Description of the Proposed Action – During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
See the RGV Program Description of the Proposed Action – Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
See the RGV Program Description of the Proposed Action – Conservation Measures.
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FME002432
Description of the species and their habitats


STATUS
affect
Johnston's frankenia, Frankenia Endangered Not likely to adversely
johnstonii affect
Star cactus, Astrophytum asterias Endangered Not likely to adversely
affect
Walker's manioc, Manihot walkerae Endangered No effect
Zapata bladderpod, Lesquerella Endangered Not likely to adversely
thamnophila affect
Zapata bladderpod critical habitat Designated Not likely to adversely
affect
Ocelot and Jaguarundi

No ocelot or jaguarundi were observed during the October and December 2007 surveys
(e2M 2008). Section O-1 is within Picachos Corridor (see RGV Program –
Environmental Baseline and Figure 11). Vegetation alliances, including habitat that
could be used by ocelot and jaguarundi, that were observed along the 150-foot survey
corridor within Section O-1 are presented in Table 4. There are also four delineated
wetlands in Section (O-1) (see Table 5). According to Natureserve and TXPWD data
there have been no occurrences of ocelot or jaguarundi in the vicinity of Section O-1.
An investigation was conducted by Dr. Michael Tewes and Hicks & Company biologists
August 10-11, 1992 in response to recommendations from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stating that more detailed site
specific and regional information regarding potential endangered cat habitat and
landscape linkages in the vicinity of the park, particularly within the proposed action
area, was necessary to address the endangered species surrounding the Sanchez-O’Brien
Gas Development Project at Falcon State Park.
A field investigation to assess and map potential landscape linkages for ocelots within a
10 mile radius of Falcon Dam which is west and southwest from Section 0-1 of the
proposed fence project to delineate specific units of vegetative cover characteristic of
ocelot habitat within the proposed action area was conducted August 10-11, 1992 by Dr.
Tewes and Hicks & Company biologists. In preparation for this effort, potential linkages
and habitat units of dense brush were mapped on aerial photographs using stereoscopic
techniques. In addition, United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000 quadrangles,
project maps, and Starr County soils maps were used to evaluate potential habitat.
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FME002433
The Falcon Woodland is a tropical thorn community situated adjacent to the Rio Grande,
extending downstream of Falcon Dam from approximately three to ten miles. It covers
some 24,018 acres (9,720 ha) representing the largest undisturbed remnant of its type in
the United States. Of the 100 nationally significant Fish and Wildlife areas, the Falcon
Dam Woodland was ranked number five, and the area has been considered as potential
ocelot and jaguarundi habitat (Jahrsdoerfer and Leslie, 1988). This observation was
supported by their habitat assessment of the Falcon Woodlands, although, no class I
sightings are known from this area. The upland brush communities adjacent to these
woodlands surrounding Santa Margarita were found to be potential habitat based on the
extent of horizontal woody coverage. Additionally, these two units of habitat are
connected to Falcon State Park by dense vegetative communities along the Rio Grande
and adjacent to minor drainages associated with the Rio Grande, but it is unknown
whether endangered cats utilize these potential corridors.
Dr. Michael Tewes, an expert on endangered felids, performed a site visit to the two
proposed drilling sites on May 4, 1993 for the Sanchez-O’Brien Gas Development
Project at the Falcon State Park. The literature review and past research has
demonstrated that ocelots prefer extreamly dense mixed-thornshrub communities as
optimal habitat. These communities exhibit a dense vertical structure in the 1-meter layer
adjacent to the ground. This screening attribute is probably the habitat component that
ocelots particularly select. Similar screening cover is found in dense bunchgrasses
including sacaton grass (Sporobolus airoides), cordgrass (Spartina spp.) and elephant
grass (Arundo donax). Ocelots will use other habitat types with less dense cover for short
periods of time. This marginal habitat has greater value where it occurs in proximity to
known resident cat populations and optimal habitats.
Preliminary results from telementry studies on jaguarundis in Mexico indicate a similar

preference for dense cover by these cats. However, jaguarundis more readily occupied
other habitats, including pastures completely dominated by dense bunchgrasses and little
dominance of the shrub or tree layer. As indicated from cat studies in Mexico, ocelots
and jaguarundis can co-occur within the same habitat tract.
Aerial photography displayed extensive coverage of woody communities of the Falcon

State Park and portions of the proposed drilling sites. Also, a dense semi-woody corridor
of (Baccharis sp.) traverses the eastern length of the peninsula. If endangered cats
occupy Falcon State Park, then they may occasionally use this corridor.
The actual occurrence of endangered cats on the immediate project site is difficult to
determine based on habitat assessment alone. Overlap in the size of tracks and scats
among different age and sex classes of ocelots and bobcats creates difficult opportunities
for definitive species identification. Overlap among tracks between jaguarundi and feral
house cats creates similar identification problems. Cat occurrence or absence on a
particular site is better assessed through a trapping survey.
Past reports of ocelots have been recorded from the Falcon Woodlands located below
Falcon Dam and from a ranch located about 7 miles north of El Sauz in Starr County
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FME002434
(Tewes, personal files), Ocelots were reportedly trapped near China, Nuevo Leon,
Mexico about 75 miles south of Falcon State Park (A. Caso, 1993, personal
communication). In addition, an aerial survey performed by Tewes in 1982 identified
small tracts of optimal habitat along some sites adjacent to Falcon Reservoir.. Therefore,
the occurrence of ocelots in this region is a possibility.
Researchers have not conducted previous trap surveys in Starr or Zapata Counties,
therefore, a lack of site-specific trap information exists relative to the proposed fence
project site. The habitat on Arroyo Ramirez and Los Negros Creek has similar cat habitat
that connect to the Rio Grande and to Falcon State Park through wildlife corridors where
the cat study was done for the oil and gas project.
In general the potential landscape linkages for endangered cats within a 10 mile radius of
Falcon State Park consists largely of the dense brush associated with the edge of Falcon
Reservoir, the Rio Grande River, and minor drainages such as Arroyo’s Morteros, Minita,
and Quemada. In addition. A few relatively small patches of upland thornscrub
associations were mapped as potential habitat within this area.
Table 4. Vegetation alliances in the 150-foot survey corridor north of Section O-1
Vegetation Type Acreage
Herbaceous Vegetation
Bermuda Grass Herbaceous Vegetation 2.057
Buffelgrass Herbaceous Vegetation 4.551
Total Herbaceous Vegetation 6.607
Shrubland
Cenizo - Blackbrush Shrubland 18.392
Giant Reed Shrubland / Herbaceous 0.338
Vegetation
Arroyo Shrubland 2.063
Total Shrubland 20.793
Woodland and Forest
Honey Mesquite Riparian Forest / Woodland 20.801
Sugarberry Riparian Forest / Woodland 8.512
Total Woodland and Forest 29.313
Open Water
Total Open Water 0.000
Other Land Use
Agricultural Field / Fallow 1.437
Residential Development 8.201
Roads, Trails, Canal Banks and Berms 1.974
Other Land Use 0.694
Total 12.305
Grand Total 69.018
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FME002435
Table 5. Delineated Wetlands in Section O-1

WL ID WL Type Section Size (acres) Impacts (acres)
WL8 Stream O-1 0.36 0.14
WL11 Arroyo O-1 0.08 0
WL12 Arroyo O-1 2.85 0
WL14 PFO/PEM O-1 0.37 0.16
WL15 Arroyo O-1 0.12 0.05
Total 0.35
Johnston’s frankenia occurs in saline gypsum soils and in Starr County it is often
associated with outcrops of fossil oyster shells. Fossil oyster shells outcropped adjacent
to the sandstone bluffs and also in the eroded arroyos of Section O-1 in and near Roma.
Johnston’s frankenia was sought in the proposed right-of-way (ROW) but was not
observed (e2M 2008). According to Natureserve and TXPWD Johnston’s frankenia was
observed in the vicinity of Section O-1 in 1968.
Star Cactus
Star cactus occurs in Starr County on gravel-covered saline soils in association with
saladillo (Varilla texana; Asteraceae), Billieturnera helleri (Malvaceae), and with 12 or
more species of cacti. During the October and December 2007 surveys, star cactus was
searched for in a gravel-covered outcrop in Section O-1. Billieturnera helleri, an
indicator of saline soils was found growing with a number of species of cacti. However,
saladillo was absent. Star cactus was not found in the proposed ROW (e2M 2008).
Walker’s manioc
Walker’s manioc occurs in Starr County in association with caliche in blackbrush-cenizo
and barretal (Helietta parvifolia) associations. Caliche outcrops were not observed in the
proposed ROW visited.
Zapata bladderpod
Zapata bladderpod was not found within the survey corridor in the sandstone outcrops in
Section O-1 during the November and December 2007 surveys (e2M 2008). However, a
marked population of Zapata bladderpod was observed northwest of the survey corridor
(Stackpole pers. comm.). According to Natureserve and TXPWD Zapata bladderpod
there is a known occurrence of Zapata bladderpod on the east end of the impact corridor
in Arroyo Ramirez for Section O-1 in 2002 and 2003 with two additional rare species.
Zapata bladderpod critical habitat

The action area begins on the eastern side of Arroyo Ramirez Tract of LRGV NWR and
crosses through Los Negros Creek Tract of the LRGV NWR. These are Units 5 and 6,
respectively, of Zapata bladerpod critical habitat. The critical habitat for the plants
occurs in Starr County on Jackson, Yegua, and Laredo geologic formations. Over these
formations, the primary constituent elements (PCEs) are in the Catarina soil series
generally around the slopes of hills, with sandy loam to loamy sand of low to moderate
57
FME002436
salinity and high gypsum content. All known plant occurrence and thus PCEs are
associated with fossilized oyster shells overlying sandstone. PCEs lack substantial
previous soil disturbance and seeding or sodding of exotic grasses. PCEs include a
sparse overstory of shrub species typical of the Tamaulipan biotic province, but lacking a
complete canopy, as might be provided by a continuous overstory dominated by mesquite
(Prosopis glandulosa). The extent to which the Zapata Bladderpod PCEs are present in
the Action area for O-1 are detailed in Table 6. Figure 13 shows the presence of the
Catarina soils series in the action area. Figure 13 is a representative photograph of the
area within the Zapata bladderpod critical habitat.
Table 6. Presence of Zapata Bladderpod Critical Habitat in the Action Area

Zapata Bladderpod PCEs Presence in the Action Area
Catarina soil series generally around Occurs under staging area, access road, and under the
the slopes of hills, with sandy loam impact corridor east of Zapata Bladderpod Critical Habitat
to loamy sand of low to moderate Unit 6.
salinity and high gypsum content
Fossilized oyster shells overlying Observed in archaeological shovel tests, not associated
sandstone with Catarina soil series. Fossilized oyster shells were
observed with limestone in the bottom of an arroyo in Los
Negros Creek. They were not observed on the surrounding
ground surface, which was approximately 10 m higher.
Absence of substantial previous soil There are both disturbed and undisturbed areas overlying
disturbance and seeding or sodding the Catarina soil series within the Action Area. Previous
of exotic grasses disturbance occurs in staging area and access road. Areas
A sparse overstory of shrub species Present within the impact corridor (see Figure ?).
typical of the Tamaulipan biotic
province, but lacking a complete
canopy as might be provided by a
continuous overstory dominated by
mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
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FME002437
Figure 13. Soils Map for Section O-1
Environmental baseline
The westernmost surveyed area of Section O-1 traverses a short distance of gravel-
covered ridges and hill slopes that support cenizo – blackbrush shrubland, a species rich,
predominantly shrub and succulent community. Several arroyos or deep drainages that
are intermittently flooded occur within the Section O-1. Construction is not proposed
within deep arroyos therefore they were not rigorously sampled for classification but they
were inspected closely for rare plant occurrence and potential habitat. They support a
mixture of tree and shrub species that consists of honey locust, huisache, and granjeno in
the tree canopy and subcanopy layers. The tall and short shrub layers are typified by
blackbrush or chaparro, Texas prickly pear, brasil, tasajillo, cenizo, lotebush, and junco.
Section O-1 lies within the Upper Valley Flood Forest and Ramaderos biotic
communities and adjacent to the Barretal.
The 150-foot corridor is approximately 28 percent developed, 63 percent undeveloped,

and 9 percent NWR or wildlife management area (WMA) lands. The area south of the
fence is less than 1 percent planted or cultivated lands, approximately 9 percent
developed lands, 8 percent undeveloped lands, and 3 percent NWR or WMA lands. .
The Los Negros Creek tract is within this Section and approximately 0.33 miles of fence
would traverse the tract.
Within this Section, other federal activities occurring in the area include “Operation Rio
Grande” (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline ), the existing Roma International
Bridge and Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road maintenance.
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FME002438

