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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS552CONFI:.J EHT IAL: PRIVILEGED WORK PR ODUC T PR EPARED IN ANTICIPATION OF LiTIG AT ION; RESTRICTED DISTR IBUTION I ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FOil: WILDLIFE AND BOTANICAL RESOURCES IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION PLANNING HAII.ZA-EBASCO StJSITNA JOINT VENnJRE 711 H mEET ANCHOIACC, ALA!!X.A 99SOI BY: LGL A1.ASlA II!SI!AlCH ASSOCJA11!S, INC. ~ W. NOJl11fEI1( lJGHTS BLVD. ANCHOIAG£, Al.ASIA MD ~NUMIID: 1 DATt: JAil 2 1 ~ SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT WILDLIFE AND BOTANICAL RESOURCES UIPACT ASSESSMENT AND l'!ITIGATIO!\ PLA..."rniNG Sl"MMARY Report b~· LG L Alaska Research Associates, Inc. Under Contract to P.arza-Ebasco Susitna Joir.t Venture Prepared for Alaska Power Authority REVISION I FEBRUARY 198 5 , '- C i S 1 hlr.:i.. .1~.-'J -' PREFACE This document provides an overview of potential impacts of tne Susitna Hydroelectric Project on wildlife and botanical re- sources of the project area, and indicates t~e status of plan- nin~ to mitigate those impacts. The purpose is to provide a working record of impact assessment and miti~ation planning in the form of a summary that is updated periodically . During the course of major enerRY development projects, the tracking of environaental concerns from impact assesSEent through miti- gation proposals and subsequent action can become a cumbersome process. The followin~ summary is organized in matrix format to ease this process and to provide quick reference to current impact and mitigation reasoning. This record is presented to encourage input by all interested parties and to inform decision-makers of the current state of thou~ht concerning relevant resource issues. Much of the information contained in this planning summary is based on Exhibit E of the project license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commis~ion {FERC) {APA 1983a). How- ever, many of the impact assessments and mitigation plans pre.- sented in the license application have been ccnsiderably re- fined since license application s ubmittal in February 1983, with additional quantificat ion and detail achieved through further baseline study and data analysis. ~pda tes and refine- ments are being documented on a continuing basis in successive revisions of the project ~iti~ation Plan for ~ildlife and Botanical Resources {LGt. 1985) and in individual reports pre- pared by project biologists. The planning summary provides an ongoing tracking system for these updates and refinements, and contains references to the appropriate source documents. Descriptions of ongoing and planned s tudies are from the Alaska Power Authority's Fiscal Year 1985 plan of study for terrestrial programs . For completeness, all potential botanical and wildlife impact mechanisms identified in project-related documents and reviev comments on those documents are included here . Most of the potential impact mechanisms listed in the matri~ have been identified by project biolof!ists on the basis of studies spon·- sored since 1980 by the Alaska Power Au thority. Other impact mechanisms suggested by resource age~cies a re a l so listed. Although they have received attention, the inclusion of thes e additional hypotheses does not iJr.ply that they are based on results of studies by project biologists, or that the sug- gested mechanisms are ~xpec ted to produce i c portant impacts. A potential impact mechanism (whether adverse or heneficial) is considered to be important if, in the judgment ~f pro j ect biolo~ists, that mechanism is likely to produce an observable and persistent change, not attributable t o natural fluctua- tions, in the size or productivitv of a wildlife population , or if the mechanism is likely t o reduce the oaxicum sustain- able size of a wildlife population {LGL 1985). About 21 percent of the impact mechanisms listeci in the planning sum- mary are currently considered to be in this cate2ory. For most of these, sufficient information alreadv exists to sup- port ongoing mitigation planning, and additional studies a re not considered to be necessary. The remaining potentiallv important me chan isms are receiving furtl:er studv, and the list of topics requiring such study is shorteninR as results accrue. Potential impact mechanisms not judged to be important will not be subject to further studies or mi tigation planning beyond standard engineering and construction practice and, in some cases, field monitoring. The rationale fo r determining whether a potential impact mech- anism is or is not important is provided in Section 2 (Species Accounts) of the wildlife mitigation plan (LGL 1!85). Thet document is cross-referenced with this ?lanning suema ry . Future releases of the planning summa~: will he consistently revised to reflect current information on impact assessment and mitigation planning as reported in the wildlif~ mitigation plan. The planning summary is organized to show for each potential impact mechanism the current assessment status, on~oing or planned studies, monitoring plans, and proposed mitigation measures. The major column headings describe the s teps in t~e planning process as follows: I) Affected Species or Grouo: lists each species or group of species of concern in t h e project area and surround- ing region. II) Potential Imp ac t ~lechanis!!l: br:!.efly e~p lains how spec:!.- fic project components oay affect the lis ted speci es or group. ~lechani sms judged to be :!.::~oortant are under- lined . 'continued on next page) III) Impact Assessment Status: pr~vides an evaluation of the potential impact, including its perceived importance to the affected species or group and any quantification of the impact that has been developed. IV) Ongoing and Planned Studies: provides a summary of investigations in progress or planned for the near future that are re'evant to refining the particular impact assessment or proposed mitigation measures. V) Proposed ~onitoring Activities: summarizes field moni- toring programs that are proposed to be conducted during project construction and operation to document impacts and to assist in mitigating them. VI) Proposed Miti~ation Measures: summarizes measures that have been proposed to assist in miti~ating the effects of the pertinent impact mechanism. In cases where the contents of a matrix cell have been changed from the previous revision of the planning summary, the text is preceded by an asterisk (*). Each cell of the matrix can be uniquely identified by column (vertical) and row (horizontal). To identify a particular cell, it should be cited first by the Affected Species or Group letter; second, by the Impact Mechanism number; and third, by column heading Ill, IV, V, or VI . For example, the cell on page 1 describing proposed measures to mitigate permanent loss of moose habitat due to the impoundments and other permanent facilities would be cited as A-1/\I. This format provides a shorthand notation that allows specific topics within the planning summary to be cited quickly and precisely in communications concernin2 impact assessment and mitigation. A Literature Cited section is provided at the end of this document. Successive revisions of the planning summary will include an increasing number of citations; the goal is to provide document and page references for all project-related reports and other pro)ect communications in which a particular impact mechanism, impact assessment, existing or proposed study, proposed monitoring pro~ram, or proposed mitigation plan is discussed. Ongoing studies sponsored by the Alaska Power Authority are continuing to provide new and updated information pertinent to the evaluation of potential impacts. Subsequent revisions of this document will include information provided by these studies and by r efinements to impact assessments a nd mitiga- tion plans, in some cases altering the conclusions contained herein. A. Botanical ~esources .•••••••••••• B. Moose •••••••••..•..••.•••••••••• C. Caribou •.••••••..•••••.•••••.••• D. E. F. G. Dall Sheep Brown Bear Black Bear Wolf ••••••••••••.•••.••• • •. • · .. · R. l<olverine •••••••••.....•.••••••• t. Belukha •••••••••••••••••••••••.• J. Lynx •.••••••••••••••••••..•••••• K. Coyote ••••••••••••••.••••••••••• L. Red Fox ••••••.