Extracted text (via pymupdf_layout)
37561 characters
Legend Ave W Salome 339th Road Hwy W Southern Ave W Southern Ave Railroad Project Components Sun Streams Expansion Boundary Ave Fence Line 351st Panels 100ft Setbacks* * All other boundary setbacks would be 25' Baseline Rd ° Ave 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 331st Rd Ward Feet Dobbins Rd State Plane Coordinate System North American Datum 1983 Arizona Central Linear Unit: Foot US Maricopa County Map Extent Phoenix ARIZONA SUN STREAMS EXPANSION U.P.R.R. Figure 2 – Project Site Plan Showing Setbacks and Open Space Corridors Map Extent: Maricopa County, Arizona Date: 01-29-21 Author: rnc G:\Sunstreams/MXD's/Sun Streams Expansion W W BASELINE ROAD SALOME HIGHWAY LEGEND FENCED AREA TOTAL PROJECT AREA AREA ADDED TO WILDLIFE CORRIDOR RAILROAD PACIFIC Figure 3 SOUTHERN Optimization of Undeveloped Habitat At Salome / Baseline NORTH Birding Area Maricopa County Planning & Development Department Date: March 04, 2021 (Revised 3/8/2021) Robert Fedorka, P.E. Planning & Development 501 North 44th Street, Suite 200 Memo To: Darren Gerard, AICP, Deputy Director, Department of Planning & Phoenix, Arizona 85008 Phone: (602) 506-7151 Development www.maricopa.gov/planning Email address: Bob.Fedorka@Maricopa.gov Attn: Adam Cannon, Planner, Planning & Development Services From: Robert Fedorka, P.E., Engineering Supervisor, Planning & Development Services cc: Michael Norris, P.E., Engineering Manager, Planning & Development Subject: Z2020075 – Re-Zone & IUPD for Sun Streams Solar Expansion (E3 Memo-Rev) Job Site Address: 33102 W. Baseline Road, Tonopah APN(s): Various // State Land I have reviewed the 3rd submittal Plans and Drainage Report, routed for review on March 4, 2021, for the subject application. PND Engineering review has no objections subject to the following stipulations: STIPULATIONS The following stipulations will apply: 1. Final design of drainage infrastructure shall be based on Rational Method calculations, except in situations where drainage areas significantly exceed 160 acres. 2. Drainage Waiver case DRB2021002 must be approved prior to issuance of building permits. 3. Detailed Grading and Drainage Plans showing the new site improvements must be submitted for the acquisition of building permits. On-site (solar field) areas must be designed in such a manner so that flows area directed to retention basin(s). Basin bleed-offs and overflows must be directed to well defined drainage corridors, to the maximum extent possible. 4. Drainage review of planning and/or zoning cases is for conceptual design only and does not represent final design approval nor shall it entitle applicants to future designs that are not in conformance with Section 1205 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance and the Maricopa County Drainage Policies and Standards. All development and engineering design shall be in conformance with Section 1205 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance and current engineering policies, standards and best practices at the time of application for construction. 5. Owner or owner’s agent shall be responsible for identifying and procuring any permit(s) for disturbance of, or work within delineated jurisdictional (404) washes. 6. Any work within a regulated SFHA (floodplain) will require as Floodplain Use Permit (issued concurrent with the required building permit(s) for the site improvements). 7. Pads for inverters and other electrical equipment; and any buildings within the Zone A or AE Floodplain must be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation or otherwise designed to meet the requirements of the Floodplain Use Regulations. All development and engineering design shall be in conformance with the most current version of the Floodplain Use Regulations for Maricopa County. 8. The following right-of-way preservations shall be required and shown on the plans submitted for building permits: Required Preservations: a. 65’ half width, 130’ full width right-of-way for Salome Highway b. 65’ half width, 130’ full width right-of-way for 331st Avenue c. 55’ half width, 110’ full width right-of-way for Dobbins Road d. 65’ half width, 130’ full width right-of-way for Baseline Road (east of Salome Highway) e. 65’ half width, 130’ full width right-of-way for 339th Avenue (north of Salome Highway) f. 100’ half width right-of-way for Southern Avenue g. 55’ half width right-of-way for 339th Avenue (between Baseline and Dobbins Road) h. 40’ half width right-of-way for 335th Avenue (between Dobbins and South Mountain, and Vineyard and Southern) i. 40’ half width right-of-way for South Mountain Avenue j. 40’ half width right-of-way for Vineyard Road k. 55’ half width right-of-way for Elliot Road l. 55’ half width, 130’ full width right-of-way for Baseline Road (west of Salome Highway) m. 55’ half width right-of-way for 347th Avenue (section line alignment) Please contact me if you have any questions or require clarification of these comments. Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Water & Waste Management Division Subdivision Planning Program Infrastructure & DATE: October 8, 2020 1001 N. Central Avenue #150 Phoenix, Phone: (602) Arizona 372-2907 85004 TO : Adam Cannon, Planning & Development Dept. Fax: (602) 506-5813 Planner TDD 602 506 6704 FROM: Souren Naradikian, P.E. Senior Civil Engineer SUBJECT: Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project. Z2020075 The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) has received documentation for Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project at APS # State Land. According to the submitted documentation Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) and Rezoning (the “Entitlements”) on State Trust land described above, to change the use from Rural Zoning (RU-43) to Industrial with an Industrial Unit Plan of Development (IND-2 IUPD for a Photovoltaic Solar Project). The need for water on the site during operations is minimal, necessary only for needs of employees And possible cleaning of the panels. Operations could include up to eight full-time employees on the site. Potable water needs of these employees will be provided via bottled water or from an ADWR-exempt well. Cleaning of the panels is infrequent so this IUPD indicates one exempt, potable well on site to serve these water needs. This volume of water use does not require a Public Water System. Alternatively, water could be trucked in as needed. The wastewater generated at the facility during operations will be treated with up to two on-site conventional septic tank systems or similar alternative systems as regulated by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and administered by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (NOID). Additionally, portable toilets could be used during operations. Based on the above, MCESD raise no concern for this project to the Planning & Development Department in Accela Automation on October 8, 2020. It should be noted that this document does not approve the referenced project. Comments are provided only as advisory to Maricopa County Planning and Development Department to assist staff to prepare a staff report. Other Maricopa County agencies may have additional requirements. Final review and approval will be made through Planning and Development Department procedures. Applicant may need to submit separate applications to the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department for approval of proposed facilities regulated by the Department. Review of any such application will be based on regulations in force at the time of application. From: Robert Busick To: Adam Cannon (PND) Subject: Z2020075 - 2nd Submittal - Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 9:25:19 AM Attachments: image001.png Good morning, Adam, Regarding case Z2020075: after reviewing the associated 2nd submittal documents, the City of Buckeye has no comment. Take care, ROBErT BUSICK | PLANNEr I | DEVELOpMENT SErVICES CITY OF BUCKEYE | 530 EAST MONrOE AVENUE, BUCKEYE, AZ 85326 O: 623.349.6242 | C: 623.414.2066 | rBUSICK@BUCKEYEAZ.GOV CITY HALL HOURS: MON-THURS 7AM-6PM CLOSED ON FRIDAYS www.buckeyeaz.gov This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual(s) addressed in the message. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute, or copy this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that disclosing, distributing, or copying this e-mail is strictly prohibited. From: Robert Busick To: Adam Cannon (PND) Subject: Z2020075 - 1st Submittal - Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 7:40:52 AM Attachments: image001.png Good morning, Adam: Regarding case Z2020075: after reviewing the associated documents, the City of Buckeye has no comment. Thank you, Robert Busick | Planner I City of Buckeye | Development Services 530 E Monroe Ave| Buckeye, Arizona 85326 P 623-349-6242 | rbusick@buckeyeaz.gov Monday-Thursday 7am-6pm CLOSED FRIDAYS 2020 Census – Everyone Counts in Buckeye! – ¡Todos Cuentan en Buckeye! – www.icount2020.info This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual(s) addressed in the message. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute, or copy this e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that disclosing, distributing, or copying this e-mail is strictly prohibited. From: Peggy Fehlman To: Adam Cannon (PND) Subject: Fwd: Z2020075 - 1st Submittal - Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project Date: Thursday, October 8, 2020 11:37:24 AM Attachments: image002.png image003.png image001.png Thank you for the notification of the above-referenced proposed development. ADOT is neutral on this matter. As such, ADOT has no comment. ADOT traffic engineering may offer additional comments, it is recommended that the developer ascertain if a traffic study or permit will be necessary. We appreciate receiving the notice, and the opportunity to review and comment. I am happy to assist with any other questions or concerns. Kind Regards, Peggy Fehlman Right of Way Coordinator ADOT Central District 2140 W. Hilton Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009 (602)712-6622 Office (480)586-0089 Cell www.azdot.gov ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Adam Cannon (PND) <Thank you for the notification of the above-referenced proposed development. > Date: Wed, Oct 7, 2020 at 10:52 AM Subject: Z2020075 - 1st Submittal - Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project To: tvcc.events@gmail.com <tvcc.events@gmail.com>, dhenning@westvalleyview.com <dhenning@westvalleyview.com>, Robert Rowley (EMG) <ROBERT.ROWLEY@maricopa.gov>, todd.williams@aps.com <todd.williams@aps.com>, dmheisler1@aol.com <dmheisler1@aol.com>, ronsatt@ev1.net <ronsatt@ev1.net>, swilken@azmag.gov <swilken@azmag.gov>, vwolfley@azmag.gov <vwolfley@azmag.gov>, redletter@azdot.gov <redletter@azdot.gov>, Bruce Monson (EMG) <Bruce.Monson@maricopa.gov>, admin@bvfd.az.gov <admin@bvfd.az.gov>, charlotte.shields@aps.com <charlotte.shields@aps.com>, travis.icard@aps.com <travis.icard@aps.com>, Richard Peel (EMG) <Richard.Peel@maricopa.gov>, Madison Wisler (EMG) <Madison.Wisler@maricopa.gov>, mark.burdick@bvfd.az.gov <mark.burdick@bvfd.az.gov>, bhurley@buhsd.org <bhurley@buhsd.org>, chadt@arlingtonk8.org <chadt@arlingtonk8.org>, kirk.waddle@smusd90.org <kirk.waddle@smusd90.org>, thogan@buckeyeaz.gov <thogan@buckeyeaz.gov>, graham.symmonds@gwresources.com <graham.symmonds@gwresources.com>, rongrossltd@cox.net <rongrossltd@cox.net>, tonopahvalleycc@yahoo.com <tonopahvalleycc@yahoo.com>, gritter@azgfd.gov <gritter@azgfd.gov>, mwalsh@azstateparks.gov <mwalsh@azstateparks.gov>, steve_spangle@fws.gov <steve_spangle@fws.gov>, mkillian@azda.gov <mkillian@azda.gov>, rick.moreau@aztvcc.org <rick.moreau@aztvcc.org>, contact@fosmaz.org <contact@fosmaz.org>, scleveland@buckeyeaz.gov <scleveland@buckeyeaz.gov>, I_thompson@MCSO.maricopa.gov <I_thompson@mcso.maricopa.gov>, Andrew Cavalcant <acavalcant@azgfd.gov>, Adam Carreon <ACarreon@azdot.gov> Cc: Adam Cannon (PND) <Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov> Good morning all: This e-mail serves as notification of an application we have received from Sun Streams Expansion, LLC for a Zone Change with Overlay from Rural-43 to IND-2 IUPD for the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project. Applicable documents for review are available on the Online Permit Manager at: https://accela.maricopa.gov/CitizenAccessMCOSS/Default.aspx. You can search for the case by using the Zone Change case number Z2020075. A TAC meeting has been scheduled for November 17, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Please let me know if you would like to attend and I will send you the Go To Meeting access instructions. Best regards, Adam Cannon Planner Maricopa County Planning & Development Department 501 N. 44th Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85008 Desk: 602-372-0292 adam.cannon@maricopa.gov From: David Jacobs To: Adam Cannon (PND) Subject: Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project Z2020075 Date: Thursday, October 8, 2020 4:31:45 PM Adam- Thank you for sending materials related to the zone changes associated with the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project. The expansion of the Sun Streams Solar Project involves several thousands of acres of State Trust Land, and was recently surveyed for cultural resources. Our office received and reviewed that survey required by ASLD in August, 2020, and concurred with its adequacy and findings of "no historic properties affected" for the project. Those findings are appropriate for the zone change. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 602-542-7140 or via e-mail. David Jacobs, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office 10/27/2020 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors 301 West Jefferson Street Phoenix, Arizona 85003 Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission 501 N 44th Street Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85008 Re: Case Z2020075 and CPA2020001 Dear Maricopa County Supervisors and Commissioners, I am writing to convey my strong support of the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project and to encourage its approval for Rezoning and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The economic and social benefits of this project far outweigh its perceived impacts. The 385-megawatt Sun Streams Expansion project would use the clean, unlimited fuel source of the sun to generate enough energy to power approximately 92,000 homes. The project will play an important role in overcoming the energy crisis. Not only will the project help to generate clean renewable energy here in Arizona, but it will also employ hundreds of people and inject millions of dollars into the state and local economy. The project will provide needed construction and service industry jobs. Construction and operation will create new demand for equipment and services from the local community. We are seeing the benefits of solar energy all around us. Solar facilities like Sun Streams Expansion help clean up our air, protect our health, reduce the adverse effects of climate change, and inject economic stimulus to areas around Arlington and Maricopa County. Thank you for your consideration – I am very excited about these projects and the benefits they will bring to our community. Sincerely, David Dean VP of Construction 602-885-4655 david@blountco.com Address: 1353 S Vista Rd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 Web: blountco.com Phone: (480) 985-2112 10/27/2020 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors 301 West Jefferson Street Phoenix, Arizona 85003 Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission 501 N 44th Street Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85008 Re: Case Z2020075 and CPA2020001 Dear Maricopa County Supervisors and Commissioners, I am writing to convey my strong support of the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project and to encourage its approval for Rezoning and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The economic and social benefits of this project far outweigh its perceived impacts. The 385-megawatt Sun Streams Expansion project would use the clean, unlimited fuel source of the sun to generate enough energy to power approximately 92,000 homes. The project will play an important role in overcoming the energy crisis. Not only will the project help to generate clean renewable energy here in Arizona, but it will also employ hundreds of people and inject millions of dollars into the state and local economy. The project will provide needed construction and service industry jobs. Construction and operation will create new demand for equipment and services from the local community. We are seeing the benefits of solar energy all around us. Solar facilities like Sun Streams Expansion help clean up our air, protect our health, reduce the adverse effects of climate change, and inject economic stimulus to areas around Arlington and Maricopa County. Thank you for your consideration – I am very excited about these projects and the benefits they will bring to our community. Sincerely, Steve Gotschall Sr. Project Manager McCarthy Building Companies 602-770-0463 From: Mark Horlings To: Adam Cannon (PND) Subject: Sunstreams Expansion Solar Project, Z20200075 Date: Thursday, March 4, 2021 11:17:23 AM Attachments: MAS Thrashers Summary.docx MAS 1st Solar Cover Ltr to Zoning.docx Hi Adam, I am attaching the Report from the surveyors who studied life in the area, a one page summary of that report, and a cover letter for that summary and the report. I hope these can be included in the materials available to the Commissioners. Thanks for your help with this. Mark Horlings Maricopa Audubon PS: I will send the text of the report separately. The file seems to be too large for this email. 334 W. Palm Lane Phoenix, AZ 85003 March 4, 2021 Commissioners Planning and Zoning Commission for Maricopa County 501 N. 44th Street, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85008 (Via email) Dear Commissioners, Solar Streams Expansion, Case #Z20200075 There’s a reason why this land is known as the “Thrasher Spot.” A survey Maricopa Audubon Society (MAS) commissioned shows that four species of desert birds (LeConte’s, Bendire’s, Crissal and Sage Thrashers) share the territory. Audubon members and birdwatchers from around the country have visited the intersection of the Salome Highway and Baseline for years, hoping to see these birds. These birds survive in a harsh environment to which they are singularly adapted. As the MAS study notes, the feeding and breeding territories they require can be larger than other birds need. However, the MAS study suggests their populations in this area can be protected. Plans for a solar farm on the State Trust Land need to be slightly modified. Also, reasonable restrictions should be added to avoid construction during breeding season and to exclude storage, parking and construction staging from washes