Direct Effects
The proposed action will permanently, directly affect an approximate 60-foot-wide
corridor of vegetation (approximately 27.5 acres) that constitutes potential ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat. This includes 0.35 acres of wetlands (see Table 7). Specific
vegetation alliances that will be permanently, directly impacted are presented in Table 8.
Additionally, three existing roads and four staging areas will temporarily be used for
construction access (see Appendix A, Map 1). Access roads and staging area will
temporarily affect vegetation alliances presented in Table 7. Direct effects on ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat also include a reduction of habitat connectivity. See the RGV Program
– Effects of the Action for a detailed description of the direct effects on ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat associated with a reduction of habitat connectivity.
Table 7. Vegetation alliances within the 60-foot impact corridor north of the primary
pedestrian fence for Section O-1
Shrubland
Giant Reed Shrubland / Herbaceous Vegetation 0.031
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Total Other Land 2.816
Grand Total 27.454
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FME002439
Table 8. Vegetation alliances within the 75-feet of the centerline of existing construction
access roads for Section O-1
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Total Other Land Use 6.744
Grand Total 33.031
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FME002440
Table 9. Vegetation alliances within the staging areas for Section O-1
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 14.197
Additionally, potential habitat or the components of habitat for Johnston’s frankenia, star
cactus, Walker’s manioc, and Zapata bladderpod occur within Section O-1 and could be
directly adversely impacted by the proposed action. However, no populations of
individuals of these species were observed during the October and December 2007
survey. Based on the BMPs that are part of the proposed action, direct impacts on
Johnston’s frankenia, star cactus, Walker’s manioc, Zapata bladderpod, and Zapata
bladderpod critical habitat will be avoided. The proposed fence will bisect the Los
Negro’s Refuge tract and will loose connectivity of a north south corridor.
Patrol Roads
Tactical infrastructure will also include the improvement and/or building of patrol roads
along the entire length of the primary pedestrian fence. Proposed road improvements will
include: grading, removal of vegetation, widening, and adding caliche or other local
material to the road surface. Because the patrol road construction/improvements are
included within the project footprint, permanent, direct impacts on vegetation are
described above and included in Table 8. The improved/new patrol road will run parallel
to and a few feet north of the primary pedestrian fence As described in the RGV Program
– Effects of the Action, roads also reduce habitat connectivity. However, because the
road is a few feet north of the primary pedestrian fence the effect of the patrol road is not
expected to be cumulative with the effect of the primary pedestrian fence.
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FME002441
Temporary Construction - Noise and Lights

The effects of construction noise and lights on ocelot and jaguarundi are described under
the RGV Program – Effects of the Action – Direct Effects - Temporary Construction –
Noise and Lights. Pile driving is proposed for Section O-1. Therefore those individuals
that occur within 1800 feet of the proposed fence would be affected (see Appendix A,
Map 1).
Water availability – Water for Wildlife

The proposed fence will sever water availability for the endangered ocelot and jaguarundi
along with other wildlife species. The only permanent water source in this area is the Rio
Grande River and wildlife on the north side of the fence will be caught off from the water
source.
Indirect Effects
The indirect effects of the primary pedestrian fence are described in detail under the RGV
Program – Effects of the Action – Indirect Effects – Primary Pedestrian Fence. As
described in that section, indirect adverse effects relate to the siltation of aquatic habitats
which will be minimized through BMPs; the redirection of illegal cross-border activities
through vegetated corridors at the ends of the fence; and the fragmenting of ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat south of the fence from habitat north of the fence.
A known population of Zapata bladderpod occurs to the west of the western end of
Section O-1, within Zapata bladderpod critical habitat in the Arroyo Ramirez tract of the
LRGV NWR . The presence of the primary pedestrian fence in Section O-1 could funnel
illegal cross-border activities through Arroyo Ramirez potentially having an adverse
effect on the known population of Zapata bladderpod, as well as Zapata bladderpod
critical habitat.
Approximately, 223 acres between the fence and the he U.S./Mexico international border
will be indirectly impacted by the proposed action. This land includes 0.32 acres of
planted/cultivated land, 11.41 acres of developed land, and 187.56 acres of undeveloped
land, and 23.49 acres that are part of WMAs and NWRs. This means that
approximately211 acres of ocelot and jaguarundi habitat would be fragmented from
ocelot and jaguarundi habitat north of the fence.
Beneficial effects in Section O-1 include a reduction in dogs and humans in ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat in urban areas and a reduction in crossborder violators in habitat for
star cactus, Johnston’s frankenia, Walker’s manioc, Zapata bladderpod, and Zapata
bladderpod critical habitat in Los Negros Creek tract of LRGV NWR.
Patrol Roads
The indirect effects of the primary pedestrian fence are described in detail under
the RGV Program – Effects of the Action – Indirect Effects – Patrol Roads.
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FME002442
Cumulative Effects (See RGV Program-Effects of the action- Cumulative

Effects)
Determination of Effect
Although the action area traverses designated critical habitat, PCEs were not observed
within Zapata bladderpod critical habitat units 5 and 6. The creation of a windmill and
tank that is safe for wildlife on the north side of the Refuge tract (Los Negros Creek) will
minimize the impacts to the ocelot and jaguarundi by providing a permanent water
source.
2. RGC POE (Section O-2)

The Rio Grande City POE section is a fence and road project to be implemented near the
Rio Grande City POE in Starr County, Texas (see Figure 14) and is expected to be
completed by the end of 2008. The project is approximately 8.75 miles long and will
start at the Rio San Juan tract of the LRGVNWR and end east of the Los Velas tract of
the LRGVNWR.
Figure 14. [Insert Location of Section O-2]
Action Area
The Action Area is defined by a corridor that extends by approximately 300 feet from the
areas affected by the proposed action (see Appendix A, Maps 2 and 3). Three hundred
feet represents the distance that all project-activity related noise (with the exception of
pile driving) is expected to attenuate to ambient noise levels of 55 to 80 dBA. Pile
driving will not occur in this section. The Action Area includes primary pedestrian fence
and patrol road construction activities, five existing construction access roads, and two
constructions staging areas totaling 23.91 acres (Appendix A, Maps 2 and 3).
Additionally, all land extending beyond the 300-foot noise attenuation line, between the
Rio Grande and the project site are included in the Action Area.

(8.56 miles), and bollard floating (Fence Type P-3B-15) (0.19 mile). The tactical
infrastructure will follow along the Rio Grande for a total 8.74 miles of the U.S./Mexico
international border. Thirty-four wildlife opening would be placed into 8.56 miles of
bollard fence and approximately 0.19 miles will be impermeable to wildlife. Five access
gates will be installed to allow land owners access to water pumping facilities. Existing
roads (identified in Appendix A, Maps 2 and 3) will be used for temporary construction
access roads.
Fence Construction
section will take approximately 88 days to complete. The installation of each fence panel
will be completed before moving to the next. The construction of bollard fence (Fence
64
FME002443
Type P-2) and bollard floating fence (Fence Type P-3B-15) is described under the RGV
Program Tactical Infrastructure Description of the Proposed Action - Construction
section. All equipment and materials will be transported to the project site using tractor
trailers using the construction access roads presented in Appendix A, Maps 2 and 3. The
storing and staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix A,
Maps 2 and 3. Construction access areas and staging areas will be temporarily used for
the duration of construction; after project completion, roads will be returned to current
use, and staging areas will be restored to original condition. Thirty-four 8.5 by 11-inch
wildlife openings (described in the RGV Program Description of the Proposed Action -
Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed in the bollard fence
(Fence Type P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Maps 2 and 3.
segmented patrol roads to the new and continuous patrol road that is being built along the
north side of the primary pedestrian fence.
Best Management Practice

All General BMPs and BMPs specific to the ocelot and jaguarundi, listed under the
Overall Description of the Proposed Action are applicable to this fence section to avoid
and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Thirty-four wildlife openings will also
be placed in this fence section.
Star Cactus

plants or habitat.
65
FME002444


 Individual star cactus plants that have been destroyed may be replaced
through propagation and reintroduction of star cactus plants in suitable habitat
managed by an approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for
propagation should be obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not
available through several conservation seed banks. Successful propagation
methods have been developed (Strong 2007). Compensation for destroyed
individuals of star cactus shall consist of ten or more propagated, reintroduced
plants for each individual destroyed.

substances, to Johnston’s frankenia populations and occupied habitat. Surveys
should be conducted on all intact Johnston’s frankenia habitat and potential
habitat in Starr counties prior to initiation of activities that may affect individual
plants or habitat.

Johnston’s frankenia populations and occupied habitat, the impacts to the
66
FME002445
habitat of Johnston’s frankenia.

impacts to Johnston’s frankenia populations and habitat. Compensation may be
 Johnston’s frankenia habitat that has been destroyed shall be replaced through
 Johnston’s frankenia habitat that is degraded through vegetation impacts,
condition that is consistent with long-term survival and growth of the
Johnston’s frankenia population.
 Individual Johnston’s frankenia plants that have been destroyed may be
replaced through propagation and reintroduction of Johnston’s frankenia
developed by USDA-ARS. Compensation for destroyed individuals of star
cactus shall consist of ten or more propagated, reintroduced plants for each
individual destroyed.
Ashy Dogweed

and spread of invasive plants, trampling and exposure to toxic substances, to Ashy
dogweed populations and occupied habitat. Surveys should be conducted on all
intact ashy dogweed habitat in Starr, Zapata and Webb counties prior to initiation
of activities that may affect individual plants or habitat.

Ashy dogweed populations and occupied habitat, the impacts to the populations
and habitat should be minimized as much as possible. Minimization may be
 Prevent or control invasive plants from colonizing sites following disturbance.
67
FME002446
 Avoid permanent impacts to individual populations and habitats.


impacts to Ashy dogweed populations and habitat. Compensation may be
 Ashy dogweed habitat that has been destroyed shall be replaced through
 Ashy dogweed habitat that is degraded through vegetation impacts, invasive
plant colonization or other deleterious changes, shall be restored to a condition
that is consistent with long-term survival and growth of the Ashy dogweed
population.
 Transplantation of Ashy dogweed to suitable locations may be possible.
 Individual Ashy dogweed plants that have been destroyed may be replaced
through propagation and reintroduction in suitable habitat managed by an
approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for propagation should
be obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not possible,
propagation may be accomplished using seeds of this species that are
available through several conservation seed banks. Compensation for
destroyed individuals of Ashy dogweed shall consist of five or more
Walker’s Manioc
or habitat.


into the soil.

68
FME002447
Zapata Bladderpod
1. Because loss of habitat is a significant risk to the Zapata bladderpod, no roads,
fences, structures, or other on-ground facilities will be placed on areas containing
the substrates that support the Zapata bladderpod. If these areas cannot be
avoided, minimization and compensation will be included in the project design.
2. Pre-construction surveys are not required as long as projects are located outside of
suitable habitat areas. Projects within suitable habitat will require site-specific
surveys of the project area.
3. Materials such as gravel will be obtained from existing developed or previously

used sources, not from habitat areas that could support the Zapata bladderpod.
4. The need for and extent of site restoration will be negotiated and coordination
with the landowner/manager and the extent of impacts to Zapata bladderpod
habitat.
5. Directed research, surveys, or restoration activities included in the Recovery Plan

may be implemented if areas of Zapata bladderpod habitat are adversely affected.
The scope of compensation will depend on the amount of area disturbed or degree
of effect on the Zapata bladderpod.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
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FME002448

STATUS
affect
Johnston's frankenia, Frankenia endangered No effect
johnstonii
affect
affect
Zapata bladderpod, Lesquerella endangered No effect
thamnophila
Zapata bladderpod critical habitat designated No effect

Environmental Baseline and Figure 11). Vegetation alliances that were observed along
the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-2 are presented in Table a. There are also
seven delineated wetlands in Section O-2 (see Table b).
The literature review and past research has demonstrated that ocelots prefer extreamly
dense mixed-thornshrub communities as optimal habitat. These communities exhibit a
dense vertical structure in the 1-meter layer adjacent to the ground. This screening
attribute is probably the habitat component that ocelots particularly select. Similar
screening cover is found in dense bunchgrasses including sacaton grass (Sporobolus
airoides), cordgrass (Spartina spp.) and elephant grass (Arundo donax). Ocelots will use
other habitat types with less dense cover for short periods of time. This marginal habitat
has greater value where it occurs in proximity to known resident cat populations and
optimal habitats.