•••••••••••••••••• M. Beaver •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1i 20 22 25 2S 3 0 31 31 32 3: 33 N. Muskrat • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 35 TABLE OF CO?>'TP..IS 0. River Otter ••••••••.•••••••••••• P. Marten ••••••••••••..•••••••••••• Q. Mink ••••.•••..••••..•.••••••.••• R. s. T. t'. Weasels ••••••••••••.••••••.••••• 5111811 Mammals ••••••••••••••••••• Waterbirds Bald Eagle V. Golden Eagle ••••••••..•••••••••• w. C.yrfalcon X. Pere~rine Falco n •••••••••••••••• Y. Other Raptors and Raven ••••••••• z. Terrestrial Birds References ••••••••••••••.••••••••••• J6 39 40 42 43 44 45 47 48 49 49 50 52 (I) Affected Speciea or Croup (A) Botanical Jesourcea (11) Potential llopact !lechM~in (1) Per.anent lou of venu· t on r~W tl ICCC!II r a, tra.,. •• on nea • .1 odier penoanent !adlldu. (Ill) x...,...,c Alaa1-t StatUI Penoanent loss of about "5,688 acru of pri .. rUy foreu and shrubland veptatlon t)-pel I APA 1983b), (lV) On10ins and Planned Studies '1:63,360·sca1e ve1etatlon up· ping eoopllaaitlng und«ruory shrub speciea hal been c.-pie· ted and ls current 1 y being di11itlted (Jan. 1985) (APA 198'-, FY85 !uk 8). lletlands oapping h11 been completed (APA 198'-, FY85 Task 7). These zup products vU 1 pro· vide 80re precise quant lflca· tion of veptation types and acrea!el to be affected. (V) Propo1ed Monitoring Actlvitlel lVI) Proposed Miti!lation Me• suns ,....., 1 ll!l tlgatlon plan provide& for 11inl.aiza· tton. recttfic.atton, reduction, and coapensatton of i mpac ts in a vari~tv of vays 1APA 1983a, pp. £·3·252 to 285). ~ltntclze facUlty dl~~enslons IAPA 1983a , p . £·3·291 n l ). Consolidate structures (APA 1983<1, p. £•3·291 a2), Site fac n ltles ln areal of lov blozuu IAPA 1983<1, p . £·3·291 ~3). Site f acUlties to ctnl•lte clearina of less abunclant ve~uation types (APA 1983a, p. £·3·291 •4). Site focll ttles to minimize clearing of veptation types productive as vUdlife habitat c.-ponents IAPA 1983<1, p. E·l· 291 •sl. Mt.nt.et ze volu. re.ouire.ents for borrow utroction (APA 19Sla, p. £·3·291 ~). Disposal of 1poU vtthln the impound· menu or prev iously excavat~ areas I APA l983a, p. £·3·292 •7l. Acquisition of replaceoent lands for 1..8ple:entatton of habitat enhancetnent toeasures (APA 1983a , p . E-l-292 1'12), Avoi~1r.ce of the Prairie Creek, Stephan Ulc.e, !'o& Lakes, and tndian River anu l by access routlns I APA 1983a, p. E·l· 2 92 d l:.) 0 • Siting and allgru>ent of facilities to avoid vetlands to the oaxiln.ml _.xtent feasible (APA 1983a, p . E-3-292 •18). A!eftc; coordination and participation in detailed planntn; of civil engineer· ing measur~• to minicize potential vet- lando !~:~pacts (APA 198la , p. £•3·292 •19), l!in!Jo!ze lou of fores t areas throu@h altgru:ent o£ access roads and tranmts - ston corTidors and othe r measures (APA 198la, pp. £·)·539 n2), £·3·525 61, £·3·526 "2). (1) Affected Species or Croup (A) Botanical leaources (cont.) (11) Potmttal loopKt !lechanha (2) Teosporar;r loos or al tera- tlon of vegetation fr .. teapo- rary facilities, dhturt>ed areas, and tran•tssion 1 ines. (tit) loopKt A•sea.-nt Statui Teaporary loss or alteration of about 15,267 acres of vege· tat ion CAPA l983b). (IV) Ongo!na and Planned Studiu (V) Proposed !loni t o rin& Activities ~.oni tor protress of reha- bilitation to !dentHy lo- cations requiring f urther attention (APA 198l.a, p. E-3-292 •lll. (\'1) Proposed ~lt!gat!on ~.easure.s Hlniclze factl ltv dilltftsiona I APA 1983a, p. E-3-29i #2). Consol!date structures (APA 1983a, I'· E-3·191 12). Site !acUities in are.11 of lov btomaas (APA l983a, p. E-3-291 •3), Slte f acilities to mi11imize clearing of less abundant vegetation types ( APA 1983a, p. E-3·291 ,.4). ~lnlr.ize volume requir~ts for borrow extraction (APA 1983a , p. E-3·291 16). Dhpose of spoil within the liiOOUnd· Mnta or previously excavated area.a (APA 1983a, p . !:-~·292 •7l. Dt.sna:nt le nonessential structures u soon as thev are vacated (APA 1983a, p. E-3-:92 09). Develop a c .. prehensive slte rehabtli· tation plan (APA 1983a, p . £·3•292 •101. O..vdoo an envlroneental brlefinp pro~rai: for all Held personnel (APA 1983a, p. E-3-292 u l)). Restr!c:t public 3Ctesa during constt"UC- tion by pt!ng the access road (APA 1983a, p. E-3·29 2 D15). Uoe ni s l~:t~s and possibly regulotory de:sh:nation s 11nd :-easures to discourage us@ Ot ORVs and ,;n·s (APA 1983a , p. E-3·292 016). Slte and allgn facil!tles to avoid W<!t- lands to the maxi:':u::~ exte-nt feasible (APA 19834, p . E·l-1 91 •t8l. Agency coordination and parttctpatton in detalled planning of c!vl\ engineer· lns ~easures to ain!c!ze potential ""t" lands Impacts IAPA 1983A, p. E-3-29 2 "19). ~ini=ize habitat l oss by side borrow tect'.niques for road con s truction, spoi.l deposition In lcpoundcenta or depleted botTO"ol -rea&, and CC"11S01 {dation n( rro- jtet facllltles I APA 19834 , p. E-3-526 •2). Fertilize md 3llov reveget:ation of dlSLurbed sites (APA 19~3a, p. E-3·526 e)). Mint::t :e loss of for~st areas through ali~ent o f access roads and trannb- s ton c:orric..lors and other oea1ures ( APA l983a. pp. E-3-539 "23, E-3·525 •1 , E-3-526 •2 ). (I) (Ill (III) (IV) (Vl I I'll Affected Potential I"!'ICt Ongoing Proposed Proposed Species or t~ct All~ll8ft\t and Planned !'!tm itori n& ~!t ttgatton Croup Mechanisa Status Studies Activities ~:ea.sures Al Botanical ()) Te"'''rary lou or al cera· !~pac t s si11ilar to (A -ll vUl '1:63,360-scale vegetation 011p· Dest~ate c~nsation hnds for habi· Resources tion of ve~tation c~r.ities occur 1 to 1 years eaTlier; ping emphasi zinlt understof')· tat ::.ana~eeent IAPA 1983a, p . E-3-292 I cont. l due to forest clearin~ opera· effects vt 11 be greatest on shn.~b species has been coeple· -1:!). tions In the !J:Ipoundloen' zone. fo r est vegetation t)'lM!S (LCL ted ond 1s currently bein& 1985, section 2.1). digitized (Jon. 1985 ) (APA tmplov habitat ~.ana"ement :)eAsures in 1984, FYe5 Task 8l. tri~dle buin and nn other lands to c~nsate fo r ;.er.:sanent habitat loss (APA :983a , p. !·1·527 •6 ). Dev e l op EX>Ose c:s.rr::tns c3pactty oodel to allow reilnttents to !.:~pact predtc- t ions •nd pl annea nittsr:atton •asures (APA 1983o, p. £·3·530 •7l. (4) loss or alteration of ve-About 2 ,104 acr es of veseta-Monitor progress o f reb~-Develop a ca.prebenstve site r~babUi- ~tatlon due to erosion re-t ion upstream of the 'Jat.ana bllltatlon to Identify lo· t atlon p l an (APA :983a, p. £-3-292 aultln& fr011 slides, flovs, Dam site and a ... 11 acre•ae cat lens re(uiring further •10 ). and sl~~~~pa~u alonc ~:d-I n Devil :anyon viii be sub· •ttentlon APA 1983a , p. ment shores . ject to loss and alteration E-3-192 •ul. Designate coepensation lands for habi- t~.rough: a ) d .. ubll l zation tat :>anas-nt 'APA 198la, p. E-3·292 of til l , b ) blowdowns, •12). c) thawing of pe,..frost, d) desiccation of exposed soils . Fertilize and al!~..., revegetation of and e) change s ln drainage disturbed sites IAPA 198la , p . E-3-256 patterns. tmpac:ts m.1y occ:ur •3). I rregularly along 70 miles of impoundment shores. El:;plo\" habitat :-.&na&ement oeasures in aiddle basin and on other lands to compensate for perTJanent habltllt loss (APA 198la, p. £-J-527 •6). Develop noose population modf'l to allow reilnements to rtanned mitigation me01- sures . (5) Oa.Nge to ve~etation :-:ear Blovdo"'TI of trees may occ:ur ~onit or progress of reba-~ir.l~t t ze faciltn· dlmen s tcns (APA cleared a r eas and along !.:~-near cleared 11reas and a long bllltatlon to ldentlfv lo· 19!3a, p. E·J -291 u t ). poundment shores froo wi :-:d and impoundment s hores, 111 in 1 y a f -catlCins requiring fu rther dust. fectlng black spruco stands. attention (APA 198Ja, p. Consolldato st ructures CAPA 1983.,, P• \t:lr.d·blown dust may aifect ve-E-3-:'0 '.! ntl). E·l-191 •2). getation through al teration of s nO'IW'lt regimes and c:han&es !1in1=ize voluee :-equirements !or borrow In the chemlc•l composition of extract ion (APA :oP3•, p. E-3·291 d6 l. solls. Dtsp c~e of spol i. \:ithin the i.t'lpound· ments of previous lv excnv~tcec1 .uena CAPA 1983a, p. E-j-292 •7 ). ~ve l op .1 COtllprthe !'!s lve s t o:_e r eh.1blll· totlon plan CAPA i 98 3.1. p. £-3-192 •10). fert!l lzt and .1li.ov reve gec.uton of disturbed sites 'A?A 19~)•, p . E-3·526 •3l. EJ:n,l c\' measures r<" control IAPA 198Ja, p. E-J-~11). r oad dust p._., .. (1) (ll) (Ill) (IV) (V) (\'1) Affected Potential ~t Onto ina Proposed Proposed SpKteo or ~t A&HS-."It and Pbnned !'