Department of the Interior Co,rv,non Grnd CIi,,,, fer thr V ,IVy EId,rh rry Loghorr Brr Or

ued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to

l project applicants needing incidental take authorization

ction l0(a)(l)(B) permit in developing measures to avoid

lley elderberry longhorn beetle. The Service will revise

e. The most recently issued version ofthese guidelines

cts and habitat restoration plans. The survey and

w are designed to avoid any adverse effects to the valley

overy permit is not needed to survey for the beetle or its

s. If you are interested in a recovery permit for research

onal Office at (503) 231-2063.

ackground lnformstion

(Desmocerus californicus dimorplass), was listed as a 

Federal Regtster 45: 52803-52807). This animal is filly

es Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The

le) is completely dependent on its host plant, elderberry

on component of the remaining riparian forests and

s Central Valley. Use ofthe elderberry by the beetle, a 

ntly, the only exterior evidence ofthe elderberry’s use by

larva just prior to the pupal stage. The life cycle takes 

mal spends mmt ofits life in the larval stage, living within

t emergence is from late March through June, about the 

wers. The adult stagu is short-lived. Further information on 

distribution of the beetle can be found in a report by Barr

eetle (USFWS 1984).

Surveys

Proposed project Sites within the range ofthe valley elderberry longhorn beetle should be

surveyed for the presence of the beetle and its elderberry host plant by a qualified biologist. The

beetles range extends throughout Califomia’s Central Valley and associated foothills from about

the 3.000-foot elevation contour on the east and the watershed of the Central Valley on the west (Figure 1). All or portions of3l enunties are incli.ded: Alameda, Amalor, Butte, Calaneras,

Coluss, Contra Costa, El l)orado, Fresno, Glenn. Kern, Kings, Lake, Madera, Mariposa, Merced,

Napa, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Shasta, Solano,

Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama. Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba.

If elderberry plants with one or more stems measuring 1.0 inch or greater in diameter at ground

level occur on or adjacent to the proposed project site, or are otherwise located where they may

be directly or indirectly affected by the proposed action, minimization measures which include

planting replacement habitat (conservation planting) are required (Table 1).

All elderberry shrubs with one or more stems measuring 1.0 inch or earer in diameter at ground

level that occur on or adjacent to a proposed project site must be thoroughly searched for beetle

exit holes (extemal evidence of beetle presence). In addition, all elderberry Stems one inch or greater in diameter at ground level must be tallied by diamcter size class (Table I). As outlined

in Table I, the numbers of elderberry seedlings/cuttings and associated riparian native

trees/shrubs tube planted as replacement habitat are determined by stern size class of affected

elderberry shrubs, presence or absence of exit holes, and whether a proposed project lies in a riparian or non-ripsrian area.

Elderberry plants with no stems measuring 1.0 inch or greater in diameter at ground level are unlikely to be habitat for the beetle because oftheir small size and/or immaturity. Therefore, no minimization measures are required for removal of elderberry plants with no stems measuring

1.0 inch or greater in diameter at ground level with no exit holes. Surveys ate valid for a period

oftwo years.

Avoid and Protect Habitat Whenever Pcasible

Project Sites that rb not contain beetle habitat are preferred. If suitable habitat for the beetle occurs on the project site, or within close proximity where beetles will be affected by the project.

these areas must be designated as avoidance areas and must be protected from disturbance during

the construction and operation of the project. When possible, projects should be designed such

that avoidance areas are connected with adjacent habitat to prevent ftagtnentation and isolation of

beetle populations. Any beetle habitat that cannot be avoided as described below should be

considered impacted and appropriate minimization measures should be proposed as described

below.