70
FME002449
Researchers have not conducted previous trap surveys in Starr or Zapata counties,
therefore, a lack of site-specific trap information exists relative to the proposed fence
project site. The habitat on the Rio San Juan tract has cat habitat that connects to the Rio
Grande and there is a drainage canal south of the Rio Grande adjacent to the Refuge tract
that could be used by cats in Mexico and the U.S as a wildlife travel corridor south of the
border. Also, the tract of land east and adjacent to the Rio San Juan tract is good cat
habitat. Los Velas West and Los Velas Refuge tracts have potential wildlife travel
corridors that can be used by cats along the Rio Grande and north and south of the border.
Table a. Vegetation alliances in the 150-foot survey corridor north of Section O-2
Lovegrass - Mixed Forb Annual Herbaceous 3.687
Vegetation
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Open Water River / Ditch / Canal 0.101
Other Land Use
Agriculture Cropped 42.640
Grand Total 158.240
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FME002450
Table b. Delineated wetlands in Section O-2
Size (acres) Impacts (acres)

WL ID WL Type Section
WL16 PFO/PEM O-2 0.36 0
WL51 PEM O-2 1.6 0
WL52 PFO O-2 0.25 0.09
WL53 PFO O-2 0.22 0.13
WL54 PFO O-2 0.22 0.09
WL55 Stream O-2 0.04 0.04
WL56 PFO O-2 1.13 0.53
Total 0.88
Star Cactus
Star cactus was not observed in this section, and the habitat for the potential occurrence
of star cactus was not found. According to Natureserve and TXPWD data, star cactus was
observed in the vicinity of Section O-2, on gravelly loam on a northeast facing slope with
scattered brush (past clearing was evident) on 30 acres, from 1959 through 2003.
Walker’s manioc
Walker’s manioc and the habitat for the potential occurrence of Walker’s manioc was not
observed during the October and December 2008 survey (e2M 2008). According to
Natureserve and TXPWD data there are two known occurrences of Walker’s manioc in
the vicinity of Section O-2. Walker’s manioc was observed from 1993 to 1995 in mixed
shrubland on McAllen fine sandy loam over Goliad formation with a caliche flat at the
edge of a slope. A historic observation was also made in 1940.
Ashy Dogweed
Ashy dogweed occurs in shallow to deep sand with a dominance of native grasses. A
sandy area supports a woodland characterized by honey mesquite – Texas prickly pear
cactus in this section, probably a secondary succession woodland that has become
established on abandoned crop and pastureland. Ashy dogweed was not observed in the
proposed ROW; no rare species were observed in this section, and the habitats known for
other rare plant species did not occur.
Zapata bladderpod
Zapata bladderpod was not observed in this section, and the habitat for the potential
occurrence of Zapata bladderpod was not found.
Zapata bladderpod critical habitat

Zapata bladderpod critical habitat does not occur within the action area for this section.
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FME002451
Several arroyos or deep drainages that are intermittently flooded occur within Section O-
2. Construction is not proposed within deep arroyos; therefore, they were not rigorously
sampled from a classification standpoint, but were examined for rare plant species and
habitat. On inspection, they support a mixture of tree and shrub species that consists of
honey locust, huisache, and granjeno in the tree canopy and subcanopy layers. The tall
and short shrub layers are typified by blackbrush or chaparro, Texas prickly pear, brasil,
tasajillo, cenizo, lotebush, and junco. Section O-2 lies within the Upper Valley Flood
Forest biotic community and adjacent to the Barretal.
The Rio San Juan, Los Velas West and Los Velas tracts will be traversed by the fence for
a total of approximately 1.15 miles.
Grande” (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline ), the existing Rio Grande City
International Bridge and Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road
maintenance. In addition, a wastewater treatment plant proposes new construction of a
pipeline to discharge treated effluent from wastewater treatment plant to the Rio Grande
between Section O-2 and O-3. The NWR has also constructed firebreaks in the Los
Velas tract.

Direct Effects
The proposed action will permanently, directly affect an approximate 60-foot-
wide corridor of vegetation (approximately 63.5 acres) that constitutes potential ocelot
and jaguarundi habitat. This includes 0.35 acres of wetlands (see Table 7). Specific
vegetation alliances that will be permanently, directly impacted are presented in Table 8.
Additionally, three existing roads and four staging areas will temporarily be used for
construction access (see Appendix A, Map 1). Access roads and staging area will
temporarily affect vegetation alliances presented in Table 10. Direct effects on ocelot
and jaguarundi habitat also include a reduction of habitat connectivity. See the RGV
Program – Effects of the Action for a detailed description of the direct effects on ocelot
and jaguarundi habitat associated with a reduction of habitat connectivity.
73
FME002452
Lovegrass - Mixed Forb Annual Herbaceous
Vegetation 1.466
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Sabal Palm Forest / Woodland 0.000
Open Water
Other Land Use
Other Land Use Total 28.566
Grand Total 63.539
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FME002453
Table 11. Vegetation alliances within the 75-feet of the centerline of existing
construction access roads for Section O-2
Vegetation 3.920
Shrubland
Honey Mesquite Woodland / Shrubland 1.796
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Land Use
Urban Development 1.268
Grand Total 84.701
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FME002454
Narrowleaf Cattail Herbaceous Vegetation
Vegetation 9.665
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 23.001
Additionally, potential habitat or the components of habitat for star cactus and Walker’s
manioc occur within Section O-2 and could be directly adversely impacted by the
proposed action. However, no populations of individuals of these species were observed
during the October and December 2007 survey. Based on the BMPs that are part of the
proposed action, direct impacts on star cactus and Walker’s manioc habitat will be
avoided. The proposed fence will bisect the Rio San Juan, Los Velas West and Los
Velas Refuge tracts and will loose connectivity of a north south corridor for the ocelot
jaguarundi.
Patrol Roads
Tactical infrastructure will also include the improvement and/or building of patrol roads
along the entire length of the primary pedestrian fence. Proposed road improvements will
include: grading, removal of vegetation, widening, and adding caliche or other local
material to the road surface. Because the patrol road construction/improvements are
included within the project footprint, permanent, direct impacts on vegetation are
described above and included in Table 11. The improved/new patrol road will run
parallel to and a few feet north of the primary pedestrian fence As described in the RGV
Program – Effects of the Action, roads also reduce habitat connectivity. However,
because the road is a few feet north of the primary pedestrian fence the effect of the
patrol road is not expected to be cumulative with the effect of the primary pedestrian
fence.
76
FME002455
Temporary Construction - Noise and Lights

The effects of construction noise and lights on ocelot and jaguarundi are described under
the RGV Program – Effects of the Action – Direct Effects - Temporary Construction –
Noise and Lights. Pile driving is proposed for Section O-2. Therefore those individuals
that occur within 1800 feet of the proposed fence would be affected (see Appendix A,
Map 1).
Water availability – Water for Wildlife

The proposed fence will sever water availability for the endangered ocelot and jaguarundi
along with other wildlife species. The only permanent water source in this area is the Rio
Grande River and wildlife on the north side of the fence will be cut off from the water
source.
Indirect Effects

Program – Effects of the Action – Indirect Effects – Primary Pedestrian Fence. As
described in that section, indirect adverse effects relate to the siltation of aquatic habitats
which will be minimized through BMPs; the redirection of illegal cross-border activities
through vegetated corridors at the ends of the fence; and the fragmenting of ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat south of the fence from habitat north of the fence. A known
population of star cactus and Walker’s manioc occur within the vicinity of Section O-2.
Approximately, acres between the fence and the he U.S./Mexico international border
will be indirectly impacted by the proposed action. This land includes acres of
planted/cultivated land, acres of developed land, and acres of undeveloped land, and
acres that are part of WMAs and NWRs. This means that approximately acres of ocelot
and jaguarundi habitat would be fragmented from ocelot and jaguarundi habitat north of
the fence.
Beneficial effects in Section O-2 include a reduction in dogs and humans in ocelot and
jaguarundi habitat in urban areas and a reduction in crossborder violators in habitat for
star cactus and Walker’s manioc in Rio San Juan, Los Velas West and Los Velas tract of
LRGV NWR.
Patrol Roads
Program – Effects of the Action – Indirect Effects – Patrol Roads.

Effects)
77
FME002456
Although the action area traverses within the vicinity of star cactus and Walker’s manioc
habitat, plants were not observed during plant surveys for the proposed fence alignment.
The creation of two windmills and water tanks on the north side of the Refuge tract (Los
Velas West and Los Velas) will minimize the impacts to the ocelot and jaguarundi by
providing a permanent water source.
3. LosEbanos POE (Section O-3)

The Los Ebanos POE section is a fence and road project to be implemented near the Los
Ebanos POE in Hidalgo County, Texas and is expected to be completed by the end of
2008. The project is approximately 1.85 miles long and will start at the Los Ebanos tract
of the LRGVNWR at an area known as “Avocado Landing” of the LRGVNWR and end
at the north end of the town of Los Ebanos (Figure 15).

Action Area
areas affected by the proposed action (see Appendix A, Map 4). Three hundred feet
represents the distance that all project-activity related noise (with the exception of pile
driving) is expected to attenuate to ambient noise levels of 55 to 80 dBA. Pile driving
will not occur in this section. The Action Area includes primary pedestrian fence and
patrol road construction activities, six existing construction access roads, and three
staging areas totaling 2.68 acres (Appendix A, Map 4). The area of individual staging
areas is detailed below. Additionally, all land extending beyond the 300-foot noise
attenuation line, between the Rio Grande and the project site are included in the Action
Area.

(1.79 miles) and bollard floating (Fence Type P-3B-15) (0.06 miles) fence. The tactical
infrastructure will follow along the Rio Grande for at total of 1.9 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Twenty-one wildlife opening would be placed into
1.79 miles of bollard fence and approximately 0.06 miles will be impermeable to wildlife.
Two access gates will be installed to allow land owners access to water pumping
facilities. Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 4) will be used for temporary
construction access roads.
Fence Construction
78
FME002457
section. All equipment and materials will be transported to the project site using tractor
trailers using the construction access roads presented in Appendix 2, Map 4. The storing
and staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix 2, Map 4.
areas will be restored to original condition. Twenty-one 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings
P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Map 4.
segmented patrol roads to the new and continuous patrol road that is being built along the
north side of the primary pedestrian fence.

All General BMPs and BMPs specific to the Texas ayenia, ocelot, and jaguarundi, listed
under the Overall Description of the Proposed Action are applicable to this fence section
to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Twenty-one wildlife openings
will also be placed in this fence section.
Star Cactus

plants or habitat.
79
FME002458


Individual star cactus plants that have been destroyed may be replaced through
propagation and reintroduction of star cactus plants in suitable habitat managed by an
approved conservation organization. If possible, seeds for propagation should be
obtained from populations prior to impact. If this is not possible, propagation may be
accomplished using seeds of this species that are available through several conservation
seed banks. Successful propagation methods have been developed (Strong 2007).
Compensation for destroyed individuals of star cactus shall consist of ten or more
Walker’s Manioc
or habitat.


into the soil.

80
FME002459
Texas Ayenia
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
81
FME002460
STATUS
affect
Star cactus, Astrophytum asterias endangered No effect
Texas ayenia, Ayenia limitaris endangered No effect
affect

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-3 are presented in Table a. There were no
delineated wetlands in Section O-3. According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there
was one reliable observation of jaguarundi in the vicinity of Section O-3 between 1987
and 1988.
The literature review and past research has demonstrated that ocelots prefer extreamly
dense mixed-thornshrub communities as optimal habitat. These communities exhibit a
dense vertical structure in the 1-meter layer adjacent to the ground. This screening
attribute is probably the habitat component that ocelots particularly select. Similar
screening cover is found in dense bunchgrasses including sacaton grass (Sporobolus
airoides), cordgrass (Spartina spp.) and elephant grass (Arundo donax). Ocelots will use
other habitat types with less dense cover for short periods of time. This marginal habitat
has greater value where it occurs in proximity to known resident cat populations and
optimal habitats.

82
FME002461
Researchers have conducted few trap surveys in Hidalgo County, therefore, a lack of site-
specific trap information exists relative to the proposed fence project site. The habitat on
the east tract of Los Ebanos Refuge tract and the habitat to the east (Sam Fordyce Refuge
tract) and private land to the west along the Rio Grande has excellent cat habitat that
connects to the Rio Grande and provides a wildlife travel corridor for the ocelot and
jaguarundi along the river.
Switchgrass Herbaceous Vegetation 9.288
Shrubland
Mule's Fat Shrubland 0.180
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 35.700
Star cactus
of star cactus was not found.
Walker’s manioc
Natureserve and TXPWD data there is one known occurrence of Walker’s manioc in the
vicinity of Section O-3 (from 1995 through 2002).
Texas ayenia
Texas ayenia was not observed in this section, and the habitat for the potential occurrence
of Texas ayenia was not found.
83
FME002462
Section O-3 crosses Los Ebanos tract of the LRGV NWR, USIBWC easement, of
residential sites surrounded by mesquite-buffelgrass pastures, and a very small (< 1 acre)
brush tract owned by the Mennonite Brothers Church. Both refuge tracts were former
agricultural fields that have been re-vegetated with native trees and shrubs between 2002
and 2003. The re-vegetation efforts were of limited success and the tracts are
characterized by colonizing species including Roosevelt weed, seep willow, lead tree, and
honey mesquite, with a dense herbaceous layer dominated by switchgrass and
buffelgrass. The IBWC easement was also previously disturbed and supported a similar
plant species composition. The Mennonite Brothers Church tract was heavily browsed
and grazed by goats, resulting in dense stands of tasajillo. An interesting assemblage of
shrubs occurred including goat-bush, blackbrush, bluewood condalia, coyotillo, allthorn,
guayacan, lotebush, seven species of cacti, and manfreda. This brush tract was considered
relatively low quality and no rare or listed plant species were observed. Section O-3
occurs within the Upper Valley Flood Forest and Upland Thornscrub biotic communities.
The Los Ebanos tracts will be traversed by the fence for a total of approximately 0.82
miles.
Grande” (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline), the existing Los Ebanos Ferry
and Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road maintenance. In
addition, a wastewater treatment plant proposes new construction of a pipeline to
discharge treated effluent from wastewater treatment plant to the Rio Grande between
Section O-2 and O-3. The NWR has also constructed firebreaks in the La Joya tract
between O-3 and O-4.
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FME002463