.on!torlnl ~!t i gation Croup --~-Statua Stud lea Actlvltl•• ~~e asures (A) Botanical (6) Daup and alteration of Dust I.IIJiacts will occur within !lonitor pr oarou of reha· Sltt f acUlties In areu of low b!oeau Re1ources veptation alon& the ace••• a !ev hundred yarda of a road; billtation to l dentlfv to· CAP., :98la, p. E·3·291 e )). (cont. l roada duo to dust de!>oolt !on, zones of blocked or altered cat ions rer,:trl n, funher erotton, leechtq of nutrltnts d ralnap aay ext~ to a aile attention APA 198la, p. Site !acU !ties ': c!n!ahe clear !na of In drained areu, .,.ter·l oa· froa a road. E·3·292 •nl. -.~nation tyt>el ;>roduct lve u wtldl !fe line In areu o i blocked I hab!tot c...,onent s (APA 198la, p. E·3· I dralna1e, and thavin& of ad· 291 u S). j acont perNfrost. DevelOJIIellt of a coaprollenalve sltt re·l ltab!l!tat!on p lan (APA 1983a, p. E·3· 292 u\0). Desi!;!latl on of cor.p ensatlon l ands for !mp l .,.,ntatl on o i habitat manaaet~ent meas ~:res (APA 198 3a, p. E·3·292 tl2l. Sit l~g and allan=ent of facilities to avoi~ wetland• to the ux.tat. extent feas ible (APA 19!la, p. E·3·292 tl8 ), Aaer.c;· coordination ond parti cipation in detailed plmni~l nf civil er.gineer· ina =eaauru t o cin!alze potential wet· lands !llpacu (A PA 198la, p . E·3· 292 •191. Habitat loaa wil l be 11!n!mized by s ide borrco" t echniques for road con1truc· t ion , spoil deposit ion i n !npoundments or dep let ed borrow areal, and c:onso li • dat:on o r proj ect !ac!lltieo (APA 196ja, p . [•3•526 n2). Fert!!!utlon and ro veputl on o f dis· turbed lites (APA 198la, p . E·3·S26 I •3). I Hab i tat mana~er:t ~••urea in &iddle blain and on o ther h .nds to Cl'lm'()ens.n e for ;:ermanent ltobltat loss (APA 19833, p. ~-l·S 27 •6). ( 1) Alteration of ao!l s urface !:p1ct not quantified. Chan· Expe cted lcpoct sever ity not ~.on!tor pro,ress of reha-~!n !::i ze f3c!l!t'" dicenslons (APA albedo in cleared areas ~y &es i n 11 ~o c an produce sufficient to re-quire stud!-·· btl l t2tion to !de.nttfy to-1983a . p. E·3·!91 nll. affect -tation. chan,es in surfac.e hydrol~, cations re(u tri n~ further a ff~ctins the type of ve~ta-attention APA ~98la, p. Cons olidat ~ structures CAPA l q8)a , P· ticn that bec.-es establ hhed E·3·192 •lll. £·3·:~1 c•3l. (APA 1'18la, p. E·l·227l. Site :acUities ~o ~iniclz~ clearlnK of vtt~etati on types ;>roduc t l ve as vi ldlHe lt ab!tot c011ponents 'APA 1983n , p. £·3· 2q1 u S ). Deve lop a coepreher.s ive s ite rehablll ... tat!on p l3n (APA :98 33 , p . £·3·192 •101 . .... s (I) (11) (III) (IV) (V) 1\'t) Affected Potetial l..,.ct Onpina ... .,.,Md Proposed Species 01' X.,..t ...... _t ....S Plennecl !lonitortna !!lt!gation Croup -i-Stat,.. Studies Actl•ities ~sures (A) lotuic:al (8) Increued inddec:e of Elqlected t.pact Hwrity not ~t clurln& vUl not belrln un· ~-rces diseaM 01' inHCt infasuttons IUfficient to require study. til ~ or l years before flllin11 pat· (cont .) d1M to clurtna acthittes . c:ll .. o i waetatton vtll be left W~til just before flll ir.a I APA 198la, p. E·l·HS •1). Clear l =po-..:s p rior to flood i na and r...,ve floatl ~i debris to reduce na.:ards to c r o1s i r.g fAPA 198la, p. £-]·)~0 .,). Burn s lash plies to minimize effects of insects and dlleue (APA 198la , p. E-l -:71 and S09). ( 9) Incre&M<I rhlt of fire A qu.ntitative prediction of !lonitorint viii include Devel op an anvircmoental brieflna• pro· lr• lncnaHCI liuun ac:clvt -the ut...,t of lnpact vtll not attention to potential ara !o r all fie!~ personnel (APA tie• aDd euler ac.c .. a. be undertaken . fire haurda. 198loa, p. E·l-292 •lll . Develop a COIIIprehensive site rehabill· tat l on pl., (APA :98la, p. E·l-292 •• 10). ~strict public acceaa durtna construe:· tion ~y ptinc :he acceu road ( APA 198la, p. £-3-292 •15). Uae of siena and rosalbly reculatory desianationa and =easurea to discour ... UH oi ORVs and .U'\"s (APA 198la, p . E·l-~92 •16). Phased iapl..,tati on o f the project Recreation Plan •"1 t h interagency review and concurrence 'i.PA 198la, p . E-l -29 2 #17). Prohibit public acce ss to !Dmedllte proj e ct area durlrc constTUCtion !APA 19833, p. E·J-5)l. n14 l. (10) Alteration o f veaetat ion !J:oact not quantified but not Ex pected !Japact Hveri t y not No c iti got i on •proars to be feo a i b l t. d .. to Uoodln1 alona lcpound· expected to be a a lpiflc:ant s ufficient t o nqulre s tudy . ...,t ahorea and delta foru· l oss; •~ alteration o f vep- t ton where crHiu enter tile utton types vU I occur. ~ts . (11 ) Alteration of ""ljtat ion lcpact not yet qu.nt l fled . Oovns t re.a vegetat i on l tudtes ~ttor c.hanse• !n dcwn ... Deve lop -.se J>Ot'Uiatlon IIOdel to allov succeaalonal fattema n 3own -conducted ln s..-r 1984; in· 1treaa vent a ti \·• cover reH:o:eDtnt l t f' r1t!~ation Jne&IUHI (APA at re• fiOOdJja tna Chii t o .tow pact an:l yst a currently ln (APA 198la , p . E-l-523 198la, p. E·l -~:? •7). rq:ulat ion reiiUl tarn c hitl "' pro~fesa (APA 198 4b, FY85 Task -zl. fE!-[n nre • m!i!!ol~· ana 15). De s i plate compen sation lanc!s for habl - u Kourln1 eUecta. tat ::anac-nt !.\PA l98la, p . E-3-292 U 2l. Papfi (1) (ll) (111) (IV) (V) l VI) Affected Potftltbl IlapKt Oni!Olns PropoMd Proposed SpKIU or I..,.ct Aases-.nt and Plmned Honltorin~ ~tt!Ra t ion Croup IIKlumlsa Statu Studies Ac t!Yitlu ~.e.asures (A) Botanical (12) Alter ation of ftJt!tU!on Ef!ec.ts uy extend 2 ailu lllpllCt -~-vlll be ad · No spKiflc ... ttortns ac· Use o f ~ltUevel lnt.ake s tructures on le.sources c-ltleo clue to cllut!c frca the reservoirs and would dressed and clorl fled throul!l> t!Yities a re planned . the ~ma to ut.ntair: downst reaa river I cont.) chanps near the reservoirs. be aost noticeable alona the l..,.ct uns-.t refi_,t tet!l1l:eraturu u close to not'llla l 31 s out.h shores. Probabl y Utftlt (APA 1984b, FY Iuk 5). poss i ble (APA 19Bla, p. E·l -526 •5). of ef feces on vesetat ion haJJ not been quantified. (ll) Dau1e to W1derstory ve-!~:~pact not quantified , but Impact noechaniA will be ad· !'1onltor chanps I n dCMI· ~lt i gat lon not er.pec ted to be required; getation fr .. rl..e Ice and rl"" Ieins wll 1 be limited to dresaed and elarlfhd throul!l> s treAID veptative cover probably not feasible in any case . hoar f r oat depoaltlon caus ed the t.IDMd iate area around the lmpact aase•..ent reflne~~ent (APA 198la, p. E-3·523 by paralotent fog banks near spl\lwaya. Hoar frost ls ex-(APA 1984 , FY85 Iuk 5). •2 ). the reeervoir s and open·vater pe:cted near open water but is reachea dovnat re•. not expected to be an !Jipor• unt negative l oopact . (U) lncreaae I n d-se and l"l'act not quantified . Monitor proarus of reha· Develop a c.-preher.slve s ite rehab Ill· alteration of ftlt!tation c011· bUitatlon to Identify lo· tat lon plan (APA :98Ja, p. E·l-~92 ...,ltiea due to increase In cati ons r{:irln& further •10). uae of off·road vehicles r.ear attention APA 198Ja, p. project facilitleo . E·J -~92 •ul. Dev~lcp an ~nvtr~ntal brie£in1JS pro· gr .t:> :or all Holt personnel (APA 1983a, p . E·J·!92 nlJ). Restrict public access durin~ cons true- tion by pting t~e access !'Dad ( APA l~eJa, p. E-3-292 •15 ). Use o f signs and pos s ib l y ngu\atol")' designations and =easures to dtscouu gf" use of ORVs and A.l\"s (APA 1983a, p . E·3·29~ •16). Ph•sec lmplementatlcn of the project Recreation Plan .,.ith lnter.1aency revi ew and oon currence (APA 198Ja , p. E·J-292 •1 7 ). Proh i bi t public access t o l.mmedla t e pro j ect Area duri:'\§ construct i on t APA 1983•. p. E·J·53lo nl4l. (U) R..,al of overstory ve· ••111 affect abou t 6,017 acres Deli;:n t ransatss l:m corridors to allow setatlon In foreated portions 1:,557 froe Heal y to Fo!r· selective cutttn~ o f t rees and to ac- of the u·an•tsaton corridors. banks, l,<.Oto from Healy to ccm:c ~ate uncleared lov shrub a nd tun- '.o:t llov, 1,~74 f r 011 Wlllov to dra \"f:§et3tl on wit~l n rights-o f'-wav Cook Inlet, 46 fr011 l:atana to (APA :98Ja, p . E-3·292 *8). D•v !l Canyon, and 462 fr .. Devil Ca nyon t o Gold Creek l of Ecp lc·: selectl •:e c!~arinR tn t r3nn.h- h.abt t ats contatni nK trees, sior. conidors. ;:-en:it tinQ: s e r11 l vege- -;troductns an increase tn tat i ~ up to t O ": !n he i ~t (APA shrub-type ve s•t~tlon. ' 198l•. p. E·l·Slt o.41 . ! (16) &lockaae of aedlolent l npac t not qu-.ntifted. · Oownstreae t.mpa c:t assessment Collect data on chnnges t n ~f th:at t on not ff"3sib le . tran~rt __ o_y tne lapou:ndments Is currentl y I n pro~rua (APA downstrea• vP.getattve c o,·· ... ncrea1e e ro1 on own· 1984b , FY8S !3sk 15). e r (APA 198la, p. E·3·S23 atre .. 