ANT) WLDLIFE SERVICE

nto Fish and Wildlife Office

ottage Way, Room W-2605

amento, California 95825

rvation Guidelines for the

Elderberry brnghorn Beetle

9 July 1999

2
Ca,servetton Guidelines fur the V ulley Etdeeb my Laughor,. Beetle Cons. notiot, Guidelines for the Volley Eldeeberty Longhorn Beetle

Avoidance: Establishment and Maintenance of a Buffer Zone

Complete avoidance (i.e., no adverse effects) may be assumed when a 100-foot (or wider) buffer

is established and maintained around elderberry plants containing stems measuring 1.0 inch or

greater in dismeter at ground level. Firebreslcs may not be included in the buffer zone. In buffer

areas construction-related disturbance should be minimized, and any damagrd area should be

promptly restored following construction. The Service must be consulted before any

disturbances within the buffer area are considered. In addition, the Service must be provided

with a map identifying the avoidance area and written details describing avoidance measures.

Protective Measures

1. Fence and flag all areas to be avoided during construction activities. In areas where

encroachment on the 100-foot buffer has been approved by the Service, provide a

minimum setback of at least 20 feet from the dripline of each elderberry plant.

2. Brief contractors on the need to avoid damaging the elderberry plants and the possible

penalties for not complying with these requimonents.

3. Erect signs every 50 feet along the edge ofthe avoidance area with the following

information: ‘This area is habitat ofthe valley elderberry longhorn beetle, a threatened

species, and must not be disturbed. This species is protected by the Endangered Spedes

Act of 1973, as amended. Violators are subject to prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.’

The signs should be clearly readable from a distance of 20 feet, and must be maintained

for the duration of construction.

4. Instruct work crews about the status of the beetle and the need to protect its elderberry

host plant.

Restoration and Maintenance

I. Restore any damage done to the buffer area (area within 100 feet of elderberry plants)

during construction. Provide erosion control and re-vegetate with appropriate native

plants.

2. Buffer areas must continue to be protected after construction from adverse effects of the

prsect Measures such as fencing, signs, weesbng, and trash removal are usually

appropriate.

3. No insecticides, berbicides, fertilizers, or other dremicals that might harm the beetle or its

host plant should be used in the buffer areas, or within 100 feet of any elderberry plant

with one or more sterns measuring 1.0 arch or great in diameter at ground level.

4. The applicant must provide a written description of 

restored, protected, and maintained after constructio

5. Mowing ofgrasses/ground cover may occur from Ju

hazard. No mowing should occur within five (5) fee

must be done in a manner that avoids damaging plan

careless use of mowing/trimming equipment).

Transplant Elderberry Plants That Can

Elderberryplants must be tranaplanted if they can not be av

elderberry plants with one or more stems measuring 1.0 inc

level must be transplanted to a conservation area (see below

that is unlikely to survive transplantation because of poor co

would be extremely difficult to move because of access pro

transplantation. In cases where transplantation is not possibl

may be increased to offset the additional habitat loss.

Trimming of elderberry plants (e.g., pruning along roadway

more stems 1.0 inch or greater in diameter at ground level, m

Therefore, trimming is subject to appropriate minimization 

I. Monitor. A qualified biologist (monitor) must be on

transplanting of the elderberry plants to insure that n

elderberry longhorn beetle occurs, ifunauthorized t

authority to stop work until corrective measures hav

immediately report any unauthorized take ofthe bee

the California Department of Fish and Game.

2. Timing. Transplant elderberryplants when the plant

November through the first two weeks in February, 

Transplanting during the non-growing season will re

transplantation success.

3. Transplanting Procedure. 

a. Cut the plant back 3 to 6 fret from the groun

(whichever is taller) by removing branches a

trunk and all stems measuring 1.0 inch or gre

should be replanted. Any leaves remaining o

3
rbeny Longhorn Beetle Conservation Guidelines fov the Valley Elderberty Longhorn Beetle

equate size to receive the transplant.

ng a Vemeer spade. backhoe, front end loader, or other

ldng as much ofthe root ball as possible, and replant

nservation area. Move the plant only by the root ball. Ifthe

nd transplanted off site, secure the root ball with wire and

Dampen the burlap with water, aa necessary, to ksep the root

e roots dry out. Care should be taken to ensure tint the soil

around the roots of the transplant. Ifthe site receiving the

ve adequate soil moisture, pee-wet the soil a day or two

t beat least 1,800 square feet for each elderheny transplant.