Direct Effects
A permanent impact area of approximately 14.1acres will occur.
Grassland
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Open Water Total 0.000
Other Land Use
Grand Total 14.083
85
FME002464
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 34.633
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 2.099
86
FME002465
Indirect Effects
Effects)
4. Peñitas to Abram (Section O-4)
The Peñitas to Abram segment is a concrete flood protection structure/concrete fence and
road project to be implemented in Hidalgo County, Texas and is expected to be
start at the levee at Military Highway in Peñitas and end at the Abram Road extension
(Figure 16).
Action Area
construction access routes and staging area and 1,800 feet from the construction site (see
Appendix A, Map 5). These are the areas affected by the proposed action. Three
hundred feet represents the distance that all project-activity related noise (with the
exception of pile driving) is expected to attenuate to ambient noise levels of 55 to 80
dBA. Pile driving will attenuate to ambient noise levels of 55 to 80 dBA within 1,800
feet. Pile driving will not occur in staging areas and construction access roads. The
Action Area includes primary pedestrian fence and patrol road construction activities,
three existing construction access roads, and four construction staging areas totaling 4.29
acres (Appendix A, Map 5). The area of individual staging areas is detailed below.
Additionally, all land extending beyond the 1,800-foot noise attenuation line, between the

infrastructure to include primary pedestrian fence and a patrol road on the south side of
the fence. The type of primary pedestrian fence will be concrete flood protection
structure/concrete fence. The tactical infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC levee
for a total 4.35miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. The entire section will be
impermeable to wildlife. Seven access gates and ramps will be installed to provide
access to various land owners and water pumping facilities. Existing roads (identified in
Appendix A, Map 5) will be used for temporary construction access roads.
Fence Construction
Construction will occur 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, starting in early Spring 2008.
The contractor will be restricted to excavating a maximum of 500-foot sections for
concrete fence construction, in case the levee has to be restored in the event of a
87
FME002466
hurricane/flood event. . The construction of concrete flood protection structure/concrete

fence is described under the RGV Program Tactical Infrastructure Description of the
Proposed Action - Construction section. All equipment and materials will be transported
to the project site via tractor trailers using the construction access roads presented in
Appendix A, Map 5. The storing and staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas
presented in Appendix A, Map 5. Construction access areas and staging areas will be
temporarily used for the duration of construction; after project completion, roads will be
returned to current use, and staging areas will be restored to original condition.
Based upon the new patrol road constructed in Section O-4 proposed action, some
operational activities (for example, patrols and apprehensions) will move from the patrol
roads on the levee to the new patrol road that is being built on the south side of the levee
and concrete fence.

All General BMPs and BMPs specific to Texas ayenia, ocelot, and jaguarundi, listed
to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
88
FME002467

STATUS
affect
affect
affect
affect

the 150-foot survey corridors north and south of Section O-4 are presented in Tables a
and c. There were no delineated wetlands in Section O-4 north of the fence. According
to Natureserve and TXPWD data there were seven ocelot observations in the vicinity of
Sections O-4 between 1991 and 1992. According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there
were ten reliable observations of jaguarundi in the vicinity of Section O-4 between 1988
and 1993.
Quelite Cenizo - Buffelgrass Herbaceous Vegetation 0.164
Narrowleaf Cattail Herbaceous Vegetation 0.136
Alkali Sacaton Herbaceous Vegetation 0.807
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 80.384
89
FME002468
Table c. Vegetation alliances in the 150-foot corridor south of Section O-4

Herbaceous
Mixed Woodland / Wooded Herbaceous
Vegetation
Granjeno Woodland / Shrubland 3.765
Total Mixed Woodland / Wooded Herbaceous
Vegetation 3.801
Mixed Riparian Forest / Woodland
Total Mixed Riparian Forest / Woodland 25.867
Wetland/Riparian
Common Reed Herbaceous Vegetation 0.199
Total Wetland/Riparian 2.488
Other Land Use
Open Water Pond / Lake 1.511
Roads, Trails, Canal Banks, and Berms 6.255
Grand Total 81.855
Star cactus
of star cactus was not found.
Walker’s manioc
Natureserve and TXPWD data there are three known occurrences of Walker’s manioc in
the vicinity of Section O-4. Walker’s manioc was observed from on one acre of fine
sandy loam in partial shade of dense native brush1990 to 1992. It was also observed
from 1997 through 2002 in native brush along a fence line. Historical observations were
made from 1940 through 1941.
Texas ayenia
90
FME002469
Section O-4 crosses a very small (~1-acre) portion of the TPWD Peñitas tracts, many
agricultural fields (some plowed and fallow, some planted to corn and sugarcane), other
disturbed tracts in various stages of re-growth, and residential sites. The TPWD tract
supported fenceline woodland consisting mostly of honey mesquite and several species of
cacti (fishhook, dog cholla, nipple cactus, tasajillo, and prickly pear) that had colonized
soil at the base of the tree line. Just beyond the fenceline into the TPWD property was a
cleared pipeline ROW. Remaining areas of the section consisted of agricultural fields or
disturbed sites that were not considered representative of rare plant habitat. Section O-4
occurs within the Upper Valley Flood Forest, Upland Thornscrub, and Mid-Valley
Riparian Woodland biotic communities.
The Penitas, La Pesquera, Abrams West and Abrams NWR tracts will be traversed or
abutted by the concrete fence for a total of approximately 1.56 miles.
Grande” (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline ), USIBWC flood control
projects, and Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road
maintenance. In addition, a pipeline has been constructed through the Abrams NWR
tract. The Hidalgo County Outer Loop along Military 281 HWY is proposed for the area
around Sections O-4 through O-9. Bentsen State Park is proposing the construction of
two additional trails and upgrades of two trails between section O-4 and O-5. The NWR
has also constructed firebreaks in the La Joya tact between O-3 and O-4.
91
FME002470

Direct Effects
A permanent impact area of approximately 21.2 acres will occur.
Table 16. Vegetation alliances within the 40-foot impact corridor south of the primary
Vegetation
0.038
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 21.235
92
FME002471
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 16.877
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 4.266
93
FME002472
Indirect Effects
Effects)
5. Future Anzalduas POE (Section O-5)
The Future Anzalduas POE segment is a fence and road project to be implemented near
the future Anzalduas POE in Hidalgo County, Texas and is expected to be completed by
the end of 2008. The project is approximately 1.73 miles long and will start at the
intersection of the northern floodway levee and Anzalduas Park access road and end at
the floodway levee south of South Shary Road (Figure 17).

Action Area
three existing construction access roads, and a 2.1-acre staging area (see Appendix A,
map 6). Additionally, all land extending beyond the 1,800-foot noise attenuation line,
between the Rio Grande and the project site are included in the Action Area.

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be a concrete flood protection
structure/concrete fence. The tactical infrastructure will follow along the northern levee
of the USIBWC floodway for 1.73 miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. The
entire section will be impermeable to wildlife. No access gates and ramps will be
installed for land owner access to the canal access road. A temporary bridge will be
constructed for the construction of the Anzalduas POE. Existing roads (identified in
Fence Construction
hurricane/flood event. The construction of concrete flood protection structure/concrete
94
FME002473
and concrete fence.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Additionally, BMPs specific to
Walker’s Manioc are applicable to this fence section.
Walker’s Manioc
or habitat.


into the soil.

95
FME002474
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).

STATUS
affect
affect
Walker's manioc, Manihot walkerae Endangered Not likely to adversely
affect
96
FME002475

and c. There is one delineated wetland in Section O-5 north of the fence (see Table b).
According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there were 23 reliable observations of
jaguarundi in the vicinity of Sections O-5 and O-6 between 1987 and 1993.
In 1995, Dr. Michael Tewes of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas
A&I University prepared a report concerning the ocelot and jaguarundi specifically for
the Anzaldua International Bridge site. Portions of Dr. Tewes’ report which relate to
habitat quality and potential impacts are summarized in the following paragraphs:
In May 1992, an ocelot was captured and radio-collared on the Santa Ana
National Wildlife Refuge approximately 18 miles east of the proposed Anzalduas
International Crossing. A Class I report of an ocelot swimming across the Rio
Grande near La Grulla, Texas was noted by a biologist from Texas A&I in 1981.
This city is located west of the Anzalduas site. There have been reports of
observations of ocelots from Bentsen State Park, which is approximately 8 miles
west of Anzalduas Crossing. This distance is within the documented dispersal
distance of 10-miles exhibited by three different radio-collared ocelots.
The actual occurrence of endangered cats on the immediate project site is difficult
to determine, Overlap in the size of tracks and scats among different age and sex
classes of ocelots and bobcats creates difficult opportunities for definitive species
identification. Overlap among tracks between jaguarundi and feral house cays
create similar identification problems.
The two adjacent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracts are the Gabrielson Unit (702
acres) located immediately west of the proposed crossing and the Cottam Unit (1,036
acres) located some distance to the east. The Gabrieson Refuge tract is just north of these
two tracts. Dr. Tewes believed a significant patch of optimal habitat covers much of the
Gabrielson Unit and is dominated by an extreamely dense mixed shrub community.
The southern portion of habitat within the Gabrielson Unit (the area parallel to the river)
contains a less dominant shrub layer and would normally be classified as marginal or
non-habitat for the ocelot. However, the proximity of the optimal habitat within the
Gabrielson Unit lends a potential use value to this portion as (1) a “buffer” to reduce the
disturbance effects of anthropogenic activities, (2) “overflow habitat” for ocelots from
nearby saturated optimal habitats, and (3) “travel habitat” for dispersing or transient
ocelots.
It is quite possible that the Gabrielson Unit is either currently occupied by one or a few
resident ocelots or many possibly experience periodic occupancy by dispersing or
transient ocelots during the year.
97
FME002476
The Cottam Unit contained less optimal habitat than the Gabrielson Unit. Much of the
Cottam Unit appears to be old farm fields undergoing successional transformation with a
current dominance of dry-land willow, huisache, and a dense grass layer. The color
aerial photo indicates some areas within the Cottam Unit may contain optimal habitat,
particularly sites within the ox-bow lake area.
Dr.Tewes notes that ocelots frequently travel along habitat corridors parallel to linear
water courses (e.g. resacas, river). This intersection of the bridge-wildlife corridor is
where quantity and quality of screening cover for endangered cats is most important.
Little ocelot movement between the two habitat tracts would be expected most of the year
because of the openness of the fields. However, ocelots have been radio-collared and
tracted across cultivated fields using sorghum or cotton as cover to reach a separate
habitat patch. Dr. Tewes believes that when crops are growing to some height in the
field, a travel cover may be temporarily provided if there are resident or dispersing cats
using the Gabrielson Unit or the Cottam Unit.

Silver Bluestem Herbaceous Vegetation 0.229
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 31.632
98
FME002477
Table a. Vegetation alliances in the 150-foot corridor south of Section O-5

Herbaceous Vegetationb
Vegetation
Vegetation 0.000
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 33.157
Table b. Delineated wetland in Section O-5

Route B
Size (acres)
WL ID WL Type Section Impacts (acres)
WL6 PEM/POW O-5 0.38 0
Walker’s manioc
Walker’s manioc was not observed in this section during the October and December 2007
surveys (e2M 2008). Possible habitat for the potential occurrence of Walker’s manioc
was located in the Granjeno tract of the LRGV NWR. The quality of this habitat was
determined to be low (e2M 2008). According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there was
a historical observation of Walker’s manioc in the vicinity of Section O-5 in 1940.
Texas ayenia
Texas ayenia was not observed in this section. Possible habitat for the potential
occurrence of Texas ayenia was located in the Granjeno tract of the LRGV NWR. The
quality of this habitat was determined to be low.
Section O-5 crosses the edge of the LRGV NWR Granjeno tract. Woodland species in
this section included honey mesquite, spiny hackberry, or granjeno, sugarberry, anaqua,
huisache, and lead tree, with Bermuda grass and switchgrass as the dominant herbaceous
cover. The remainder of Section O-5 consisted of residential areas, some agricultural
fields, and some small disturbed tracts. There was no potential rare plant habitat
identified outside of the Granjeno tract. This section is located primarily within the Mid-
Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community.
99
FME002478
Grande” (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline ), USIBWC flood control projects
including a proposal to raise the main floodway levee and portion of the north floodway
levee, and Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road maintenance.
The Anzalduas International Bridge is being constructed in O-5 and a Border Safety
Inspection facility is to be built adjacent to the bridge. In addition, a telecommunication
cable and infrastructure, as well as an electrical transmission lines and a water line have
been constructed in the vicinity of O-5. The Hidalgo County Outer Loop along Military
281 HWY is proposed for the area around Sections O-4 through O-9. Bentsen State Park
is proposing the construction of two additional trails and upgrades of two trails between
section O-4 and O-5. The NWR has also constructed firebreaks in the Tortuga Banco
tract west of O-5.