1 aUecrlns ve~ation t2l. on hlana. [n die n J!r.:lln . (1) Affected Specho or CToup (A) lotaniCJol leaourc:ea (cont.) 18) !Coole (11) Potontlal 101p8Ct llecNnl• (17) Potontlal ....,..al or al· teratlon of llabltata for en· danpred pl.,t speclu. (18) Luchtna of potontlally toxic heavy Mtall, ouch as •rcury, fro. flooded soli s and veptat ion into the reser- voir ~t. (1) Clearln1 of veaetatlon In e t are• re- dUCe v nter C.4rYV ns capac tv prlor to tlOOCiln&. (llll IO!p8Ct ..... ~t StotUI 101p8Ct not quant lf led . llo enclanpr.cl specleo """ been found In surveyo to date. I~t not quantlfled. ~y affect prtaarlly pr.clatory fish, raptors, and carnivorous .-ala. Clearins vlll r.cluce winte r carryin& capacity of the tm· pouncllllent zone 2·3 years prior to fllltns (APA 198la, p. E· 3·398, Table £.3 .145; LCL 1985, p . 2 .2·8\. (IV) Onsolna -Planned Stud leo I Prev!OUJ otlldleo prOYided tuf· flclont lnfonutlon for !Jipact a11e118ent . llo further stud· , ••• planned. A literature seuch -analy · s is of the potential for leacbtns fro. soils -ftp• tatlon Into tapoun~u II In prosreu ( Aquatlc f"t85 Task 51). lteftne.Dt of popuhtlon (APA 1984b, f"t85 Talk 16) and car· rytns capacity (APA 1984b, f"t85 Talk 11) -ell to better estiute illpac.ta on eooae and deteraine acreage of habitat coapensation is being conduc- t.cl. (V) I'Toposecl llonltorln& Activit leo llo I:IOftltortna planned; en· danpr.cl species not known to occur in pTOject area. -for I:IOftltortna vtll be deteratned. based on ilrpact uaessc.ent. Monitor brovse production on landa enhanced for 8001e brovoe (APA 198:la, p . £·3·525 t lll. Pap 7 (\'1) Propos.cl Mlti&at ion ~.eaaurea Stu f acilities to •tntalu clearl ns of less abundent ve£etatlon typeo (APA 1983a, p. [·3·291 ""). Oesi~~t tran•taston corrtdors to allow selecttv• cuttina of trees and to K· c-.late undlstcrbed lov sllrub ana tunclro veptatlon vltbln rll!hts·of·Wiy (APA 1~8:la, p . £·3·292 •8). Use of slsna and possibly re~~alatory desianattono end ""a1ures to dtocouratt use of !JtVs and Al\"1 (APA 19833 , p . t-3-292 •16). !1ltl1at1ve .... uru not phnn.cl at tbll t iM. lllpOUn-nt clearins will not besln un· tU ~ or 3 years before fllllna; pat· ches of veaetatlon vlll be left until just tefore fll l!nw IAPA 198:la, p . E·3-~2S •1). Desil'fta te ca.pensation lands for habl· tat anapment measures (APA 198la, p. E-3·292 •121. Employ habitat managetl'lPtlt Deasures tn middl e basin and on other lands to c~­ pen sote for penr.ar.ent habt tat loss (APA 1983a, p. E-3·527 "6). Page 8 (1) (11) (Ill) (IV) (VI (\'I) Affected Potential l"'l'act Ongoing Proposed Proposed Speciea or lll!'act Aaaesaent and Planned 11onitorins ~ltiga.tion Group !lechani• Stat.a Studies Activities ~easures (Bl !'looee (2) Penanent habitat lou due Kabitat·based assess llleftt is in • Reflne~~ent of population Monitor brovae product ion Impoundment clearing will not begin un· (cont .) to the ~ffttt s and other prosress; re f'ine.ent of IROOie (A PA 19841>, FY85 Taak 16) and on Ianda enhanced for til 2 or 3 years before filling; pat· eerunent ac ties . carrying capacity -el will carrying capacity (APA 1984b, 10001e brovae (APA 198le, ches of vep:tation vill be left until quantify estluted impact us· FY85 Task ll) -el• to better p. E-3·525 4'lll. just before filling (APA 198le, E-3- nitude (APA 198 3a , pp. E·31ol2 eattaate iapacts on 80oae and 525 nl). to 414 ; LCL 1985, p . 2.2·8). detel'lline acreage of habitat c.-pensation ia beins conduc-Selective clearinSJ in trans•tsston cor- ted and planned, 1:63,360 ridor, peraittin~ seral vegetation to s cale veaetatton uppt.na and grow up to 10 ft in height (APA 1983~, digitizing O"'!'haaizing under-p. £-3-526 •4). atory 10001e forage ia current- ly underway and is seheduled transnisston corridors will provide al - for COII!Iletion in Jan.ary 1985 most i8 ,l00 acres of vinter habitat of (A PA 1984, FY85 Task 8), A r easonable quallty (APA 1983a , p . E-l- brovae inventory (APA 1984b , 528 , Tabl e E.3 .:~5l. FY85 Task ll) planned for FY85·86 wil I support the on· Habitat enhance.cent meaeurea in middle going carrying capacity model basin and on replacement lands to cc:a- devel~t . I dentification pensate f or perr..anent habitat loss (APA a nd asaeeaMnt of candidate 1983a, p . £·3·527 ll6). compensation lands 11 underway (A PA 1984~, FY85 Iaak 12), Ac ~uisltion of rep laceeent lands f or Field studies of down stream lmplecentation of habi tat enbanc ...... nt disturbed areas are planned 110asures (APA 1983a, p. £•3•292 -12). (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 14). Continued IIIOftitoring of 1100se habitat use and winter snow severity (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 10) are underway. Impac t s will be further ad- dressed through icpact assess- ment refinement (APA 1984, FY85 Task 5l. I I (1) (11) (III) (IV) (V) (\'tl Aff•cted Potential !~~pact Ongoing Proposed P~oposed Specie• or Ioopac:t A.sless.ent and Planned Monitoring Mit!~ation Group !lech•i .. Statue Studiea Activities !-!easures (B) Hoose * (3) Pel'llallent lo10 and at· • Borrow areas and vavel * Refin-nt of population ~nitor brows~ production Minimize habitat l oss by side borrow (cont.) teratlon ot IIOOH habitat witt bema for road• and railroad (APA 1'184b, FY85 Task 16) and on l ands enhance<! for techniques f or road cons truction, s poil occur aa a result ol .:cess vi 11 rettOVe about 1, 100 acres carryins capacity (APA 1984b, 10001e browse I APA 198X., deposition In !r.lpoundlllents or depleted road and railroad con-ldor (447 hal of vei!f!tation. Di· FY85 taak 11) -els to esti • p . £·3·525 •lll. borrow areas, :met consolidation of constructlon1 maintenance. and rect loss of forap may be re· •te tapacts on 110ose and project facilities (APA l983a, p. ~· latively small, but effective deteralne acreace required for £·3·526 h 2). toss may be sreater If diltur· habitat coepensation is being bance results in avoidance conducted. 1:63,360-scale Fertilize and all c1.1 reve~r;et~tion of (LGL 1985, p. 2.2·9). vei!f!tat!on upping and dig!· disturbed sites f A?A l 9 83a, p. £·3·526 tizinl to include ac:ce•• A3). corridors and emphasizing underatory moose forage is Employ habit:lt r.:anaiJement r.teasures i n currently under way and is middle basin and on other lands to com· scheduled for coepletion in I pen•ate for per.::anent habitat toss (APA Janua~ 1985 (APA 1984b, FY65 l98Ja, p. £•3•527 n6). Task 8 • A browse inventory (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 13) I Incorporate changes to design and planned for FY85·86 wilt s up· alignment of access road to reduce port the ongoing carrying Impacts on 1000se (APA l983a, p. £·3·533 capacity -•1 developooent. •lll. Identification and 3saessment of candidate compensacion Minimi ze loss of f oresr a reas through lands is under way (APA 1984b, a l ignoent of access road and tra nsmts· FY85 Task 12). s ion corridors, and o ther measures ( APA I111pacts wi 11 be further ad· t983a, pp . £-3·539 •n, 525 •1 to 526 •2). dressed through impact aaaess· ment refineme nt (APA 1984b, ~lnirt:tze loss ar.d alteration o f habt· FY85 Task 5). tat , particulart;· less abundant hab!· tats and sen s iti·:e wildlife hobitats (APA l983a , pp. E-3·291, 292 -1·11). Dest~nate lands fer habit at management measures (AP A 1983a, p. E-3·292 •12). Avoid the Prairie Creek , Stephan lake, Fog L1kes • a nd !r.dtan River a reaa by 3ccess r outing f A ?.!. lqe:-a, p . E-3-292 :1 \l..' 0 Dest2n and a li~ :'C3ds o1nd r3! I road to mtr.i:r:i z:e impac ts on \oMt ands !APA 1983a , p. E-3-292: r:l8, 9 ). " ( 4) Illpeded drainage caused • Altered surface water drain-* IllpaCt severity no t suff!