e planted so that its top is level with the existing ground.

ciently so that settlement does not occur. As many as 6ve

ry plantings (cuttings or seedlings) and up to five (5)

es plantings (see below) may also be planted within the

with the transplant. The transplant and each new planting

atering basin measuring at least three (3) feet in diameter.

d have a continuous berm measuring approximately eight

base and six (6) inches high.

water. Do not use fertili.zers or other supplements or paint

pruning substances, as the effects ofthese compounds on

n.

additional watering is necessary. If the soil is sandy and

ay nesd to be watered weekly or twice monthly. ifthe soil

rained, it may not be necessary to water after the initial

most transplants require watering through the first summer.

m and tinan is ideal. However, in situations wirere this is

uck or other apparatus maybe used.

dditional Seedlings or Cuttings

nch or greater in diameter at ground level that is advamely

d) must be replaced, in the conservation area, with

atio ranging from 1:1 to 8:1 (new plantings to affected

and explained in Table I. Stock of either seedlings or

l sources. Cuttings maybe obtained from the plants to be

e vicinity of the conservation area. If the Service

on the proposed project site are unsuitable candidates for

transplanting, the Service may allow the applicant to plant seedlings or cuttings at higher than the

stated ratios in Table I for each elderberry plant that cannot be transplanted.

Plant Associated Native Species

Studies have found that the beetle is more abundant in dense native plant communities with a mature overstoty and a mixed understory. Thnefore. a mix of native plants associated with the

elderberry plants at the project site or similar daes will be planted at ratios ranging from 1:1 to

2:1 [native tree/plant species to each elderberry seedling orcutting (see Table I)]. These native

plantings must be monitored with the same survival criteria used for the elderberry seedlings (see

below). Stock ofsaplings, cuttings, and seedlings should be obtained from local sources. If the

parent stock is obtained from a distance greater than one mile from the conservation area,

approval by the Service of the native plant donor sites must be obtained prior to initiation of the

revegetation work. Planting or axeding the conaxrvation area with native herbaceous spectes is

encouraged. Establishing native grasses and forbs may discourage unwanted non-native species

from becoming established or persisting at the conservation area. Only stock from local sources should be used.

Examples

Example I

The project will adversely affect beetle habitat on a vaant lot on the land side of a river

levee. This levee now separates beetle habitat on the vacant lot from extant Great Valley

Mixed Riparian Forest (Holland 1986) adjacent to the river. However, it is clear that the

beetle habitat located on the vacant lot was part of a more extensive mixed tiparian forest

ecosystem extending farther from the river’s edge prior to agricultural development and

levee construction. Therefore, the beetle habitat on site is considered riparian. A total of two elderberry plants with at least one stem measuring 1.0 inch or greater in diameter at

ground level will be affected by the proposed action. The two plants have a total of 15 stems measuring over 1.0 inch. No exit holes were found on either plant. Ten ofthe

Stems are between 1.0 and 3.0 inches in diameter and five of the stems are greater than

5.0 inches in diameter. The conservation area is suited for riparian forest habitat.

Associated natives adjacent to the conservation area are box elder (Acer negundo

californica), walnut (Juglans califomica var. hindaii), sycamore (Platanus racemosa),

cottonwood (Populus fremontii), willow (Salix gooddingii and S. lacvigata), white alder

(Alnus rhombifolia), ash (Fraxinus latifolia). button willow (Cephalanthus occidentalis),

and wild grape (Vitis cslifomica).

6
Conservution Guidelines for the V olloy Plderb my Longhorn Bee tie Conservntioo Guidelines for the Volley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

Minimization (based on ratios in Table 1):

Transplant the two elderberty plants that will be affected to the conservation

area.