and floodplains which First Solar has already said they will not develop. MAS and other Audubon groups support renewable energy. We understand that the species found at the Thrasher Spot have been named as Species of Conservation Concern but not as in danger of extinction. The MAS study demonstrates that these unusual birds persist and can be found throughout the project area. MAS and its members hope the Commission will attach conditions to the zoning changes proposed that will give these birds a fighting chance to survive. Very truly yours, Mark Horlings Chair of the Conservation Committee Maricopa Audubon Society Maricopa Audubon Society Summary of: Thrasher Surveys on Arizona State Trust Lands Proposed for the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project • High Local Diversity: Four Species of Thrasher : “More people have probably seen their “lifer” LeConte’s Thrasher here than any other place in the United States” from Birds of Phoenix and Maricopa County. First formal survey conducted at the Thrasher Spot. • Surveyed 2567 acres of State Land to be included in the First Solar Project. Did not survey on private land. • Four species of Thrasher found: (pps 5-16) o LeConte’s: desert dweller, breeds in the area, does not require drinking water, requires breeding territory of 15 acres and feeding territory of up to 40 acres per breeding pair, rated as a species of Greater Conservation Concern in Arizona’s comprehensive wildlife strategy. o Bendire’s: most common species in the survey area, breeds here and in upland Arizona, breeding territory about 4 acres, total global population fewer than 120,000, species listed as “vulnerable” by IUCN. o Sage: winter in in the area but do not breed in the survey area, second most common species found. o Crissal: winter resident, the rarest in the area, breeds in N. Arizona. o Survey team also found burrowing owls and a kit fox den. • Recommendations: (pps 20-27) o Developer should avoid habitat fragmentation. o First Solar’s plans leave 1000 acres undeveloped but often in wildlife corridors instead of contiguous areas suitable for breeding and feeding habitat. o Solar arrays should be removed from four areas where significant bird populations were found. (Maps of these areas are at pps 24-27) o Construction during breeding season (January through June) for LeConte’s and Bendire’s Thrashers should be restricted. o No structures, parking or construction staging in the 1000 acres not planned for solar panels. o First Solar should conduct studies in future years to gauge the effect of the solar farm on Thrashers. This study provides a baseline for evaluation. Thrasher Surveys On Arizona state lands proposed for the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project LeConte’s (upper left), Crissal (upper right), Sage (center right), Curve-billed (bottom left) and Bendire’s (bottom right) thrashers. Painting by Micah Riegner. Prepared for the Maricopa Chapter of the Audubon Society March 01, 2021 Prepared by: James Holderer & Micah Riegner Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot Table of Contents STUDY BACKGROUND P. 3 Section 1: Introduction Thrasher ecology as it pertains to the study site P. 6 Overview map showing locations and boundaries of the project P. 8 Section 2: Methods Materials, methods, maps of the surveys P. 9 Section 3: Results Maps of data by species, vegetation graphs P.13 Section 4: Discussion & Recommendations Narrative, maps of recommendations P.20 Section 5: Supplemental Information Other species of interest, burrowing owls P.27 Section 6: Literature Cited P.33 Section 7: Acknowledgments P.34 Section 8: Appendices P.35 2 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot STUDY BACKGROUND First Solar, Inc. (via Sun Stream Expansion, LLC) aims to continue their widespread development of solar energy in Maricopa County, in the vicinity of Arlington, AZ, with the Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project. The project area is slated for 2,567 acres of contiguous Arizona State Land Department land and an additional 624 acres of undeveloped private lands1. A popular birding destination, known to birders as the “Thrasher Spot,” is located in the heart of the proposed solar project at the intersection of W Baseline Road and N Salome Highway. Aptly named, the Thrasher Spot is famous for its high local diversity of thrasher species, including the sensitive species LeConte’s and Bendire’s thrashers, among Crissal, Curve-billed, and Sage thrashers, as well. Janet Witzeman and Troy Corman in Birds of Phoenix and Maricopa County, published by the Maricopa Audubon Society, write: “More people have probably seen their ‘lifer’ LeConte’s Thrasher here than any other place in the United States.” However, much of what