Direct Effects
A permanent impact area of approximately 8.6acres will occur.
Vegetation
0.000
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 8.571
100
FME002479
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 8.107
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Land Use
Grand Total 2.108
101
FME002480
Indirect Effects
Effects)
6. Hidalgo POE (Section O-6)

The Hidalgo POE segment is a fence and road project to be implemented near the
Hidalgo POE in Hidalgo County, Texas and is expected to be completed by the end of
2008. The project is approximately 3.86 miles long and will start at the intersection of
the USIBWC levee right-of-way (ROW) and Guerra Road in Hidalgo and end at the
intersection of the levee and 15th Street (Figure 18).

Action Area
Appendix A, Maps 6 and 7). These are the areas affected by the proposed action. Three
seven existing construction access roads, and five construction staging areas totaling 28.9
acres (Appendix A, Maps 6 and 7). The area of individual staging areas is detailed
below. Additionally, all land extending beyond the 1,800-foot noise attenuation line,

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be concrete flood protection
for 3.85 miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. The entire section will be
impermeable to wildlife. Six access gates and ramps will be installed to provide access to
land owners, existing recreation opportunities, patrol operations, and water pumping
facilities. Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Maps 6 and 7) will be used for
temporary construction access roads.
Fence Construction
102
FME002481
Appendix A, Maps 6 and 7. The storing and staging of equipment will occur in the
staging areas presented in Appendix A, Maps 6 and 7. Construction access areas and
staging areas will be temporarily used for the duration of construction; after project
completion, roads will be returned to current use, and staging areas will be restored to
original condition.
and concrete fence.

Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
103
FME002482
STATUS
affect
affect
affect

(e2M 2008). Section O-6 is within Picachos Corridor. Vegetation alliances that were
observed along the 150-foot survey corridors north and south of Section O-6 are
presented in Tables a and c. There are no delineated wetlands in Section O-6 north of the
fence. According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there were 23 reliable observations of
jaguarundi in the vicinity of Sections O-5 and O-6 between 1987 and 1993. According to
Natureserve and TXPWD data there were seven ocelot observations in the vicinity of
Sections O-6, O-7, and O-8 between 1989 and 1991.
104
FME002483
Shrubland
Total 0.000
Woodland and Forest
Total 3.518
Open Water
Total 0.185
Land Use
Total 22.783
Grand Total 71.641
105
FME002484

Vegetation
Vegetation 3.362
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 71.923
Walker’s manioc
Walker’s manioc was not observed in this section, and the habitat for the potential
occurrence of Walker’s manioc was not found.
Texas ayenia
Section O-6 is a predominantly urban environment that includes urban, industrial, and
residential land use within the project corridor. Small acreages of fallow agricultural
fields and highly disturbed parcels also occurred. There was no potential rare plant
habitat identified. This section is located primarily within the Mid-Valley Riparian
Woodland biotic community.
The Pate Bend and Hidalgo Bend tracts will be abutted by the concrete fence for a total
of approximately 2.8 miles.
including a mowing under the Hidalgo International Bridge, and Border Patrol activities
106
FME002485
that include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Pharr and Hidalgo
International Bridges have been constructed in O-6 and the Pharr International Bridge is
proposed to be widened and a Border Safety Inspection Facility is to be built adjacent to
it. In addition, telecommunication towers, as well as pipelines and a fiber optic cable
have been proposed or constructed in the vicinity of O-6. The Hidalgo County Outer
Loop along Military 281 HWY is proposed for the area around Sections O-4 through O-
9.

Direct Effects
A permanent impact area of approximately 19 acres will occur.
Vegetation
0.002
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Total 3.079
Grand Total 18.696
107
FME002486
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 40.052
108
FME002487
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use Land Use
Grand Total 19.321
Indirect Effects
Effects)
7. Proposed Donna POE (Section O-7)

The Proposed Donna POE segment is a fence and road project to be imple mented near
the proposed Donna POE in Hidalgo County, Texas and is expected to be completed by
the end of 2008. The project is approximately 0.90 miles long and will start at the
intersection of the USIBWC levee ROW and the eastern border of Monterrey Banco tract
of the LRGVNWR and end at the proposed Donna POE (Figure 19).

Action Area
two existing construction access roads, and a 3.43-acre construction staging area (see
109
FME002488
Appendix A, Map 8). Additionally, all land extending beyond the 1,800-foot noise
Area.

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be concrete flood protection
for 0.90 miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. The fence will cross the Donna
canal and tie into the existing Donna POE fence. The entire section will be impermeable
to wildlife. One access gate and ramp will be installed to provide access to land owners,
farming operations, and routine patrol operations. Existing roads (identified in Appendix
A, Map 8) will be used for temporary construction access roads.
Fence Construction
and concrete fence.

110
FME002489
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
affect
affect

and c. There are no delineated wetlands in Section O-7 north of the fenceAccording to
Sections O-6, O-7, and O-8 between 1989 and 1991. According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data there were 23 reliable observations of jaguarundi in the vicinity of Sections
O-5 and O-6 between 1987 and 1993.
111
FME002490
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 17.547

Herbaceous
Vegetation
Vegetation 7.093
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 15.955
Walker’s manioc
occurrence of Walker’s manioc was not found.
112
FME002491
Texas ayenia
Section O-7 is entirely adjacent to agricultural land. The fields include plowed, fallow,
and crops, e.g., sugarcane and sunflowers. There is no potential rare plant habitat within
this section. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic
community and adjacent to the Mid-Delta Thorn Forest.
The Monterrey Banco tract will be abutted by the concrete fence for it total northern
border for a total of approximately 0.85 miles.
including raising Donna- Brownsville levee system, and Border Patrol activities that
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Pharr and Donna International
Bridges have been proposed in O-7 and the Pharr International Bridge is proposed to be
widened and a Border Safety Inspection Facility is to be built adjacent to it. In addition,
telecommunication towers, as well as a pipeline have been proposed or constructed in the
vicinity of O-7. The Hidalgo County Outer Loop along Military 281 HWY is proposed
for the area around Sections O-4 through O-9. TXDOT proposes road expansion and
realignment just north of Section O-7 along Military 281 Hwy from Pharr, TX to connect
to SH 100.

Direct Effects
113
FME002492
Vegetation
0.054
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 3.973
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 14.017
114
FME002493
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 3.434
Indirect Effects
Effects)
8. Retamal Dam (Section O-8)

The Retamal Dam segment is a fence and
road project to be implemented near Retamal
Dam in Hidalgo County, Texas and is
expected to be completed by the end of
2008. The project is approximately 3.25
miles long and will start at downriver end of
the Donna POE fence and end at a point
where the levee exits at the eastern border of
the northern panhandle of the La Coma tract
of the LRGVNWR (Figure 20).

Action Area
115
FME002494
four existing construction access roads, and two construction staging areas totaling 10.1
acres (Appendix A, Map 8). Additionally, all land extending beyond the 1,800-foot noise
Area.

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be a concrete flood protection
impermeable to wildlife. Four access gates and ramps will be installed to provide access
to land owners, patrol operations, and water pumping facilities. Existing roads (identified
in Appendix A, Map 8) will be used for temporary construction access roads.
Fence Construction
roads on the levee to the new patrol road that is being built on the side of the levee and
concrete fence.

116
FME002495
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
affect
affect

and c. There is one delineated wetlands in Section O-8 north of the fence (see Table b).
According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there were 23 reliable observations of
jaguarundi in the vicinity of Sections O-5 and O-6 between 1987 and 1993. According to
Sections O-6, O-7, and O-8 between 1989 and 1991. According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data there was one jaguarundi observation in the vicinity of O-8 between 1988
and 1989.
117
FME002496

Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Black Willow Woodland / Shrubland 0.334
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 60.315
118
FME002497

Bermuda Grass Herbaceous Vegetation
Johnsongrass Herbaceous Vegetation 0.747
Vegetation
Vegetation 0.255
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Agricultural Field/Fallow 5.056
Grand Total 60.266
Table b. Delineated Wetland in Section O-8

WL4 PEM/ditch O-8 0.11 0.03
Walker’s manioc
occurrence of Walker’s manioc was not found during the October and December 2007
surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
of Texas ayenia was not found during the October and December 2007 surveys (e2m
2008).
Section O-8 is primarily agricultural fields (plowed, fallow, sugarcane, sunflowers).
There is one disturbed brushy re-growth area, a small portion of the TPWD Las Palomas
wildlife management area (WMA) tract, and a small portion of the LRGV NWR La
Coma tract traversed by this alignment. The Las Palomas tract boundary supports dense
119
FME002498
trees and shrubs including retama, honey mesquite, spiny hackberry or granjeno, lime
pricklyash, bluewood condalia, sugarberry, hackberry, anaqua, Texas ebony, and
Chinaberry. The understory is predominantly leaf litter and woody debris, very dark
(shaded), and has bare ground patches supporting sparse cover of pigeonberries. Where
the sun can penetrate the canopy layer, switchgrass comprises the herbaceous layer. Rare
plant surveys were conducted within the Las Palomas tract with no success. The La
Coma tract was disturbed historically by agricultural land use and has little to no rare
plant potential. The understory is a dense, tall stand of buffelgrass and switchgrass with
scattered shrubs of honey mesquite, huisache, retama, spiny hackberry or granjeno, coma,
coyotillo, anaqua, lotebush, and Texas prickly pear. Targeted rare plant species were
sought within the La Coma tract, but none were observed. This section occurs within the
Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community and adjacent to the Mid-Delta Thorn
Forest.
The La Coma tract will be traversed by the concrete fence for a total of approximately 0.2
miles and abuts a WMA for 0.05 miles.
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Donna International Bridge has
been proposed in O-8. The Hidalgo County Outer Loop along Military 281 HWY is
proposed for the area around Sections O-4 through O-9. TXDOT proposes road
expansion and realignment just north of Section O-7 along Military 281 Hwy from Pharr,
TX to connect to SH 100.

Direct Effects
120
FME002499
Herbaceous
Vegetation
0.003
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 15.920
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 36.945
121
FME002500
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 10.096
Indirect Effects
Effects)
9. West Progresso POE (Section O-9)

The West Progresso POE segment is a fence and
road project to be implemented near the west
O-9
Progresso POE in Hidalgo County, Texas and is
expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
The project is approximately 3.87 miles long and
will start at a point on the USIBWC levee ROW
southeast of the intersection of Highway 281 and
Mile 5 Road West and end at on the USIBWC
levee ROW on the west side of the Progresso
POE in an agricultural area (Figure 21).

Action Area
122
FME002501

three existing construction access roads, and two construction staging areas totaling 8.23

the levee. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include concrete flood protection
impermeable to wildlife. Four access gates and ramps will be installed to provide access
for routine patrol operations, land owners, and agricultural and municipal operations.
Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 9) will be used for temporary construction
access roads.
Fence Construction
concrete fence.

All General BMPs and BMPs specific to Texas ayenia, ocelot and jaguarundi, listed
123
FME002502

Walker’s Manioc
or habitat.


into the soil.

Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
124
FME002503
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
affect
affect

and c. There is one delineated wetland in Section O-9 north of the fence (Table b).
125
FME002504
Shrubland
Castor Bean/Buffelgrass Shrubland 0.611
Vegetation
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 71.097
126
FME002505

Vegetation
Huisache Woodland / Shrubland 0.540
Vegetation 2.616
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 70.340

WL2 PEM O-9 2.62 0.24
Walker’s manioc
Walker’s manioc was not observed in this section. Possible habitat for the potential
occurrence of Walker’s manioc was located in the Granjeno tract of the LRGV NWR.
The quality of this habitat was determined to be medium.
Texas ayenia
Texas ayenia was not observed in this section. Possible habitat for the potential
occurrence of Texas ayenia was located in the Granjeno tract of the LRGV NWR. The
quality of this habitat was determined to be medium. According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data, Texas ayenia was on one acre in deep shade of Texas ebony (Anacua
Woodland), from 1977 through 1988.
127
FME002506
Section O-9 is characterized predominantly by agricultural fields (plowed, fallow, corn,
sugarcane). There is a small section of residential development and also resacas or cut-off
oxbows near a huge, deep ravine lined with towering sugarberry trees located south of the
alignment. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic
The Llano Grande Banco tract will be abutted by the concrete fence for a total of
approximately 0.6 miles.
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Progresso International Bridge has
been constructed in O-9. The Hidalgo County Outer Loop along Military 281 HWY is

Direct Effects
128
FME002507
Vegetation
Huisache Woodland / Shrubland 0.037
0.038
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 18.832
129
FME002508
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 34.576
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 1.878
Indirect Effects
Effects)
130
FME002509
10. East Progresso POE (Section O-10)

The East Progresso POE segment is a fence O-9
and road project to be implemented near the

east Progresso POE in Hidalgo County, Texas
and is expected to be completed by the end of
2008. The project is approximately 2.33 miles
long and will start at the east side of the
Progreso POE and continue along the
USIBWC levee ROW for 2.33 miles (Figure
22).

Action Area
two existing construction access roads, and two construction staging areas totaling 11.03

the fence. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include concrete flood protection
impermeable to wildlife. Four access gate and ramp will be installed to provide access to
land owners, routine patrol operations, and water pumping facilities. Existing roads
(identified in Appendix A, Map 9) will be used for temporary construction access roads.
Fence Construction
131
FME002510
concrete fence.