Plant 40 elderberry rootedcuttings (10 affected ttems compensated at 2:1 ratio

and 5 affected stems compensated at 4:1 ratio, cuttings planted:stems affected)

Plant 40 associated native species (ratio of associated natives to elderberry

plantings is 1:1 in areas with no exit holes):

5 saplings each of box elder, sycamore, and cottonwood

5 willow seedlings

5 white alder seedlings

5 saplings each of walnut and ash

3 Califomia button willow

2 wild grape vinm

Total: 40 associated native species

Total area required is a minimum of 1,800 sq. ft. for one to five elderberry

seedlings and up to 5 associated natives. Since, a total of 80 plants must be

planted (40 elderberries and 40 associated natives), a total of 0.33 acre (14,480

square feet) will be required for conservation plantings. The conservation area

will be seeded and planted with native grasses and forbs, and closely monitored

mid maintained throughout the monitoring period.

Example 2

The project will adversely affect beetle habitat in Blue Ctelc Woodland (Holland 1986).

One elderberry plant with at least one stem measuring 1.0 inch or neater in diameter at

ground level will be affected by the proposed action. The plant has a total of 10 stems

measuring over 1.0 inch. Exit holes were found on the plant Five ofthe stemt are

between 1.0 and 3.0 inches in diameter and five of the stems are between 3.0 and 5.0

inches in diameter. The conservation area is suited for elderberry savanna (non-riparian

habitat). Associated natives adjacent to the conservation area are willow (Salix species),

blue oak (Quercus douglasii), interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), sycamore, poison oak

(Toxicodendron diversilobum), and wild grape.

Minimization (based on ratios in Table I):

• Transplant the one elderberry plant that will be affected to the conservation area.

• Plant 30 elderberry seedlings (5 affected stems compensated at 2:1 ratio and 5

affected stems compensated at 4:1 ratio, cuttings planted:stems affected)

• Plant 60 associated native species (ratio of a

plantings is 2:1 in areas with exit holes):

20 saplings of blue oak, 20 saplings o

willow, and seed and plant with a mix

• Total area required is a minimum of 1,800 s

seedlings and up to 5 associated natives. Sinc

planted (30 elderberries and 60 associated nat

square feet) will be required for conservation 

will be seeded and planted with native grasse

and maintained throughout the monitoring pe

Conservation Aim—Provide Habitt5 for the 

The conservation area is distinct from the avoidance area (th

serves to receive and protect the transplanted elderberry plan

native plantings. The Service may accept proposals for ofls

appropriate.

Size. The conservation area must provide at least 1,

elderberry plant. As many as 10 conservation plantin

seedlings and/or associated native plants) may be pla

with each transplanted elderberry. An additional 1,8

every additional 10 conservation plants. Each planti

basin measuring approximately three feet in diamete

constructed with a continuous berm measuring appro

base and six inches high.

The planting density specified above is primarily for 

habitats with naturally dense cover. Ifthe conservati

elderberry savanna, oak woodland) more ares mayb

Contact the Service for assistance ifthe above planti

appropriate for the proposed conservation area.

No area to be maintained as a firebreak may be coun

avoidance area, the conservation area should connec

possible, to prevent isolation of beetle populations.

Depending on adjacent land use, a buffer area may a

conservation area and the adjacent lands. For exam

7 8
berry Longhorn Bertle Conae,-var,on Guidelines forthe Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

yards. These chemicals may drift or runoff Onto the

ate buffer area is not provided.

onservation area must be protected in peipetuity as habitat

horn beetle A conservation easement or deed iestrictions to

must be arranged Conservation areas may be transferred to

ate private organization for long-term management. The

h a map and written details identil’ing the conservation

eceive approval from the Service that the conservation ares

g the conservation program. A true, recorded copy of the

sement, or deed restrictions protecting the conservation area

d to the Service before project implementation.

ded to ensure that the conservation area managed in

t dedicate an endowment fund for this purpose, and

at will be responsible for long-term management of the

e must be provided with written documentation that

he ccoservation area (items 3-8 above) will be provided in

her plants tint ate not native to the conservation area must

r, or at the diseretion of the Service and the California

Mechanical means should be used; herbicides are

the Service.