· ~tni r.ize loss o: :oren areAs throutr.h by a ccess road and r a i t r o ad age will cause very localized cient to require s tudy . alignttent Of AC CPSS rOl l o1nd transmis - bema mav alte r moose hat::~t:at r:IOOSe habitat alteration. s ion ..:o rridor, ~::.d oth• a:easures (APA as a resUlt of ftoodin~ of There i s equa l likelihood tha t l983a, p . £·3·539 "2 3, _25 c l to 526 forest or shrub land areas . either higher or tower quality ••2 ). habitats witt result. ~o net ic:portant impact 11 antic!pat· OestRn and aU ~n r oads and railroad to ed (LGL 198S, p. 2.:-9). minio ize impacts nn t.."t tlands lAP A 1983:., p . E-3-29: ro l S. 19) o ' (1) Affected Species or Croup (B) !loose (cont .) (It) Potential loopac t llechanln ( S) TH~p<>rary loos of vinter habitat vlll occur on bor rov sites. • (6) Habitat quality -y tt!JII• porart ly decrease near the re· aervotr aarsins as • result of loc:allv hil!h densities o f 1100ae dtaperalng from l.l:pound· eel areaa. • (7) Accidental fires rosult· tng from huaan acti vities may temporarily degrade some moose habit at. • (8) Loss of coose habitat due tc erosion of f.l:lpmmdl:lent s hore lines vi 11 continue fo l - lov!ng flooding. (111) loopact AaaeaiMnt Statua • Winter habitat for an uti· uted 37 11001e vill be affec· ted baaed on pre llllinary car· rytn~ capacit)· data. Reveae· tat!on Is likely to restore these areas aa eooae habitat ~:!th in 2-~0 years follovtna disturbance (APA l983a, Table E.3.14S; LCL 198S, p . 2.2·9). • Huvter browsing of shrubs srowtna near the resef"\•otr aarstna vi 11 occur as winter- ing coose congregate. Over· brovs!ng of the shrubs !s not considered l.mportant because of the lov densities of shrubs. Habitat ~uality vill not be subatantially reduced below the current low levels (LCL 198S, p. 2.2·9). * F1res may degrade some moose habitat over the short term, but regenerated vegetation on burns will provide productive coose habitat several years later (APA 1983a, p. E-3·398, !3ble E.3.14S; LCL 198S , p . :.:-10). • Er osion resulting from •lidu and flovs wil l be con· fined to the lei!Dediate shore- lines, Were colonization of disturbed soils by plants ben· •flc!al to 1r.00se could s upply Corace that wlll offset any adverse impact with a net ben· eficial !llpact (LCL 198S, p. 2.2·10); (IV) Onsoins and Planned Studieo Reft,_.,t of population (APA 1984b, FY8S Taolt 161 and car· rylng capacity I APA 1984b, FY85 Taolt ll) -Is to Uti· :ute Urpacts on .-oos e and deten:tine ac.rea~e requirement• for habitat co.pensation is being conducted. • Reflneeent of population (APA 1984b, FY8S Task 16) and carrying capc1ty (APA 1984b, FY85 task U) models to est1· aate impacts on moose and detenDi ne acreage requirements for habitat ca~~pensatton is being conducted . A literature review of habitat enhancement t echniques has been conducted. Field studies o f downstream disturbed areas are planned lAP A 1984b, FY85 task 14). • Previous studies provided sufficient t.nfomation for t ::~­ pact assessment. ,;o further studies are planned. (V) Proposed Honitorinl Activities Monitor brovse ~roduction on l ands oanaaed for eoose brovse I APA ~9B•, p. E· l·S:S nU). ~.oni tor browse product ion on lands canaged for moose brovse (APA 1983a, p. E·3·S2S u U). .. ,. 10 (\'t) Proposed Mit!gati on ·:easurea * Habitat loss wU 1 be l:linimtzed by de· post tin~ spot 1 ~n i=pound~nts o r de· pleted borrow Areas, and consolldat Lon oi p r oject fact Et!es (APA 19A3a, p. E·3·S26 •2l. Fertilize 01nd .1l:ow r eveqetation of disturbed sites 1 APA l983a , p. E-3·5:6 •3). Eaploy habitat ::ana~aent aeasures in a tddle b11tn and en other l 1nds to com- pensate for perr.anent habitat loll (APA ~983a, p. E·3·S27 n6l. Designate lands :or habitat 11111\ag..,.nt •asures (APA 1933a , p. E-3-:92 •l2l. Desl!"' and align reads and railroad to •tnilllize impacts on wetlands CAPA 1963a, p. E·l -292 •18, 19). Impoundaent clearing will not begin un· til 2 or 3 y ears before !1lltng; pat· ches of vegetat!co will be l eft until just before fillin g CAPA 1963~. l'· E·3·52S •ll. Employ habitat :--..ar.age~~ent oeasures in middle bas i n and o n other lands to cocapensate for per:'11 nenc habtt.1t loss (APA 1983a, p. ~-3 ·527 6 6). Oesi~ate lands :or h nbltnt mana~ement meas ures CAr A lC:~!.J. p. E-3-292 ''1.2). Prohibit public :.:s e: of access road and airfield ~u rin~t co:'\struction lAPA 1983•. p. E-3·51~ "12, 14 l. Oevelcp .1n envtr~::;.ental briefin5tS pr o~rnm for nil :l•l d personnel (APA 198la, p, E-l-29::! ul)), Emplov h.1blt.1t :-ar.1cement oea sur e s in mi ddle bas t n and on o the r lands to com· pensatc !or pen:aner.t h OJbit.J t loss (APA 1983.1 , p. E -l ·S~:" ul 1, lt.). Desi~ate lands :or habitat c:lna~tetc.ent ~neasures (APA 19Sla, p. E·l·292 •l2l. (l) Affected Spe<:iao or Croup (Ill Moose (cont.) (tl) Potet~tlol t.pect Hechanl .. * (9) Habitat ~Ht'f for 110011e vii~ ~rove alon! the tranml•• on ne corrl or be· cause veptatlon viii se ma in· tolnid in earlv succeeaional staaes . * (10) Alteration of 11001e ha· bltat dovnatrea of Devil l:An· von viii occur due to altered seasonal and annual flow re· atits of the Suaitna RiveT. * (11) l.oc:al clialtlc char.ges resulttna rr .. the t.pound· Hnts lncludlns lncrused S\111" •r rainfall , increased winds, cooler ~r teeperaturea, increaa~ early winter snov· fall, hoar frost depos it ion on vegetation tn winter, delayed spring plant 'henology, and chanaes in plant species com- position may reduce habitat carrying capacity for .,oose. (Ill) t..,..t AII4!SS'IIent Status * About 41,~21 acru 116,810 ha) of foru~ed vegetation w111 be cteored. Regrowth w111 be penoltted to a ttain a ... tmum hellht of 10 ft () •l before rec:leartns . this re· pres•nts a baneflcia1 Impact for moose populations vinter- lns •Ions the trans•lsslon llr.e corridor (I.CL 198~, p. 2.2·10). • Decreased •~r flows, and decreased frequency and sever · ley of s.-r floods. wn l promote ~croachment of plo· neerlns veputlon (e.s . wU· lows). Hawver, in the ab· sence of frequent disturbance all succeuional stases of veaetat ton vi 11 advance' r~sulting in habitat values declinlns over tliiM! (LCL 198~, pp . 2 .2-10-lll. • The l.ltpounnents wlll IIOder· ate local seasonal tempera- tures. Effecu vlll be toea· llzed around the upoun-nts. with the NXt.u. effect at the prevallins windward shoreline. Slight, but 1-aourablo pre· cipttation increases of s uaner rainfall and early winter snowfall t:~aV occur . Hoar f rost depositon may form on vegetation near the impound · ment .. r glns prior to lee for · mation on the reservoir s ur- h.ce, but ceaaurab le increases above pr e-project con ditions would be negligible . Cooler s pring teeperatures .. y delay phenoloslcal developooent. St10erous other local f actors cOilbine to aake changes in ph~ology difficult to attri· bute to cliaate alterations. Other project·lnduced factors oay posltl\·ety influence earl y plant developMnt. Clilutlc changes are not expected to measureabl y reduce habitat CArrying C3pacity f or moo~e (J.CL 1985, pp . 2.2-11-1 2). (IV) On~tolns and Planned Studl•s A literature rnlew of habitat enh ance~~~ent techniques hu been co"'Pleted . Fleld studies of disturbed areas are planned (APA 1984b , FY8~ Task 14) • Reflnr.oent o f down s tre.., vege· tation lcpact •ueasment to better assess effects on moose habitat .. u I continue (APA l984b, FYB~ T~sks ~. 15, 23). • Prev i c us scud tu provided s uffic le~t !nfonsat lon for tapact .a:ssess~~enc. No further stud i es are planned. (V) Proposed !tonitcrina Actlvlttu Col lect dat~:~ C1"' change.s !r downstre.• veset&t!ve cov· er (APA 1983a, •· £·3· 523 *2l. (VI) Proposed ~ltl Fatlon ~.easures Pap u Select!. ·e clearing tn transmi ssion cor· rider, lH!nDitti!'lg seral vegetation to grow up to 10 ft i n height 'APA 19 83a, p. £-3-526 .U.). U~ of multilevel intake structures on the dau t o .. i ntdn downstrea river tecperature.s as close t o nor11al as pes· slble (APA 1983a, p. E·3·526 *5l. Hab i tat enhancel:'ent meas ures in middle basin and on rep lacement l an ds to com· pensate for per.:-.anent habitat lou (APA 1983a , p. £·3·527 f 6). (t) Affected Specie• or Croup (!) !loose (coat. l (It) Potential lmp.ct !lechanlsa • ( 12) Open .nd var.er vater in downstre• are•• may .alter pbnt phenol"'Y and affect spring foralt and cover !or IIOOSt. Ill) Vegetatlcm Icing (hoar frost) downstream mav render a~ b rowse unavailable, and •t•boltc deaands of 11001e m.ay increase as a result. (14) Drlftlna snow fr011 the frozen i.l!l'poundaent surface aay preclude use of a narrow ~and of winter browse along t he impoundment shore, (lS) Drifting snow In the transmission line corrtC:or ma.,· p reclude use of winter browse: (ttl) Iap.ct Aaseasaent Status * Open and warDer vater in early sprint would ser\·e both to retard river ice develop- r.ent in l.1te vtncer and to r.-elt eY.isting river tee faster. Both would tend to prnmote early, rather than ! .1te, deve l opeent of vegeta· •lon (l.GL 1985, p. ~.