makes this place enjoyable to birders and hospitable to thrashers stands to be lost in the wake of this solar development. Scientifically informed negotiations with First Solar and Maricopa County Planning will hopefully heed local protections for these species habitat. Fig. 1: Looking SE at the immediate vicinity of the Thrasher Spot, at the corner of Baseline Road and Salome Highway. Photo taken by Micah Riegner. The looming development of solar energy at this location poses a threat to local thrashers. Currently, there have been no avian surveys conducted on the lands First Solar plans to develop. eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) data show numerous observations of LeConte’s and Bendire’s Thrashers at the “The Thrasher Spot” near the planned 1 Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Case: 2020001. p. 2. 3 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot development; however, these sightings are rare beyond a 600m-radius from the parking pull-off, because many birders tend not to travel great distances. The area in which eBird sightings are concentrated comprises a negligible percentage of the overall SSE project acreage; this dataset simply does not depict what we stand to lose. Maricopa Audubon and the Consultants hypothesized that thrasher habitation extends well beyond these small concentrations of eBird data; our hypothesis were tested to be true. First Solar has expressed that they are the “leader in sustainable solar development” and are “…committed to… minimizing the environmental impacts of our products…”2. Specific to the project, this inclination is demonstrated in the Application for a Major Comprehensive Amendment submitted by Sun Stream Expansion, LLC (hereafter SSE); repeatedly, the narrative report asserts that the largest washes would be kept free of development and retain a natural state3. Additionally, the application states a goal of promoting development that mitigates adverse environmental impacts on the natural and cultural environment4. First Solar appears willing to consider, and perhaps alter, project plans in regard to thrasher habitation on-site. We, the consultants, objectively sampled the 2,567 acres of Arizona State Land Department land slated for zone change and development, for these desert thrashers. Private lands were not surveyed. This ornithological study addressed the deficit of thrasher data in the vicinity of the Thrasher Spot. Our data analyses indicate clusters of thrasher activity and advise our recommendations; a review of scientific literature further refines our data analyses and decisions regarding protection priorities. The following report is complete with our methodology, findings, maps, site images, data appendices, and a discussion. GIS data is available upon request. 2 http://www.firstsolar.com/About-Us/Corporate-Responsibility 3 Application for a Major Comprehensive Amendment; p. 10 (p. 27 of CPA2020001). 4 Application for a Major Comprehensive Amendment; p. 9 (p. 26 of CPA2020001). 4 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot Section 1: Introduction The deserts of the Southwest are under increasing pressure, from urban development, agriculture, and climate change, making desert birds some of the fastest declining species in North America. Thrashers fall into this group, which have experienced precipitous declines in recent years5. Thrashers are in the family Mimidae, whose center of diversity is the arid southwestern U.S., where up to 5 species, can occur in the same habitat. They all have relatively dull brown plumage but make up for it with their bright songs, which float exuberantly across the desert. Of all the North American thrashers, LeConte’s is the most specialized per se, residing in the Lower Colorado Subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, one of the harshest corners of North Figure 2: LeConte’s Thrasher in saltbush at the Thrasher Spot. Photo by Micah Riegner. America, where it favors braided washes on gently sloping creosote flats (Corman and Wise- Gervais 2005). Other plant species it associates with include Little-leaf Saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa), Bursages (Ambrosia spp.), Graythorn (Ziziphus obtusifolia), and Wolfberries (Lycium spp.). This bird is truly adapted to life in the desert, able to live without drinking, as it metabolizes water from its food. One of the striking aspects of LeConte’s Thrasher is its propensity to run on the ground rather than fly, often darting from shrub to shrub with its tail cocked up in the air like a roadrunner6. LeConte’s Thrashers remain in pairs throughout the year— a somewhat unusual trait for a passerine. Peak singing for LeConte’s Thrasher is between December and February5; however, the breeding season