Walker’s Manioc
or habitat.


into the soil.

132
FME002511
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).

STATUS
affect
affect
affect
133
FME002512

and c. There is one delineated wetland in Section O-10 north of the fence (Table b).
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 43.352
134
FME002513

Herbaceous
Vegetation
Vegetation 0.163
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 43.350

Route B
WL ID WL Type Section Size (acres)
Impacts (acres)
WL1 PEM/PSS O-10 0.42 0.02
Walker’s manioc
Walker’s manioc was not observed in this section during the October and December 2007
surveys (e2M 2008). Possible habitat for the potential occurrence of Walker’s manioc
was located in the Granjeno tract of the LRGV NWR. The quality of this habitat was
determined to be low.
Texas ayenia
Texas ayenia was not observed in this section during the October and December 2007
surveys (e2M 2008). Possible habitat for the potential occurrence of Texas ayenia was
located in the Granjeno tract of the LRGV NWR. The quality of this habitat was
determined to be low.
135
FME002514
Section O-10 primarily crosses agricultural fields (sugarcane, fallow, plowed). Canals
and stands of giant reed occur throughout the section. The Rosario Banco tract of
LRVNWR is crossed by the alignment along this section. Rosario Banco is a previously
disturbed site undergoing re-growth; on the easternmost portion of the tract, the
buffelgrass and switchgrass stands are dense, tall, and difficult to navigate on foot.
Scattered trees and shrubs characterizing this tract include honey mesquite, spiny
hackberry or granjeno, retama, sugarberry, Chinaberry, lime pricklyash, and bluewood
condalia. Near the western edge of this tract, the woodland stand provides dense cover
resulting in bare ground in the understory. Although no rare plant species were observed,
a Mexican tree frog occurred on a sugarberry leaf within the Rosario Banco tract. This
section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community and adjacent
to the Mid-Delta Thorn Forest.
The Rosario Banco tract will be traversed by the concrete fence for a total of
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Progresso International Bridge has
been constructed in O-10. The Hidalgo County Outer Loop along Military 281 HWY is

Direct Effects
136
FME002515
Herbaceous
Vegetation
0.050
Vegetation
Wetland/Riparian
Other Land Use
Grand Total 11.409
137
FME002516
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 35.859
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 11.031
138
FME002517
Indirect Effects
Effects)
11. Unnamed Border Patrol Road 1 (Section O-11)

The Joe’s Bar-Nemo Road POE segment is a fence and road project to be implemented
near Joe’s Bar and Nemo Road in Cameron County, Texas and is expected to be
start at the point where the USIBWC levee meets the Santa Maria Canal and end at a
point on Benson Road to the north of Villitas Banco tract of the LRGVNWR (Figure 23).

Action Area
patrol road construction activities, two existing construction access roads, and three
construction staging areas totaling 28.8 acres (Appendix A, Map 10). The area of
individual staging areas is detailed below. Additionally, all land extending beyond the
300-foot noise attenuation line, between the Rio Grande and the project site are included
in the Action Area.

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be bollard fence (Fence Type P-2). The
tactical infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC levee for 2.3 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Wildlife openings would be placed into the bollard
fence and the entire section will be permeable to wildlife. Two access gates will be
installed for access to land owners, water pumping facilities. Existing roads (identified in
Fence Construction
Type P-2) is described under the RGV Program Tactical Infrastructure Description of the
to the project site using tractor trailers using the construction access roads presented in
Appendix A, Map 10. The storing and staging of equipment will occur in the staging
139
FME002518
areas presented in Appendix A, Map 10. Construction access areas and staging areas will
be temporarily used for the duration of construction; after project completion, roads will
be returned to current use, and staging areas will be restored to original condition.
Thirty-five 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV Program Description
of the Proposed Action - Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed
in the bollard fence (Fence Type P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Map 10.
road on the top of the levee to the new road that is being built along the north side of the
primary pedestrian fence.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Thirty-five wildlife openings
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
140
FME002519

STATUS
affect
South Texas ambrosia, Ambrosia Endangered No effect
cheiranthifolia
Texas ayenia, Ayenia limitaris Endangered No effect

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-11 are presented in Table a. There is one
delineated wetland in Section O-11 (see Table b).
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Total 21.150
Grand Total 43.397

WL23 PFO along ditch O-11 3.25 0.96
141
FME002520
South Texas ambrosia

South Texas ambrosia was not observed in this section, and the habitat for the potential
occurrence of South Texas ambrosia was not found during the October and December
2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-11 traverses a portion of the TPWD Anaqua WMA. The woodland stands are
characterized by lead tree or tepeguahe, spiny hackberry or granjeno, sugarberry,
huisache, Chinaberry, anaqua, and lime pricklyash. The understory is characterized by
lantana species, Turk’s cap, several species of vines or lianas, including the least
snoutbean, dewberry, ivy treebine, and peppervine. There was no suitable habitat for
listed plant species within this WMA, confirmed by on-the-ground surveys. The
remainder of this section outside of the WMA consisted of fallow agricultural fields. This
The Las Palomas WMA will be traversed by the fence for a total of approximately 0.6
miles.
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. TXDOT proposes road expansion and
to SH 100. Northwest of O-11, TXDOT proposes to realign US 281 from the Hidalgo
County line to FM 2556. A telecommunication tower has been built in Santa Maria.

Direct Effects
142
FME002521
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 17.145
143
FME002522
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 33.763
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Total Other Land Use 341
Grand Total 11.266
144
FME002523
Indirect Effects
Effects)
12. Weaver’s Mountain (Section O-12)

The Weaver’s Mountain segment is a fence and road project to be implemented near
Weaver’s Mountain in Cameron County, Texas and is expected to be completed by the
end of 2008. The project is approximately 0.96 miles long and will start at a point where
the USIBWC levee intersects Yellow Barn Road nee Las Ruisas and end on the west side
of Trevino Road, north of the Harlingen pump station (Figure 24).

Action Area
two existing construction access roads, and two construction staging areas totaling 3.75

the fence. The pedestrian fence will be bollard fence (Fence Type P-2). The tactical
infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC levee for a total of 0.96 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Thirty-five wildlife openings would be placed into the
bollard fence and section will be impermeable to wildlife One access gate will be
installed for land owners to access water pumping facilities. Existing roads (identified in
Fence Construction
145
FME002524
Proposed Action - Construction section. Additionally, 0.38 miles of fence on levee
would require driving sheet piles.
All equipment and materials will be transported to the project site using tractor trailers
using the construction access roads presented in Appendix A, Map 11. The storing and
staging of equipment and materials will occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix
A, Map 11. Construction access areas and staging areas will be temporarily used for the
duration of construction; after project completion, roads will be returned to current use,
and staging areas will be restored to original condition. Thirty-five 8.5 by 11-inch
Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed in the bollard fence
(Fence Type P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Map 11.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Twenty-three wildlife openings
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
146
FME002525
STATUS
affect
cheiranthifolia

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-12 are presented in Table a. There is one
delineated wetland in Section O-12 (see Table b). According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data there were three jaguarundi observations in the vicinity of O-12 between
1988 and 1989.

Windmill Grass Herbaceous Vegetation 2.216
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 17.782
147
FME002526
Route B
Size (acres)
WL25 POW/PFO/PEM O-12 1.08 0

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-12 is characterized by a large sugarcane field, disturbed brush tract with little
floristic diversity (mostly switchgrass and huisache), and the city of Harlingen Canal. The
southern portion of the canal was lined with a thin band of tall trees, primarily anaqua,
Chinaberry, spiny hackberry or granjeno, sugarberry, Texas ebony, honey mesquite,
huisache, and retama. Rare plant surveys were conducted, but were unsuccessful within
this section. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic
to SH 100.

Direct Effects
148
FME002527
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Total Woodland 2.371
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 6.958
149
FME002528
Vegetation 0.556
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 19.321
150
FME002529
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 3.756
Indirect Effects
Effects)
13. West Los Indios POE (Section O-13)

The W Los Indios POE is a fence and road project to be implemented near San Benito in
Cameron County, Texas and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The project
is approximately 1.59 miles long and will start at a point where the San Benito Canal
intersects with the USIBWC levee ROW and end at the farm to market road (FM) 509 on
the west side of the Los Indios POE (Figure 25).
Action Area
patrol road construction activities, one existing construction access road, and a 4.6-acre
construction staging area (Appendix A, Map 11). Additionally, all land extending
151
FME002530
beyond the 300-foot noise attenuation line, between the Rio Grande and the project site
tactical infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC levee for a total of 1.59 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Wildlife opening would be placed into the bollard
fence and the entire section will be permeable to wildlife. Two access gates will be
installed for access to land owners, water pumping facilities and routine patrol operations.
Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 11) will be used for temporary
Fence Construction
areas presented in Appendix A, map 11. Construction access areas and staging areas will
Thirty-five 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV Program Description
of the Proposed Action - Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed
in the bollard fence (Fence Type P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Map 11.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Thirty-five wildlife openings
152
FME002531
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
South Texas ambrosia, Ambrosia endangered No effect
cheiranthifolia

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-13 are presented in Table a. There are six
delineated wetlands in Section O-13 (see Table b).
153
FME002532
Shrubland
Ratama Shrubland 2.881
Vegetation
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 29.926
Table b. Delineated Wetlands in Section O-13
Route B
Size (acres)
WL26 PSS/POW/PEM O-13 0.79 0
WL29 PFO/PEM O-13 0.09 0
WL30 PFO/PSS O-13 0.18 0
WL31 PSS/PEM O-13 0.14 0
WL32 PEM O-13 0.14 0
WL33 PEM O-13 0.44 0.08
Total 0.08

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
154
FME002533
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-13 crosses agricultural fields (sorghum and fallow), primarily. The southern
end of the section lies adjacent to LRGV NWR tract. There was no listed plant habitat
within this section, nor were rare plants observed in the on-the-ground survey. This
The Culebron Banco NWR tract will be abutted by the fence for a total of approximately
0.22 miles.
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Los Indios International Bridge
has been constructed between O-13 and O-14, and a Border Safety Inspection facility is
to be built adjacent to the bridge. TXDOT proposes road expansion and realignment just
north of Section O-7 along Military 281 Hwy from Pharr, TX to connect to SH 100.

Direct Effects
155
FME002534
Grassland
Shrubland
Giant Reed Shrubland / Herbaceous
Vegetation 0.124
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 11.652
156
FME002535
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Open Water Pond / Lake
Other Land Use
Grand Total 4.103
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Grand Total 2.001
157
FME002536
Indirect Effects
Effects)
14. East Los Indios POE (Section O-14)

The East Los Indios POE is a fence and
road project to be implemented near Los
Indios in Cameron County, Texas and is
expected to be completed by the end of
2008. The project is approximately 3.59
miles long and will start at a point on the
USIBWC levee ROW near Avila Road
east of the Los Indios POE and end at the
USIBW levee in an area known as East of
Landrum’s House, south of US Route 281
(Figure 26).
Action Area
four existing construction access roads, and four construction staging areas totaling 2.19

the fence. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include bollard (Fence Type P-2) (1
mile) and bollard floating (Fence Type P-3B-15) (2.59 miles). The tactical infrastructure
will follow along the USIBWC levee for a total of 3.59 miles of the U.S./Mexico
international border. Twelve wildlife opening would be placed into 1 mile of bollard
fence and approximately 2.59 miles will be impermeable to wildlife. Three access gates
will be installed for access to land owners, agricultural operations and routine patrol
operations. Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 11) will be used for
158
FME002537
Fence Construction
section. Additionally, 2.59 miles of fence on levee would require driving sheet piles at
edge of the USIBWC levee to build up a flat ledge to install floating fence on ledge to
avoid impacts to operation and maintenance of canal and seepage ditch and avoid
relocation of residents north of levee toe.
using the construction access roads presented in Appendix A, Map 11. The storing and
staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix A, Map 11.
areas will be restored to original condition. Twelve 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings
P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Map 11.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Twelve wildlife openings will
also be placed in this fence section.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
159
FME002538
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
cheiranthifolia
affect

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-14 are presented in Table a. There are no
delineated wetlands in Section O-14.
160
FME002539
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 66.322

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008). According to Natureserve and TXPWD data, Texas ayenia was observed in the
vicinity of Section O-14 on Mercedes clay of the Rio Grande alluvium in tall thornscrub
woodland with litter covered soil, in 2001 and 2002.
Section O-14 lies adjacent to and parallels a canal for its entire length. The canal corridor
was predominantly lined with Bermuda grass. No rare plant species were observed in this
highly disturbed section, nor was suitable habitat observed. This section occurs within the
Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community and adjacent to the Mid-Delta Thorn
Forest.
161
FME002540
include trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Los Indios International Bridge
has been constructed between O-13 and O-14, and a Border Safety Inspection facility is
to be built adjacent to the bridge. TXDOT proposes road expansion and realignment just
north of Section O-7 along Military 281 Hwy from Pharr, TX to connect to SH 100.