~·!2l. • Open water may be pre~ent down to about Gold Creek .... ith bo th dams tn operation. Al· thou~ accumulat ton cf hoar frost may ruke some b rowse unavailable, it is unlike1~ that this vi 11 occur because of the relatively narr<N lead of open vater . ~se are not knC'IWn to .avoid eating browse wt th hoar frost. at tacheC. Hoar !rost accumuLates on ve- !Jet.at ion under current condi- tions and is not 11keh• to appreciauly increase aS .1 re- sult of the project CLCL \98S, p. 2.~·12). • :'he lr'&gnitude of the effects of s now drifting fret: the fro· zen lmpoundcents v! 11 depend on s everal f actors. Any snow accumulations that occur are -*Xpected nn the south and west ~horellne s. ~o st of the drifting snow will be inter· cepted by the decreastng re- servoir levels and the result · !.n R ice shelves and cracks I thlt are formed. It !s un- like ly that s u !Hctent quanti· ties of snMI will accuoulate a l ontt impoundcen t shore 1 tnes to res trict Mvements .;,f moose o r cover brows~~: that m.av be growing there (LGL J08 5; pp. ~.:·12 ·13 ). • Ve getation vUl be pe rmitted to reach 10 f• In hel0ht be· fore re-c l earin'-the t ransmis- sion corrtdor. · !-!~intenAnce oi thi5 dense shrub growth will Intercept blowing snow O.r.L 1985, p. ~-~·lll . (IV) Ongoln1 and Planned Studios !epacc severity not sufficient to reoutre study. • tcpact se-verit\· r.ot s u£!1· cient to reQuire. s t udy. • l11pact severity not s u ffi- cient to require study. • I~tp.a.ct s evPrity r.ot suf!t - cient t o re1u1re s tudy. (\") Propcsed ~ltorlng Actlvltlel (\"l) Propos~d ~tt!SJ3tion ·~easures Pop 12 I t:se of !!:Ultile\·e l ~:'!:take structures on the dms to aai~t.tin do ... Tistrea• river tcesperaturf's as c ! ose to r;on&.~l as pos- 1 slble (APA 1983a, ?· E-3·526 •5l. t.:sc of I!I'Ulttl e •:el :~tJ.~E: structures ('n the dams t o ~.air.:.air. c!c'l.mstreao river teeper.atures as c!~sP. t J r.onnAl as ?os- slble IAPA 1983a, p. £·3-526 "5\. Select!ve clear:::: !n ::~e trJ.n scissi~~n corridor, ~r=-.itt:::s:. s~!".l 1 ve~e t 3t~:-r. to ~rC'\oo' t:p to :o :": i r. ~ei~ht '"P·' 198 3a, p. f ·3·o ~~ ·~>. ~!i ntmt ze lo~~ <'f fore~r Jreas t hrout:h ollignr.~ent "f accl!ss ro.1l! and tr:Jnsr.~ts­ s ion corridor, .1:-.d ... ~rher :!:ensures ( APA lfHi33, p. E·3 -;lo ,.!3l. Pa~ 13 (1) (It) (III) (tV) (V) (Vt) Affect@<! Potential lllpact Onsotns Propos@<! Propos@<! Speciu or lllp8Ct As sea-t and Plann@d Monitoring Mitigation Croup Mechant .. Status Studies Activities ~easures (11) Moose (16) Delay@<! •lUng of snow • Ibis t..hct is not expectl!d • t11pact severt ty not suffl- (cont.) drifts ln a narrow band along to occur LCL 1985, p. 2.2-13) cient to require study. both impoundllent shore lines (see also t~~pacts B-ll• and and the transaisslon corridor B-15). uy reduce availability cf spring forap. ( 17) Snow drifts .. y i•pede • Ibis t..pact is not expected * Impact severity not suffl-I movements south and southwest to occur. The value of the ctent to require study. I of the reservoir and reduce Fog Lakes area will be unaf- the value of the Fog Lakes fected by drifttn~ snow (LCL area as winter nnp. 1985, p. 2.2-13) see also Impact B-14). (18) Open water and/or ice Sollll! moose mav not cross the * Previous studies provided Collect records of 1m-Clearing of impoundments prior to shelving ln the f.llpoundllents tmpoundllent di.e to lee block-sufficient information for poundment crossings and flooding and removal <lf !loatlng debris may block access to tradt-age and visual barrier ef-impact asessment. No further impoundiiM!nt-caused mortal-to reduce hazards to crossing (APA tional calving and wintl!ring fects. Moose wi 11 probab 1 y studil!s are planned. ity during open-water pe-1983a, p. E-3-530 "9). areas. alter seasonal movements and riod CAPA 1983a , p . E-3- crossings to maximize use of 524 ol14). surrounding browse and forage supplies (APA 1983a, pp. E-3- 40'1-410; LCL 1'185, p. 2.2-13). (19) Open water dovnstrem may * Moose are unlikely to cross • Previous studies provided Use of multileve l Intake structures on restrict movements across the open water in winter I most sufficient information for the dams to maintain downstream rivH river and to island wintering crossings were from May to impact assessment. No further temperatures as close to normal as pos- areas, and attempted crossings November [APA 1983a, p. E-3-studies are planned. Sible (APA 1983a, p. E-3-526 A5). of open river areas in winter 4101). Open water leads occur may lead to .,rtality. under current conditiOI's along most of the Suaitna River dur- ing the winter, which effec- tlvely functions to H mit many river crossings (LCL 1985, p. 2.2-14). (20) Disl!lacl!lllent of moose * Decreases in numbers or pro-~.oc>se calf mortaHty study Collect lnfon:atlon on durtnf reservoir ltlltns -:ears ductl vity oi 11100se caused by (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 9) and wolf pc>pulatitns through- and a teratlon ol .,vements project-relat@d increases in r.IOOSI! population modeling (APA out construct ion and into 6etween winter and s\lllller predation could be caus@d by 1'184b, FY85 Taslt 16). operation (APA 1983a, p. ranfe alter 2rolect c~!etion these artificial local tn-E-3-525 "7). cou a Increase 2reaat on creases ln densities. This rates. ~osel&lv arlv{ns r:oose would probably increase the Collect infonnatlon on ~ulat ons to [ow [eve[s direct mortality of moose, bear populations and dls- ......., eli mav 6e malntalnea there especially calves. Ibis ef-tribution of bear harvest by continued predation. feet would probably dloinlsh (APA l 983a, p. E-3-534 or disappe:1r after several <114). vears as relative densites of Ored&~tors and moose bec31e stabilized (LCL 1985, p. 2.2- 14\. (I) Aff•cted Specie s or Croup CBl ~o•e (cone.) (Ill Potencial I ~~~pact Hechanlsll (21) I ncrease In IIIOrtallt\" of QOOSe oa~ occur due to hunt{ns a nd po"c ins. (22) Ice shelvi ng o r fl oating debris may cause direct !""..or- tality to moose attempting to cross the impoundment . (23) Increase tn mortaU~,. mav occur due to train and auCorr.o:. bile collisions caused t.,· in- creases in traffic Lev elS. (Ill) lll!'act As sessment St3tUS • HuntinR can be regulated by the app ropriate state agency , but increased poaching result ... ing f r om increased access is difficult to control (APA l983a, Toble E.3.1~5l. ~oose are currently poached alon~ the Susitna River; increased access ~ill almost surely :~n­ tagon lze this Illegal cake of animals in the :absence of 1n· tensive e nforcement !':!easures (LGL 1985, P· 2.1-l~). * l!nder current conditions , moose are occassionallv in- jur~ o r kill ed as theY cross the river. The numbers of rr:oose accidently \c.Uled e ach year as a result of impound - ~ent hazards is unlikely to exceed 1~ of the population occurring within S miles of o;he tmpoundr.~ent. This impact could be expected t o decrease even further t hrC\ugh time { A.PA. 1983a, p. E-3-~11, Tabl e E.3. 1~5; LGL 1985, p. 2 .~-!41. * During construction .1nd o p- eration of the access r oads .1nd railway, it is likely that some moose will be killed .1s a result of co llls ions with ve- hicles and trains (APA 198 3o , pp. E-3-~77-~78, Table E.J. 1~5). Moose will suffer high- er r:~or t.1lity rates du r ing the construct iJn period. However, most of the conditions neces- sary for producing a crlti ca.l problem wi 11 not occur dur i ng winter over most of the len~th of the access roads and rat 1 - wavs {LGL 1985 , pp. 2.~·ltt­ :5i. (IV) Ongoing and Pl.1nned Studies Further data collection and analysis regarding current and future use of wildlife in the project area Is planne d (APA 198~, Social Science FY8S Recreation !:tsks 4 -6). * Impact severitv not suffi- cient to require. s t udy. * Previous studies pro,•lded sufficient infomation for impact assessment. ~o f u rther studies are planned. (Vl Proposed ~ltorlog Activities Collect recor~s J£ irn- poundr-~ent crossings and impCtUndment -ca.used mort a 1- lty durin~ open-·Jater pe- riod (APA l98Ja. p. E-3- 524 ,t4). Collect mortalltY data en road and rail r C'ad cell L- s lcns (APA l963a, p. E-3- 523 d l ). I Vl) P r oposed ~!i.ti~ation '~easures Page l~ Public access ::o access road and air- field prohibited during construction (APA l983a, p. ::-3-5~; LCL 1985, p. 2 .2 -:!0 •12, tt.l . l:se of projrcc facil !ties or equiprr.ent by 01:1p l oyees a nd far.