Invertebrate Species Survey

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The purpose of this Agreement is to conduct invertebrate species surveys and rare plant surveys at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. Invertebrate species surveys have been conducted at NAWS China Lake since 1994. Invertebrate species with management concerns include giant fairy shrimp, butterflies, Argus land snail, Jerusalem cricket, dune cockroach, Darwin Tiemann’s beetle, scarab beetle, and weevils. In order to better manage these species, it is important to understand the distribution of and habitats occupied by them. The endangered plant census will focus on the Lane Mountain milk-vetch (Astragalus jaegerianus) that is federally listed as endangered. This plant grows up through other shrubs and may be found in the Superior Valley portion of the Mojave B south test complex. These surveys are necessary to identify Lane Mountain milk-vetch habitat so that it can be protected from impacts due to military activities. The Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) for the installation has identified invertebrate species surveys and Lane Mountain milk-vetch surveys as important prerequisites for management and protection of these species. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to implement these surveys and censuses that are required by the INRMP.

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