Direct Effects
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 26.338
162
FME002541
Smartweed Herbaceous Vegetation 0.066
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 29.515
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 2.192
163
FME002542
Indirect Effects
Effects)
15. Triangle - La Paloma (Section O-15)

The Triangle – La Paloma segment is a fence and road project to be implemented near La
Paloma in Cameron County, Texas and is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
The project is approximately 1.93 miles long and will start at point where the USIBWC
levee ROW and end at a dirt road known as Garza Sandpit Road (Figure 27).

Action Area
patrol road construction activities, three existing construction access roads, and two
in the Action Area.

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be bollard (Fence Type P-2). The tactical
infrastructure will follow along theUSIBWC levee for 1.93 miles of the U.S./Mexico
international border. Wildlife opening would be placed into the bollard fence and the
entire section will permeable to wildlife. Two access gates will be installed for access to
land owners, farming operations, gravel pit access, and routine patrol operations.
Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 12) will be used for temporary
Fence Construction
164
FME002543
Thirty-three 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV Program
Description of the Proposed Action - Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will
also be placed in bollard fence (P-2), in the locations of Appendix A, Map 12.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Thirty-three wildlife openings
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
165
FME002544

STATUS
affect
cheiranthifolia
affect

Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 34.700
166
FME002545

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008). According to Natureserve and TXPWD data, Texas ayenia was observed in the
vicinity of Section O-15 on one acre on dry alluvial soils in thickets from 1932 through
1939.
Section O-15 is characterized largely by agricultural fields (fallow and sugarcane) and
residential land use. There was no rare plant habitat within this section, nor were rare
plant species observed during on-the-ground surveys. This section occurs within the Mid-
Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community and adjacent to the Mid-Delta Thorn Forest.
The Vaqueteria Banco NWR tract will be traversed by the fence for a total of
to SH 100.

Direct Effects
167
FME002546
Grassland
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 13.726
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 11.757
168
FME002547
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 1.653
Indirect Effects
Effects)
16. Unnamed Border Patrol Road 2 - Estero (Section O-16)

The Ho Chi Minh – Estero segment is a
fence and road project to be
implemented near Encantada-Ranchito
El Calaboz in Cameron County, Texas O-16
and is expected to be completed by the
end of 2008. The project is
approximately 2.45 miles long and will
start at Section O-16 and end at the
western boundary of the Tahuachal
Banco tract of LRGVNWR (Figure 28).

Action Area
169
FME002548

patrol road construction activities, three existing construction access roads, and a 1.11-
acre construction staging area (Appendix A, Map 12). Additionally, all land extending
beyond the 300-foot noise attenuation line, between the Rio Grande and the project site

tactical infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC levee for 2.45 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Wildlife opening would be placed into the bollard
fence and the entire section will permeable to wildlife. One access gate will be installed
for access to land owners, water pumping facilities, agricultural operations, and routine
patrol operations. Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 12) will be used for
Fence Construction
Twenty-four 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV Program
Description of the Proposed Action - Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will
also be placed in the fence, in the locations of Appendix A, Map 12.
170
FME002549

All General BMPs and BMPs specific to the ocelot and jaguarundi, listed under the
Overall Description of the Proposed Action are applicable to this fence section to avoid
and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Twenty-four wildlife openings will also
be placed in this fence section.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).


STATUS
affect
South Texas ambrosia, Ambrosia Endangered Not likely to adversely

171
FME002550
Shrubland
Vegetation
Woodland and Forest
Chinaberry Woodland 0.441
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 39.303

2007 surveys (e2m 2008). According to Natureserve and TXPWD data, South Texas
ambrosia was observed in open, plain soils that remain dry for long periods, between
1932 and 1938.
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-16 is characterized by agricultural fields and residential neighborhoods. There
was one very small woodland stand or patch, but it was highly disturbed and contained no
listed plant species habitat. Surveys were conducted and no rare plant species were
observed. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic
172
FME002551
to SH 100.

Direct Effects

Grassland
Shrubland
Giant Reed Shrubland / Herbaceous
Vegetation 0.114
Woodland and Forest
Chinaberry Woodland 0.319
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 17.464
173
FME002552
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 20.962
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 0.912
174
FME002553
Indirect Effects
Effects)
17. Proposed Carmen Rd Freight Train Bridge (Section O-17)
The Proposed Carmen Rd Freight Train Bridge segment is a fence and road project to be
implemented near Carmen Road in Cameron County, Texas and is expected to be
start at a point on the USBWC levee ROW south of San Pedro and end at a point where
the levee turns south at the River Bend gold community (Figure 29).

Action Area
patrol road construction activities, two existing construction access roads, and two
in the Action Area.

the fence. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include picket-style bollard (Fence
Type P-1). The tactical infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC levee for 1.63
miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. Eight wildlife opening would be placed
into 1.17 mile of picket-style bollard fence and approximately 0.44 miles will be
impermeable to wildlife. Two access gates will be installed to provide access to
government, land owners, and farming operations. Existing roads (identified in
Fence Construction
will be completed before moving to the next. The construction of picket-style bollard
fence (Fence Type P-1) is described under the RGV Program Tactical Infrastructure
175
FME002554
Description of the Proposed Action - Construction section. All equipment and materials
will be transported to the project site using tractor trailers using the construction access
roads presented in Appendix A, Map 13. The storing and staging of equipment will
occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix A, Map 13. Construction access areas
and staging areas will be temporarily used for the duration of construction; after project
original condition. Eight 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV
Program Description of the Proposed Action - Tactical Infrastructure Construction
section) will also be placed in picket-style bollard fence (Fence Type P-1), in the
locations of Appendix A, Map 13.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Eight wildlife openings will
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
176
FME002555

STATUS
affect
cheiranthifolia

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-17 are presented in Table a. There are two
delineated wetlands in Section O-17 (see Table b). According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data there were four jaguarundi observations in the vicinity of O-17 between
1991 and 1992.
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 30.178
177
FME002556

Route B
Size (acres)
WL19 PEM/POW O-17 0.5 0
WL20 PSS/PEM O-17 2.65 0.21
Total 0.21

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-17 crosses agricultural fields, a canal edge, and nearby residential or
commercial property containing abandoned vehicles. There was one small shrub
herbaceous tract with low species diversity (mostly switchgrass, sparse honey mesquite,
retama, spiny hackberry, or granjeno overstory). Within this tract there was an unusual
and tiny mesic depression supporting water-clover along the saturated margin. All areas
within this section have been disturbed, and there was no listed plant habitat or species
observed. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic
Grande” and the Brownsville Weir (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline ),
USIBWC flood control projects including raising Donna- Brownsville levee system, and
Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road maintenance. Union
Pacific Railroad proposes to construct and alternate rail, “West Rail” that will cross the
Rio Grande between O-17 and O-18.

Direct Effects
178
FME002557
Grassland
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 11.885
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Land Use
Grand Total 0.669
179
FME002558
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 3.167
Indirect Effects
Effects)
18. Proposed Flor De Mayo POE to Garden Park (Section O-18)

The Proposed Flor De Mayo to Garden Park segment is a fence and road project to be
implemented near the Flor De Mayo POE in Cameron County, Texas and is expected to
be completed by the end of 2008. The project is approximately 3.58 miles long and will
start at a section where USIBWC ROW intersects the Flor De Mayo and end at Garden
Park (Figure 30).

Action Area
patrol road construction activities, four existing construction access roads, and four
in the Action Area.
180
FME002559

infrastructure to include primary pedestrian fence and a patrol road on the southside of
the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be picket-style bollard fence (Fence Type P-
1). The tactical infrastructure will follow along the USIBWC for 3.58 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Wildlife opening would be placed into the picket-style
bollard fence and the entire section will permeable to wildlife. Six access gates will be
installed for access to land owners, farming operations, and government access. Existing
roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 14) will be used for temporary construction access
roads.
Fence Construction
original condition. Twenty-eight 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV
section) will also be placed in the bollard fence, in the locations of Appendix A, Map 14.
road on the top of the levee to the new road that is being built along the south side of the

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Twenty-eight wildlife openings
181
FME002560
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
cheiranthifolia
affect

the 150-foot survey corridor within Section O-18 are presented in Table a. There are
three delineated wetlands in Section O-18 (see Table b). According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data there were three jaguarundi observations in the vicinity of O-18 between
1991 and 1992.
182
FME002561
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Tepeguahe Woodland 2.972
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 66.037

WL36 PFO O-18 0.04 0
WL37 PEM/PSS O-18 0.17 0
WL38 POW/PEM O-18 0.68 0
Total 0

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008). According to Natureserve and TXPWD data, Texas ayenia was observed under
cultivation in the vicinity of Section O-18 from 1945 through 1963.
183
FME002562
Section O-18 includes approximately 3.58 miles that crosses agricultural land and parcels
of re-vegetated habitat. A single stand of tepeguahe woodland from 10 m–15 m tall was
examined, as was a retama shrubland, which has invaded nonnative grassland habitat to
form herbaceous shrublands and short-stature woodlands in Section O-18. Suitable
habitat for listed plant species does not occur in this section, nor were individual rare
plants observed during on-the-ground surveys. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley
Riparian Woodland biotic community and adjacent to the Mid-Delta Thorn Forest.
The Palo Blanco and Phillips Banco NWR tracts will be traversed or abutted by the fence
for a total of approximately 1.37 miles.
Grande” and the Brownsville Weir (see RGV Program – Environmental Baseline ),
USIBWC flood control projects including raising Donna- Brownsville levee system, and
Border Patrol activities that include trimming of brush and road maintenance. Union
Pacific Railroad proposes to construct and alternate rail, “West Rail” that will cross the
Rio Grande between O-17 and O-18. A 480’ guyed tower has been constructed between
O-18 and O-19.
Direct Effects
184
FME002563
Grassland
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 26.237
185
FME002564
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 30.480
186
FME002565
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 4.727
Indirect Effects
Effects)
19. Brownsville &Matamoros (B&M) POE to Los Tomates (Section O-19)
The B&M POE to Los Tomates segment is a fence and road project to be implemented
near the B&M POE in Cameron County, Texas and is expected to be completed by the
end of 2008. The project is approximately 3.37 miles long and will start at the B&M
POE and end at Los Tomates (Figure 31).

Action Area
patrol road construction activities, four existing construction access roads, and two
187
FME002566
in the Action Area.

the fence. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include picket-style bollard (Fence
Type P-1) (3.18 miles) and bollard floating (Fence Type P-3B-15) (0.19 miles) fence.
The tactical infrastructure will follow along the private ;levee known as Public Utilities
Board (PUB) levee for 3.37 miles of the U.S./Mexico international border. Wildlife
opening would be placed into 3.18 miles of bollard fence and approximately 0.19 miles
will be impermeable to wildlife. Fiveaccess gates will be installed for access to land
owners, farming operations, recreation (golfing), and government access. Existing roads
(identified in Appendix A, Map 15) will be used for temporary construction access roads.
Fence Construction
fence (Fence Type P-1) and bollard floating fence (Fence Type P-3B-15) is described
under the RGV Program Tactical Infrastructure Description of the Proposed Action -
Construction section. All equipment and materials will be transported to the project site
using tractor trailers using the construction access roads presented in Appendix A, Map
15. The storing and staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas presented in
Appendix A, Map 15. Construction access areas and staging areas will be temporarily
used for the duration of construction; after project completion, roads will be returned to
current use, and staging areas will be restored to original condition. Twenty-one 8.5 by
11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV Program Description of the Proposed
Action - Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed in the bollard
fence, in the locations of Appendix A, Map 15.
188
FME002567

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Twenty-one wildlife openings
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
STATUS
affect
South Texas ambrosia, Ambrosia endangered No effect
cheiranthifolia

189
FME002568
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 61.526

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-19 is characterized by extensive hay fields. In some segments of Section O-19,
windmill grass has become established as the dominant grass, forming nearly pure stands
on levee banks and extensive monotypic stands occupy grass hay pastures. There is no
suitable habitat for rare plant species, nor were rare plants observed during on-the-ground
surveys. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community
and adjacent to the Mid-Delta Thorn Forest.
Grande”, USIBWC Flood Control program, and the Brownsville Weir (see RGV
Program – Environmental Baseline ), other USIBWC flood control projects including
raising Donna- Brownsville levee system, and Border Patrol activities that include
trimming of brush and road maintenance. Union Pacific Railroad proposes to construct
190
FME002569
and alternate rail, “West Rail” that will cross the Rio Grande between O-17 and O-18. A
480’ guyed tower has been constructed between O-18 and O-19. The B&M International
Bridge has been constructed in the area. A 480’ guyed tower has been constructed
between O-18 and O-19.

Direct Effects
Grassland
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 24.610
191
FME002570
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 16.060
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 4.830
192
FME002571
Indirect Effects
Effects)
20. Tomates Y (Section O-20)

The Tomates Y segment is a fence and
road project to be implemented near the
Veterans International Bridge in
Cameron County, Texas and is expected
to be completed by the end of 2008. The O-19
project is approximately 0.93 miles long

and will start at Los Tomates and end at
the Veterans International Bridge (Figure
32).