>ll !es f~r h unting and trapping "ill be prohibited (APA 1983•, p. E -3 -53~ •l~; LGL 1985, p . 2 .~-20). Recomendations fC'Ir restrictions to hunting regulations to r educe h unting pr essure (APA l983a , p. E-3-5~ •l~). Discouragement oi of!-road recreational vehicle activity, and phasin~ in o£ re- creational plan to limit recreational impacts on v eget.at ion and wildlife i APA l~83a, p. E-3-!92 •16, 17). Clearing o f l~poun dments prior to flooding and re~oval of floating debris to reduce hazards t o crossing (APA. 1983o, p . E-3-530 ,9 ). Poss i b le contTol s <'n volur.~e, speed, .1nd frequency of .1ccess road t raffic f AP.'- l983a, p. E-3 ·534 dl2). ... e 15 (1) (ll) (ttl) (IV) (V) (Vl) Affect ed P~eDtial ltlp.ct Oncoin& Proposed Proposed Species or ltlp8Ct Aaee a-.,t end Plamled Monitorin& !-litigation Croup llectl•l .. SUt UI Stud lao Activltltl Meaaurea (I) -· (2~) Drifted -alons ran-• There la ev idenc.e thAt .aoae * 18pac t eewrlty not euffl-Collect 1110r tal! ty data on Cbanp1 In desll!ft and all_.,t of oc- (cont .) road and r o.d acceaa cOJT tdor s aay elect to vallt 011 r -y• cient to require study. road and rail road collt-ces1 ro..S to reduce l8pacts on IIOOH and ..-y be.-uy ~de and ran road track• that have slons (APA 1983a, p. E-3-(APA 1983&, p . E-l-533 •lll. -u of -.. -/or sub-been pl-for mow r .. oval 523 •ll. ject til• to lllll'•r r i ll< of (APA 1983&, PI'• E-3-479 t o Posatble controls en volume, s~d and collleion .,rtallty. 480), but there 11 no evidence frequency of acceu road traffic (APA to •uae•t that -~~ would be 1983&, p. E-3-5 34 •n>. lntecap&bly trapped by drifted or plowed s now alone thoee corrlclon (LCL 1985, p. 2 .2- 15). (25) Alteration of _ .. dll-• Activitiea alona access cor-tcpact severity not s u fficient Collect nortaUtv d ata on !!ajor ground activit)' vnl be prolllblt- trlbutlon qy occur due to rldore vnl probably dllturb to requ t re study. roed and r an read co 11 1-ed near seneltlve wi l dlife areal durtna corridor traffic ..cl d lstur · the norwal acttvtttes of SC81!: slana (A PA 1983a. p. E-l-HftSltlve periods (APA 1983a, p . E-3- bane e. IIOOH attftlt'tln l to croas cot'-523 •ll. 532 •10). rldon, particularly durtnc the con•t ruc:tton period &nd Cbanps In design and allgnMnt of ac- durtna hunting seaeon CAPA cees road to reduce t.~acts on eoose 1983&, p . E-l -479 . Table (APA 1983&, p . t-3-533 •Ul. £.3.145; LCL 1985, p. 2.2-15l. H.,...ver, .. jor cllsruptlor.s of Possible controls on vol\Allt, speed, and s easonal •t.&ratt.ons are un -f r equencr o f acceu road traffic ( APA 1 ike\ y to occur (LCL 1985, p. 1983&, p. E-3-5 34 •12). 2.2-15). Publ ic access to access r oad a nd air- field p r ohibited during constructlon (APA 1983&, p . t -3-534 •12 , 14). Planning and devel opme nt of an env iron· mental briefings pro1ra• for a ll field personnel (APA l983a , p. E-3-292 •13l. Avo idance of the Prairie Creek, Stephan Lake , Fog Lakes, and Indian River areas by occeu routin~ I APA 1983•, p. t-3- 292). Discouragement oi off·road recreational ve h icle activity , and phasinp: in of re- creational p lan to limit tmpnc t s on \'e- getation an d wildlife (APA l983a, p . E-l-292 "14), I (1) Affected Specie• or Croup Cal l1ooae (cont.) (II) Potentiel I-t Mechenisa (26) lncreue in l!l"OW>d-bued human activity (ro.ct tr&f !ic, v tttaae acttvttiet , da con · stTUCtton ) may preclude use of so.e areas by ~s.e, parttcu· larl y ~~nsttive areas such as cal v ing sites and vtnter habt- tllt. (27) Increase in aircr aft overflights may stress a nicals or preclude use of some a reas. (28) ?rlor to filling, clP.ar- c ut area• i n t he l.mpoundr:ent mav inh ibit aovements due to slaah piles and hUIIan distur- bance. (III) I11pact Asses 111ent Status .. !'!ooae appear t o be 110re tol - erant of disturbances than cost unsulatet, particularly if d isturbances are predict- able, neutral, stt&uU, such as mov tn1 veh icles. Areas near source• of disturbance voold probably continue to be used if facilitie s sites a r e r estricted to as nall an area as possible, if huntl n~ froa project fac il ltiea is prohib- ited, and tf I!IOOSt! a re not directly .1pproacht<1 and haras- sed by machines or project per sonnel (APA 198la, pp. E-l-402-40), Table E.l .14 S; LCt 198S, p . 2 .2-1S). • Airc r aft enrout:e to or from the Watana airstrip uy c ause ~inor dilturbancea to moose , but .1111ple evidence of h.abltua- t lon to .1ir craft overflights s uggest that litt le or no 1:1- p•ct vlll occur (APA 1983•, pp. E-)-40) to 404, Ta b le E.3. 14S ; LCt 198S, p . 2.2-1Sl. * :lotsy a nd un-predi c table ac· t ivittes will probably cause avoidAnce of the active clear· lng >rea (APA 198la, p. E-)- 40), Ta ble E. ).14Sl. However, ooose are expected to utilire !ora§e newlv made availabl(' ~n c!eared areas. Slash piles t.:i 11 b e burned, and are not exoect ed t o inhtbtt move~~~ents o(ooose ltCl 198S, pp. ~.2 - I S-l 6l. (IV) Onaoinc and Plann~ Studiea Previous s tudlea provided tuf- ficlent 1nfomat1on for \~~pact •ssesscmt . No further s tud- i e s are planned. Previous studies provided suf- ficient ln fo.-..atlon fo r Impac t asaessr:ent. No furthe r s tud· ies are planned . Impact sever ity not sufficier.c to require study. (V) Proposed ~onttortns Activities IVY) Propos~ p.4i :!3atton Measures Pa~e 16 'l&jor ~ound >Ct\v!:y vii i b e prohibited nea r sens i t i ve wildlife are:.s ~ur!ng s ensitive period s 1 A.PA 1983a, p. ~-l ­ Sl2 "10). ?ublic .:.ccess to access road ind 3lr- field ;:rohibtted c uring construction (APA l95Ja, p. E·)-~)4 •12, 14). Us. of project r~cilltles or equi pt~ent bv eti'D lovees and !Al'Ut:s f or huntina ~nd ti-apPtn@ wt 1! '>e pr oh i bited f APA 198la, p. E-3-Sl'-•141. If needed, recoa:end..stions to ;J)f&C for r estrict ions to ht:nt !n~ resul at!C"ns to r educe hunting pTessure (APA 198la, p. E-l-S34 t \4). Oisc our .tgn::ent o f off·r~d recreat!onal vehicle activit ~, and phasin~ 1:1 n f re· cre;tional plan t" limit recreati onal inpacts on veseta:.!on and wildlife t APA 198)a, p. E-l-292 •16, 17). .o\ircraf t will mair:ta i n mtnt.r:nm alt i - tudes of 1000 ft above ground le\•tl durio~ H lghrs lAP A 198la, p . E-;-531 •10). P1ann1ng un d dt\'f!lopment of an environ- mentAl br iefin@s :rogram f o r .tll !teld personne l (APA 19Ela , p. E-3·292 :t\3). tcpound=tent clear ~n c: ._.Ill not ~egi n un· til 2 o r l year s ~eforf" fllltn~; ?at· ches o f ve~etatic~ ._.t 11 be l~i:: u:1ti 1 just be i orc flllbo I APA \9~)a , p. E·3·5=5 u t ). ":~jor ~round .lct!·:'!.':\" '"'ill be or.:-~ibi­ ted ;.ear !ller.siti·:e •.:i.ldllfe arrn.s dur- in~ s er.sitl'.·e pcr :.,d s (A?A 19'-Jt , p. :-)-;): •10). '·~ 17 (I) (It) (Ill) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Potent Ill lllpltt Onaotng Proposed P~oposed Specleo or lapac:t Assess.ent and Planned Monitoring ~lltlgltlcn Croup Mechlllls• StltUS Studies Activities ~:f!as ures (B) Moose (29) Incr eue In disturbance • Ihls t.pact Ia difficult to Ihts t.paet ~:~e<:hanl,. will re· Public access to .1c:ces~ road .:1nd air· (eont.) over the entire baoin uy oe· quantifv (APA l983a, Table eeive further attention during field prohl~lted during constriction cur due to lncrea1es in hwun £.3.145\. Except for r ec:ru· iapact assess-.ent re Hne.ent (APA 1983a, p . E-3·534). recreational activities. tional hunting which c"" be (APA l984b , FY85 Task 5). regulated by ADF~, this Ia· Use cf project !ac!lities or equipment pact is no t expected to reduce by ec;>loyeu and f310 1.lies for hunting r.oose productivity or populo• and :upping wU! be prohib ited (APA tion n..,bers in the Susitna l983a, p. E-3-534). Basin (u;t. 1985, p . 2. 2·16). Planning 11.nd development of an environ- mental briefin gs program for a ll Held personnel (APA l~8 3a, p. E-3-292). Discouragement o i ofi-road recreational vehicle activity, and phasing in of re· creational plan t o limit recreational illlpact on vegetltion and wildlife (APA 1983a, p. £-3·2~2). (C) Caribnu (l) Pemanent losa of 0.3' of • Imp1ct not expected to be Continued studies of 100vements toul range (lov quallt~· graz· Si8"ificant (LCL 1985. p. and range use (APA 1984b , FY85 ing h1blt1tl due to the lc· 2.3-8). Task 22). poundments and transaiss icn corridors. ( 2) Temporary al tent i on and * lr::r.poct r.ot expected to be Continued studies o f IDOVement< Reve~etation and fert ilization o£ dis· penn~nent lou of o.