extends through May6. A study in Maricopa, California found that LeConte’s Thrashers occupy ovate territories 400-450 m long and 200-300 m wide along washes or arroyos7. Nesting territories are an average of 7.34 ha but, over the course of a year, a pair can occupy an area of 10-18 ha8. While the birds are nest building, they will remain within a 150-275 m radius of the nest and, while they are incubating, that radius contracts to 25-80 m. Pairs mate for life and maintain Figure 3: LeConte’s Thrasher foraging at the Thrasher the same territory year after year, and, in Spot. Photo by Micah Riegner. the summer when the birds are least 5 Desmond and Sutton 2020 6 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 7 Sheppard 2018 8 Sheppard 2018 5 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot territorial, home ranges of different pairs will overlap9. Given their habitat specificity and general sparseness, LeConte’s Thrashers are a species of concern on the Red Watch List Partners in Flight10. In Arizona they are listed as a species of Greater Conservation Concern in the 1B tier within the State’s comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy11. Their populations have declined over the years due to urban development and agricultural encroachment and the spread of invasive plants such as Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii), black mustard (Brassica nigra), Mediterranean grass (Schismus barbatus), and Arabian schismus (Schismus arabicus), which choke out native vegetation and bring unprecedented fire to the Sonoran Desert7. They are also sensitive to habitat degradation from ATVs, livestock grazing, and pollutants from agricultural runoff12. Bendire’s Thrasher is another species in serious decline13. It is very similar in appearance to the more common Curve- billed Thrasher but has a shorter bill with a pale base to the lower mandible. It has a relatively small breeding distribution centered in Arizona—its movements are still being worked out. In some parts of its range it is resident, while in other parts it seems to be migratory14. This species breeds in a variety of open habitats throughout the state Figure 4: Bendire’s Thrasher perched in mesquite at from low desertscrub at 500 ft to grasslands the Thrasher Spot. Photo by Micah Riegner. and Pinyon/Juniper woodland at 6100 ft on the Colorado Plateau. It can be found in rural areas as long as there are scattered islands of vegetation. They seem to be most abundant in desertscrub with scattered Paloverdes (Parkinsonia spp.). Males begin to sing and establish territories in January, and peak vocal activity is February-March15. A study in NM suggested territory size of 1.67 ha, comparable to that of Curve-billed Thrashers, which hold territories of 2 ha, and Crissal Thrashers, which hold territories of 2.6 ha16. Like other desert birds, Bendire’s Thrasher numbers fluctuate in response to moisture: their numbers go up after wet years and decline in times of drought17. A 2016 estimate suggested the global population was between 70,000 and 120,000 and expected to decline by 30% in the next 15 years due to a number of factors18. These include overgrazing, 9 Sheppard 2020 10 Kondrat-Smith and Lowery 2018 11 Sheppard 2020 12 Sheppard 2020 13 (Desmond and Sutton 2020) 14 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 15 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 16 Desmond and Sutton 2020 17 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 18 Desmond and Sutton 2020 6 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot development, invasive plants, and displacement by Curve-billed Thrashers19. This species is classified as vulnerable under IUCN. Sage Thrashers are another common winter resident at the “Thrasher Spot.” These birds breed from northern Arizona20 up into Idaho and spend the winter in the Sonoran Desert. As for all migratory birds, wintering sites are just as important as breeding sites and must not be underestimated for their conservation value. Crissal Thrasher also occurs at the Thrasher Spot. These birds occur widely throughout Arizona and in numerous habitats that offer dense vegetation21. Figure 5: Sage Thrasher perched at the Thrasher Spot. Photo by Micah Riegner. Figure 6: Every morning at sunrise during the second survey we were delighted by this LeConte Thrasher’s cheerful song ringing through our camp. Photo by Micah Riegner. 19 Desert Thrasher Working Group. 2018. 20 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 21 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 7 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot Figure 7: This map depicts the entire Sun Streams Expansion Solar Project, which consists of ASLD and private lands. The study area consists only of ASLD lands. 