l. Measures must be taken to insure that no pesticides,

chemical agents enter the conservation area. No spraying

within one 100 feet ofthe area, or ifthey have the potential

o the area in the opinion of biologists or law enforcement

the California Department of Fish and Game.

f trash or other material may orcur within the conservation

n matenal found deposited within the conservation area

orking days of discovery.

mtat be placed completely around the conservation area to

off-road vehicles, equestrians, and other parties that might

of the beetle, unless approved by the Service. The

appanval from the Senice that the fenang is acceptable

rvation program. The fence must be malatained in

ed/replaced within 10 working days if isis found to be

arms may be male available to tIn public for appropriate

ppotlunities with written approval from the Service. In

these cases appropriate fencing and signs informing the public ofthe beetle’s threatened

status and its natural history and ecology should be used and maintained in perpetuity.

7. Signs. A minimum of two prominent signs must be placed and maintained in peipetuity

at the conservation area, unless otherwise approwd by the Service. The signs should note

that the site is habitat of the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle and, if

appropriate, include information on the beetles natural history and ecology. The signs must be approved by the Service. The signs must be repaired or rqalaced within 10

working days if they ate found to be damaged or destroyed.

Monitoring

The population of valley elderberry longhorn beetles, the general condition of the conservation

ares, and the condition of the elderberry and associated native plantings in the conservation area must be monitored over a period of either ten (10) consecutive yearn or for seven (7) years over a 15-year period. The applicent may elect either 10 ysars of monitoring with surveys and reports

every year; or IS years of monitoring, with surveys and reports on years 1,2,3,5, 7, 10. and 15.

The conservation plan provided by the applicant must state which monitoring schedule will be

followed. No change in monitoring schedule will be accepted after the project is initiated. If

conservation planting is done in stages (i.e.. not all planting is implemented in the same time

period), each stage of conservation planting will have a different start date for the required

monitoring time.

Surveys. In any survey year, a minimum of two site visits between Fthrusry 14 and June30 of

each year must be mede by a qualified biologist Surveys must include:

I. A population census ofthe adult beetles, including the number ofbeetles

observed, their condition, behavior, and their precee locations. Visual counts

must be used; mark-recapture or other methods involving handling or harassment

must not be used.

2. A census of beetle exit holes in elderberry stems, noting their precise locations

and estimated apes.

3. An evaluation ofthe elderberry plants and associated native plants on the site, and on the conservation area, if disjunct. including the number of plants, their size and

condition.

4. An evaluation of the adequacy of the fencing signs, and weal control efforts in

the avoidance and conservation areas.

9 10
5. A general assessment of the habitat, including any red orpotential threats to the Conservotion Guidetines forthe Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

beetle and its host plants, such as etosion, fire, exceesive grazing, off-road vehicle

use, vandalism, excessive weed growth, etc. applicant’s replacement responsibilities arising from circumsplants damaged or killed as a result of severe flooding or van

The materials and methods lobe used in the monitoring studies must be reviewed and approved

by the Service. All appropriate Federal pennits must be obtained prior to initiating the field

Service Contact

studies. These guidelines were preparerl by the Endangered Species D

Reports. A written report, presenting and analyzing the data from the project monitixing, must Fish and Wildlife Office. If you have questions regarding th

be prepared by a qualified biologist in each ofthe wars in which a monitoring survey is required, the most recent guidelines, telephone (916)414-6600, or wr

Copies of the report must be submitted by December31 of the same war to the Service (Chief of

Endangered Species, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office), and the Department of Fish and

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servi

Game (Supervisor; Environmental Services, Department of Fish and Gsme, 1416 Ninth Streat,

Ecological Services

Sacramento, California 95814; and Staff Zoologist, California Natural Diversity Data Base,