Action Area
patrol road construction activities, one existing construction access roads, and two
in the Action Area.

the fence. The primary pedestrian fence will be picket-style bollard fence (Fence Type P-
1). The tactical infrastructure will follow along the Rio Grande for 0.93 miles of the
U.S./Mexico international border. Eleven wildlife openings would be placed into the
picket-style bollard fence and the entire 0.93 miles will permeable to wildlife. One
access gates will be installed for access to land owners, City, and other government
access. Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Map 15) will be used for temporary
193
FME002572
Fence Construction
original condition. Eleven 8.5 by 11-inch wildlife openings (described in the RGV
section) will also be placed in the bollard fence, in the locations of Appendix A, Map 15.

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Eleven wildlife openings will
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).
194
FME002573

STATUS
affect
cheiranthifolia

delineated wetlands in Section O-20 (see Table b). According to Natureserve and
TXPWD data there were observations of an ocelot in the LRGV NWR in the vicinity of
Section O-20 between 1989 and 1991.
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Black Willow Woodland / Shrubland 0.160
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 17.315
195
FME002574

WL18 PSS/PEM O-20 0.02 0
WL57 PFO O-20 0.4 0
Total 0

2007 surveys (e2m 2008).
Texas ayenia
2008).
Section O-20 is characterized by pastures. In some segments of Section O-20, windmill
grass has become established as the dominant grass, forming nearly pure stands on levee
banks and extensive, monotypic stands occupy grass hay pastures. There is no suitable
habitat for rare plant species, nor were rare plants observed during on-the-ground
surveys. This section occurs within the Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic community
and marginally within the Sabal Palm Forest.
The Jeronimo Banco NWR tract will be abutted by approximately 0.28 miles of fence.
trimming of brush and road maintenance. The B&M, Gateway and Los Tomates
International Bridges have been constructed in the area. University of Texas at
Brownsville (UTB) proposes to build a new recreation center on land leased from
USIBWC in O-20 and also proposes to install a waterline through the levee in Section O-
20.
Direct Effects
196
FME002575
Grassland
Shrubland
Shrubland Total 0.219
Woodland and Forest
Woodland Total 0.082
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 6.788
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Land Use
Grand Total 1.207
197
FME002576
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Land Use
Grand Total 1.235
Indirect Effects
Effects)
21. Veteran’s International POE to Sea Shell Inn (Section O-21)
The International POE to Sea Shell

Inn segment is a fence and road
project to be implemented near the
Veterans International Bridge in
Cameron County, Texas and is
expected to be completed by the O-21
end of 2008. The project is

approximately 12.99 miles long and
will start at the Veterans
International Bridge and end at the
Sea Shell Inn (Figure 33).

Action Area
198
FME002577
Appendix A, Maps 15-17). These are the areas affected by the proposed action. Three
fourteen existing construction access roads, and six construction staging areas totaling
26.4 acres (Appendix A, Maps 15-17). The area of individual staging areas is detailed
below. Additionally, all land extending beyond the 1,800-foot noise attenuation line,

the fence. The types of primary pedestrian fence will include bollard fence (Fence Type
P-2) (10.13 miles) and bollard floating fence (P-3B-15) (2.77 miles). The tactical
infrastructure will follow along the Rio Grande for 12.99 miles of the U.S./Mexico
international border. Eighty-six wildlife opening would be placed into 10.45 miles of
bollard fence and approximately 2.53 miles will be impermeable to wildlife. Nineteen
access gates will be installed for access to agricultural operations, land owners, water
pumping facilities, public areas, commercial areas, and routine patrol operations.
Existing roads (identified in Appendix A, Maps 15-17) will be used for temporary
Fence Construction
section will take approximately 130 days to complete. The installation of each fence
panel will be completed before moving to the next. The construction of bollard fence
(Fence Type P-2) and bollard floating fence (Fence Type P-3B-15) is described under the
RGV Program Tactical Infrastructure Description of the Proposed Action - Construction
section. Additionally, 0.36 miles of fence on levee would require driving sheet piles at
edge of USIBWC levee to build flat ledge to install floating fence on ledge to avoid
historical structures (Brulay Plantation).
using the construction access roads presented in Appendix A, Maps 15-17. The storing
and staging of equipment will occur in the staging areas presented in Appendix A, Maps
15-7. Construction access areas and staging areas will be temporarily used for the
duration of construction; after project completion, roads will be returned to current use,
and staging areas will be restored to original condition. Eighty-six 8.5 by 11-inch
Tactical Infrastructure Construction section) will also be placed in the bollard fence, in
the locations of Appendix A, Maps 15-17.
199
FME002578

to avoid and minimize effects on federally-listed species. Eighty-six wildlife openings
will also be placed in this fence section. Additionally, BMPs specific to South Texas
ambrosia are applicable to this fence section.

substances, to south Texas ambrosia populations and occupied habitat. Surveys
should be conducted on all intact south Texas ambrosia habitat and potential
habitat in coastal grassland of Cameron counties prior to initiation of activities

south Texas ambrosia populations and occupied habitat, the impacts to the
 Prevent or control buffelgrass, Kleberg bluestem, and other invasive plants

from colonizing sites following disturbance.
habitat of south Texas ambrosia.

impacts to south Texas ambrosia populations and habitat. Compensation may be
200
FME002579
 South Texas ambrosia habitat that has been destroyed shall be replaced
through acquisition and donation of similar quantity and quality of habitat to
an approved conservation organization.
 South Texas ambrosia habitat that is degraded through vegetation impacts,
condition that is consistent with long-term survival and growth of the south
Texas ambrosia population.
 Individual south Texas ambrosia plants that have been destroyed may be
replaced through propagation and reintroduction of south Texas ambrosia
developed. South Texas ambrosia has been successfully propagated by San
Antonio Botanical Gardens and Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center
(NRCS). Compensation for destroyed individuals of star cactus shall consist
of ten or more propagated, reintroduced plants for each individual destroyed.
Monitoring
Pre-Construction
Monitoring (above).
During Construction
Monitoring (above).
Post-Construction
Monitoring (above).

STATUS
affect
201
FME002580
South Texas ambrosia, Ambrosia endangered Not likely to adversely

affect

delineated wetlands in Section O-20 (see Table b).
According to Natureserve and TXPWD data there have been numerous observations of
jaguarundi at LANWR and in the vicinity of Section O-21. One occurred in 1990; one
was found as road kill (date not reported); two observations between 1989 and 1990; and
thirty-two were observed in Tamaulipan thornscrub of dense honey mesquite, Texas
ebony and huisache between 1987and 1993. A radio-collared male ocelot was monitored
between 1990 and 1991 in the vicinity of O-21 and one was observed in the Sabal Palm
Grove Sanctuary between 1988 and 1991.
202
FME002581
Shrubland
Vegetation
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Land Use
Grand Total 229.853

WL46 PFO/PEM O-21 0.27 0
WL47 POW/PEM O-21 1.82 0
Total 0

South Texas ambrosia was not observed in this section. However, the habitat for the
potential occurrence of South Texas ambrosia was found during the October and
December 2007 surveys (e2m 2008). This was identified as good quality habitat.
Texas ayenia
Texas ayenia was not observed in this section. However, the habitat for the potential
occurrence of Texas ayenia was found during the October and December 2007 surveys
(e2m 2008). This was identified as good quality habitat.
203
FME002582
Section O-21 is predominantly agricultural land. Sabal palms are common within
proposed Section O-21 as scattered individuals, linear clumps, and patches and stands
where they persist as seedlings, tall shrubs, and as trees up to 20 m tall. Only a few sabal
palm trees were observed in other proposed project sections and those occurred as tall
shrubs or palmettos. The LRGV NWR Boscaje de La Palma tract, located in the
southernmost bend of the Rio Grande near Brownsville, was established to preserve sabal
palm forest and woodland habitat. In addition, two short-stature huisache woodland
stands were observed near the eastern end of Section O-21. The rare plant species listed
for Cameron County were sought, but were not observed in the project corridor. The
sabal palm is itself a species of limited distribution and stands have been mapped to more
accurately describe potential project-related impacts. This section occurs within the Sabal
Palm Forest and Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland biotic communities.
The Boscaje de la Palma NWR tract will be transversed and abutted by approximately
0.57 miles of fence. And the Southmost Ranch NWR tract will be abutted by
approximately 1.13 miles of fence.
trimming of brush and road maintenance. The Port of Brownsville International Bridge is
proposed to be built in this area and Los Tomates International Bridges has been
constructed in the area. Verizon proposes to build a 120’ cell tower near the Southmost
Ranch.

Direct Effects
204
FME002583
Grassland
Shrubland
Shrubland Total 4.691
Woodland and Forest
Woodland Total 9.647
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 94.460
205
FME002584
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Open Water
Other Land Use
Grand Total 55.031
206
FME002585
Shrubland
Woodland and Forest
Other Land Use
Grand Total 25.148
Indirect Effects
Effects)
Note: Though the information from the references below was used in evaluating the
effects of the propose action, not all references are now included in the body of this
document above.
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207
FME002586
Benn, S. 1997. Endangered feline population and habitat enhancement. Final Report,
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FME002587
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Eaton, R. 1977. Breeding biology and propagation of the ocelot (Leopardus [Felis]
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Emmons, L.H. 1990. Neotropical rainforest mammals: a field guide. University of

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Fischer, C.V. 1998. Habitat use by free-ranging felids in an agroecosystem. M.S. thesis,
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FME002379

RioGrande Valley Project 4-18-08

RIO GRANDE VALLEY PROJECT

• Built 15 to 18 feet high and extend below ground

• Capable of withstanding vandalism, cutting, or various types of penetration

Figure 3. Diagram of a Pickett-style Bollard (Fence Type P-1)

Figure 4. Diagram of Bollard (Fence Type P-2)

Figure 5. Cross Section of Typical Floating Fence (Fence Type P-3B-15)

Figure 6. Diagram of Bollard-Style Floating Fence (Fence Type P-3B-15)

Figure 7. Cross – Section of Concrete Retaining Wall (Fence Type M-1)

Figure 8. Illustration of Typical Flood Protection Structure/Concrete Fence

phases of construction will be accomplished using heavier diesel, earthmoving

Bollard Fence (O-1 through O-3 and O-11 through O-21)

Figure 9. Diagram of 8.5-inch by 11-inch Wildlife Openings.

Concrete Retaining Wall (Fence Type M-1), O-1

Concrete Flood Protection Structure/Concrete Fence (Southern Toe of Levee), O-

It is estimated that 23 construction crews would work simultaneously on the construction

Project Footprint, Sections O-4 through O-10

Figure 10. [Add Schematic of Typical Project Footprint]

Best management Practices (BMPs)

sensitivity of the species to human activities, legal protection afforded these

1. Project Reports. For construction and maintenance projects (e.g., primary

2. Relocation of individuals of federally listed plants found in the project area is

5. Where, based on species location maps and/or results of surveys, individuals of a

13. The perimeter of all areas to be disturbed during construction or maintenance

28. A CBP-approved spill protection plan will be developed and implemented at

32. Waste management may be of special concern at staging areas, detainee

42. To prevent entrapment of wildlife species during emplacement of vertical

Species Specific BMPs

1. Pre-construction surveys will identify any ocelot habitat in or adjacent to the

2. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of ocelot

4. Removal of wetland habitat, dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation will be

5. Removal of dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation within the conservation

6. Impermeable fences/barriers will not be constructed that bisect or fragment ocelot

7. If freshwater sources are limited, impermeable barriers will not be constructed

8. Artificial lighting will be avoided or minimized wherever possible, with

10. Documentation of ocelots in project and activity areas will be reported to

1. Pre-construction surveys will identify any jaguarundi habitat in or adjacent to the

2. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of jaguarundi

4. Removal of wetland habitat, dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation will be

5. Removal of dense thorn scrub or riparian vegetation within the conservation

6. Impermeable fences/barriers will not be constructed that bisect or fragment

7. If freshwater sources are limited, impermeable barriers will not be constructed

2. Prevent or control guineagrass and other invasive plants from colonizing

3. Minimize permanent impacts to individual populations and habitats.

4. Reduce the duration of impacts to populations and habitats.

5. Where it is necessary to temporarily remove vegetation, cut plants above ground

a. Above ground cutting only in demonstrably high-quality Texas ayenia

6. Suitable habitat (determined in coordination with USFWS) of Texas ayenia that

conservation seed banks. Successful propagation methods have been developed

1. Pre-construction surveys will identify any ocelot habitat in or adjacent to the

2. Pre-construction surveys will identify any jaguarundi habitat in or adjacent to the

development of the post-construction report. The designated biological monitor

2. Where, based on species location maps and/or results of surveys, individuals of a

3. If an individual of a federally listed animal species is found in the designated

4. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of ocelot

5. During construction or maintenance activities in or within 500 feet of jaguarundi

restoration plan. Training to identify non-native invasive plants will be provided

6. To compensate for the temporary disturbance impacts of lights in Section O-1 to

7. To compensate for the temporary disturbance impacts of noise, 0.025:1 acre of

Description of the key species and their habitats

Gulf Coast Jaguarundi

RGV Program Environmental Baseline