8 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot Section 2: Materials & Methods Materials Binoculars GPS Cameras Audio Drone Recording Vortex Crossfire Gaia GPS for Nikon COOLPIX Tascam DJI Mavic Mini 8x42 iPhone P100 recorder Swarovski SLC Input for Sony RX10 IV Sennheiser 10x42 iPhone me66 mic Methods Area search surveys22 were completed for thrashers during January 3-5 and February 4-6, 2021, in order to coincide with peak vocal activity for thrashers23. Due to the implicit site fidelity of these thrasher species, with repeated visits, one can begin to ascertain where the thrashers have their territories. We conducted two visits, Surveys started at 0715 just before sunrise and lasted throughout the day (10 hours) if the wind didn’t pick up. Volunteers from Maricopa Audubon assisted in the survey, mostly to help spot birds. Our survey protocols were advised by those found in Desert Thrasher Working Group (2018) and Jongsomjit et al. (2012). The habitat at the “Thrasher Spot” is Sonoran Desertscrub within the Lower Colorado Subdivision of the Sonoran Desert24. The main north-south drainage, hereafter “Thrasher Wash”, running through the central part of the proposed development is dominated by Littleleaf Saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa) with ribbons of Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) and Foothill Paloverde (Parkinsonia microphylla) defining the ephemeral waterways. As one moves out of the drainage of soft clay deposits into the more gravel-covered uplands, the Saltbush gradually fades into Creosote (Larrea tridentata). These “Creosote Uplands,” as we refer to them, are dotted with islands of Mesquite and Paloverde with occasional Saguaros and Barrel Cacti. The entire survey area was partitioned into a grid of 300m x 300m frames25, which resulted in about 168 frames. These grids were uploaded into GPS applications, and were taken into the field with each surveyor. Surveyors systematically walked each frame, meandering back and forth as to flush any hidden thrashers on the ground. When a species of interest was located, its location and other variables were noted. Approximately 20-30 minutes were spent in each frame; when vegetation was denser, survey times increased. Our species of interest were: Bendire’s Thrasher, LeConte’s Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, and Loggerhead Shrikes. 22 Ralph et al. 1993 23 Corman and Wise-Gervais 2005 24 Brown 1982 25 The Desert Thrasher Working Group 2018 9 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot Data collection was facilitated by the “Input” iPhone application, developed by Lutra Consulting. Forms were prepared in QGIS and uploaded into the Input app. When a species of interest was located, its georeferenced location and the following variables were recorded into the application: species, number of individuals at that point, dominant vegetation type (Creosote uplands, Saltbush, Saltbush/Creosote, Mesquite/palo verde terraces, Mesquite/saltbush terraces, Mesquite/creosote patches), and any other pertinent information. If we managed to observe a bird as it moved unperturbed through its habitat, we created a polygon of its movements using a polygon collection feature on the app. Data were then synced at the end of each day using a cloud data management service called Mergin, which seamlessly transfers data into our desktop GIS application, QGIS. It took us a total of 3 days per visit surveying all day to thoroughly cover the entire proposed development. In addition to the survey data, we made eBird lists for each day and opportunistically took photos and made recordings of the birds we encountered. A drone was used to obtain high-quality aerial photos of the study area. On occasion, other features of conservation interest would be located during surveys. While surveying, one active Desert Kit Fox and one active Burrowing Owl colony were identified. Opportunistically, we set up a couple of Bushnell Camera traps at an active Kit Fox den (33.382023 o N, 112.783369oW) and a Burrowing Owl den (33.389024oN, 112.777468oW) to document their presence at the site. These cameras were set to film for 1 minute every 30 seconds and placed roughly 1 m off the ground. Data were analyzed and prepared using the free and open source GIS platform, QGIS. 10 Holderer & Riegner 2021 Thrasher Surveys at the Thrasher Spot The following three maps depict the locations of 168 study frames, formatted in a grid. Each frame is 300 m2, with several exceptions made to retrofit the geometry of the study area. The intent of this grid design is to facilitate a systematic, complete study of the entire project area, rather then a sampling method aimed at performing a comparative analysis between plots. 11 Holderer & Riegner 2021