2800 Cottage Way, W-2605

Department of Fish and Game, 1220 S Street, Sacramesto, California 95814). The report mist

Sacramento, CA 95825

explicitly address the status and progress of the transplanted and planted elderberry and

associated native plants and trees, as well as any failings of the conservation plan and the steps

taken to coffect them. Any observations of beetles or fresh exit holes must be noted Copies of

original field notes, raw data, and photographs of the conservation area must be included with the

report A vicinitymap of the site sndmaps showing where the individual adult beetles and etch I

holes were observed must be included. For the elderbeny and associated native plants, the I

survival rate, condition, and size ofthe plants must be analyzed. Real and likely fisture threats

must be addressed along with suggested remedies and preventative sceasures (e.g. limiting public

access, more frequent removal ofinvasive non-native vegetation, etc.).

A copy of eh monitoring rq,ort, along with the original field notes, photographs, I

correspondence, and all other pertinent material, should be deposited at the California Academy I

of Sciences (Librarian, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA I

94118) by December31 ofthe year that monitoring is done and the report is prepared. The

Service’s Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office should be provided with a copy ofthe receipt

from the Academy library acknowledging receipt of the material, or the library catalog number

assigned to it.

Access. Biologists and law enforcement personnel from the California Department of Fish and

Game and the Service must be given complete sccess to the project site to monitor transplanting

activities. Personnel from both these agencies must be given complete access to the project and

the conservation area to monitor the beetle and its habitat in perpetuity.

Success Criteria

A minimum survival rate of at least 60 percent ofthe elderberry plants and 60 percent ofthe

associated native plants must be maintained throughout the monitoring period. Within one year

of discovery that survival has dropped below 60 percent. the applicant must replace failed

plantings to bring survival above this level. The Service will make any determination as to the

11 12
erry Longhorn Beetle Conoervnt,on Go,delrnen for the V olloy Elderb er,y Longhorn Beetle

Literature Cited

Barr. C. B. 1991. The distribution, inbitat. and status of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle

Desmocerus californicus dimorphus. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Sacramento.

California.

I __Y_ Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of

California. Unpublished Report. State of California, The Resources Agency, Department

of Fish and Game. Natural Heritage Division. Sacramento, California.

USFWS. 1980. Listing the valley elderberry longhorn beetle as a threatened species with critical

habitat. Federal Register 45:52803-52807.

USFWS. 1984. Recovery plan for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle. U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, Endangered Species Program; Portland. Oregon.

- \-

_

13 14
Conservation Guidelines for the Valley Elderbaiy Longhorn Beetle

Table 1: Minimization ratios based on location (riparian vs. non-riparian), stem

diameter of affected elderberry plants at ground level, and presence or

absence of exit holes.

Loeatiea fstem. (masbosom Esii Heici Elderberry Aaiociaied

diameter at graood oa Sbro,b Seedh..g Native Ploat

level) YIN Ratio’ Ratio’

(qoantify)’

non-riparlon stems> V & < 3 No: :1 1:1

Yes: 2:1 2:1

non-nponon sterno> 3’ & <5” No; 2:1 1:1

Yes: 4:1 2:1

non-nponon stems >=- 5” No: 3:t I :1

Yes: 6:1 2:1

t-ipotian aierna > = I • & < 3” No; 2; I

Yes: 4:1 2:1

riponan sterns> 3” & <5” No: 3:1 1:1

Yen: 6:1 2:1

ñponon Sterno> 5” No: 4:1 1:1

Yes: 8:1 2:1

‘All siamo measuring one Inch or greaiar lit diameter at ground iaveI on a skigle shrub are considered occupied When exit holes are present anywhere on the shrub.

° RatIos 6’ the Elde rbeny Se odllng RatIo column correspond to The number of csttolgs or oeedirgs to be planted per eldotbetey stem (one Inch or greater In diameler at ground level) affected by a project.

Ratios at ihe Associated Native Plant Ratio column correspond to the number of associated native species to be pianted per elderberry (oeedlhig or cutthig) planted.

15