~ of SiJ;T~iflcant (u;t. 1985, p. and ranRe use lAP A 1984b, Fl85 t urbe~ sites CAPA :983a, p . E-3-526 s.-er r1nge for bu lls ~ue to 2 . 3·6). Task 22). il3). borrow sites. (3) Decrease In range values * Dl fftcul t to quant tfy; but Continued stud i es o f movements Public access t o access road 3nd air· due to i ncreased risk oi fire. not expected to cause a signi-and range use ( APA i984b , FY€5 field p rohlblte~ ~u<lng construction fi<ant decrease in total range Task 22). CAPA l983a, p. E-3·534 1112 , 14). availability (u;t. 1985, p . ~.3-8 ). Discouragement o: o££-road recreational veh!cle activity , and phasing in of re- creatlonal plan to lil>lt recreational Impacts on vegetation and wildlife CAPA 1983;;, p. E·3·l92 "16·17). (4) I ncrease in accident :~or ... • Impact difficult to qUIIItl.fy Continued studies of ..,ve· * Collect data on caribou Clearing of illlpcur.dcents prior to tallt\• associated vitli ice or predict; may be serious, or ments, range use, population movemertts and populJ.ticn flooding ~nd rec:oval of floating debris ali elvtns 1 arUtins ice t t ows 1 :::ay result in little adverse s i ze , and productivity; con-size, especially 1U re-to reduce hozards to crosalng (APA lloatins debris I ana exter.s Ive l o pact (LGL 1985, p . 2.3·8). tinued studies of movements \l i laces to impoundment 198 3a, p. E-3·530 "9). mua llats a l ona tlie !!J!cund-upper Sus itna-Ne nana s ubherd crossln~ CtCI. 1985, p . ment shore. and Its populath ~ size (APA 2 .3-8). * Sutpott o i the proposed Nelchina Pub- i984b, FY65 Task ~2). 1 tc t's e Are:~, or of projects to offset I Collect recor ds of lr.l-population limiting factors (e.g., pre- poundment c rossin@:S am! datlc~ or hunt!~~) on the Ne lchlna herd impoundrr:ent-caused r:ort a 1-i n r:ea rbv l reas could be used to com- ity durin g open-water ?e-pensate for projecc -rel:~ted l o sses, rlod (LCt 1985, p. 2.3-Sl. should they ocrur (u;t. 1985 , p. 2.1-B). (I) Affected Species or cr.,.. (C) C.rtbau (cont.) (lt) Potet~tlal blpact ~i- (5) Inc:ruaed lepl ha"ut leW!ls .. y noult f:n. in· created road accua by hunter-. to caribau r•nce. (6) Increased 110rtallty c:ay reoul t fron increaoed road acceu by llleaal hunters to caribau ran&•· (1) Increase lft collision mor· tallty due to construction traffic and increased recrea- tional traffic. (8) Disturbance o£ calvlftg covo by aircraft overfligh ts aay cause direct calf aorul- ity. (111) IIOpKt Asseo_,t Sta~ • Becauoe caribau lnlntina lo reaulated by penit, incnaoed acceoo vUl affect only the diltributlon of lepl lnlnters, not their total ..-u. The lllltllOWI n-r of anlull lepll y harvested in the pro- ject vlclnlry vUl not l n· crease unless ao warranted by the ADF6C (LCL 1985, p. 2.3-8). * Increased poachins may occur but not expected to cause pop· ulatlon effects (LCL 1985, p . 2.3-8). * Icpact difficult to predict but not expected to cause pop · ulatlon effects (LCL 1985, p. 2.3-9). • Project nnt expected t o slc· ntficAntly !ncrease harass · eent, particularly vith rel"- latlon of proj ect aircraf t (LCL 1985, p. 2 .3-~l. (lV) Onaolfta -Planned Stlldieo Sufficient lnforutlon Ia a•allule for lapeer predic- tions. Sufficient lnfo,..tlon '• a vallule for Impact predic- tions. Continued studios of movevnts and ranee un of herd and sub- herds I APA 198ltb, F'l85 Task 22). Suffic ient lnfot"ttltlon Is avallable for iapact asaess- ..,nt and altlptlon planning. No studies are planned . (V) PropoMd 11onitorlftc Actlvttieo Colloct 110rtallty data on road and railroad colli- sions (APA 19Bla, p. E-3- 523 .1). lyt) Proposed ~it!2atton ~asures Use of project fac !lltlel or equl p:~ent by eoployees and ;.:ollle o for huntlna a.'ld trappln~ will ~e prohibited 'APA 1983a, p. E·3·5l4 "14). Public act:ess to access road and a ir· Held prolllblte<! ~urlng conotructlo n (APA l983a, p. E·3·5l4 .tl2, 14l. Dilcouragfllflnt of off-road recreational 'lehicte activity, and phasln& in of re:· cnattonal plan to li.Jai.t recreational tmp.cts on veptatlon and v1ldl He CAPA 1983a, p. E-3-192 "16-17). Use of project hen ltles or equlpoent by employee• and ;acUies for huntlnl and trappln& vlll ~e prolllblted I APA 1983a , p. E-3-S:\1. nl2, 14). O..n@es In deolgn and allsnooent of ac· Cf'SI road to reduce ~cts on caribou and other specter (APA 1983a, p . t -3- 533 •11). * Ust o f buses ar.~ prohi bition of ~r­ sonal vehicles on :he access r oad dur· !ng construction 'tGt 1985, p. 2. 3·9). Public access t o access road and .lir- fleld prohibited ~"r i ng construction (APA 1983a, p. t-;-;]1. •12, 141. Dlacour.Jgemtnt oi ;-ff·ro3d recreational vehicle activity, aod phasln ~ lft cf re - creattonal plan tc limit recre:2tt onal lcpacts on ve•etot!on and vlldllfe (APA 1983a, p. E-3·292 "16·17). Atrcraft wi 11 uir.:3in •tnillruD al:!- tudes o f 1000 ft atove grrond le,•tl durl nt !liGhts, ar.tl possibly 2000 f t over c alving areas 'APA l98la, p. £-3- 416 .md 531 •10). Aircraft landtn ~s ·•ill be prohibited within calving areas in Ta lkeetna ~.oun· talns, lS ~y-30 :une (APA 1~8lil, p. E-3-Sll flO). Planni ng and deve lrp.,.,nt of nn e nviron· cental briefings program f or all fie ld personnel (APA 19Sla, p . E-3·292 "Ill. Po~e 19 (1) (It) (lU) (IV) (V) 1\"t) Aff ected Potetltial I ~~pACt Oaaoina PropoMCI Proposed Spectu or I ~~pACt Atses-.tt ....t Plat11'1ed !!onitorinl! !'!!t!Jatlon Cr oup -i-S tatuS Studies Activities ,.,.e asurea (C) Caribou * (9) I n creaMCI predation mo r · * Impact .. y or .. y not be llll· * Collect data o n car ibou * Qlan,es in desian and alillftl'le nt of (cont.) tality on caribou prevented portant , depend ina on d~ree JDOVftlents and populat ion access road to r e duce l.mpact!: on cart. • fr .. reach ina areas they nor· of Mrd .,vement r est ric tions she (APA 1983a , p. £·3· bou and other specleo (APA 1983o , p . ully use. caused by project fac:i lit los 523 •3). E-3·533 •lll. (LGL 19851 p . 2.3·9). (10) Potential affects of t he * lcpac:t diff icult to quantify Continued s tudies o f .,Vftll!nt Collect data on caribou Clear in' o f il:lpoundments prior t o illpoun.-..,t aa a barrier t o or predict; altered 8(We.fttl of Mrd, ranp use , population _,ts ....t population flood!.~& and re110va1 of floatic.g debris .,.,_to ioc:lud.l: a) reduc:· are not Hllc ly to procluc:a pop· size, and produc:tivity; con• she, especially a a re· to reduce hazarda to cross ina I APA t ion in the frwqu..,c:y of ulation·1eve1 effects (LCL tlnued studies of .,_ts of lates to !Jopourtdltent 1983a, p. £•3·530 •<9). cross11111 of the \Oat.,. U:· 1985, p. 2.3-10). upper Susttna·llenana sutlllerd croaaiog (APA 1983a, p. ~t area vith consequent ....t its population s ize (APA £-3-523 "3) • I dec:reasea in uoe of portions 198lob, fY85 Task 22). of the ranp; b) isolation of Collect records of U:- subherds havinf separate calv· ~t crouioas and ina around•; c increased lmpoundr.ent·caused 100rtal· enersr expenditure due to ity during open·vater pe· lenathened eiaration r outes, riod (APA 198 3a, p. £·)· posaibly r .. ulti na tn r educed 521t •5l. viability of neVbo m cah·u and other conaequencet of reduced pllyaical cond ition . (ll) Drifted """" aouth and * lapact not quantified, but Continued s tudies of INJYe~~enta Collect data on caribou southwat of the reeervoir uy not expected to be stanlficant of Mrd (APA 1984b, FY85 Task ..wecents and population block ..,.,_ts to por tions of (LCL 1985, pp. 2.3·5 and 10). 22l. al.z:e, especially as re- ttl@ ranp. latea to icpoundloent crossing (APA 1983a, p. £-3·523 •3). Co llect r ecords of te- poundllent croaalnaa and tmpounc!D:ent·caused 1110rtal· ity during open-water ,e- riod (APA 1983a, p. E·l· 521t nit). (12) Blockap or alteration of * Blocked crouing of the ac· Cone inu~d stud t ea of :DOveeents Co llect data en caribou 0\anses ln design •nd allgntDent of 3 C '" herd aoveaents by the access cess road is not anticipated and population s s ize of sub· .:ovn.ents and populatlcn c e ss r oad to reduce lcp:tcts on caribou road . t o c:wse population-level herd (APA 1984b, fY85 Tas k s ize (APA 1983a, p. E-3-(APA 195Ja , p. E-3-~33 "Ill. effects (LCL 1985, p . 2.3·10). 22). 523 nl. • Use ~i buses anC: p rohibition o i per- sonal ..-ehlcles on the access r oad C:ur· ing construction I LGL 1985, p. 2.3-9). (13) Avoidance of construc tion * Impact not quant if ted but Continued studies of move~~ents Co l lect d ata on caribo u tcpou.~c!=ent clear !~~ \Jill not begi n un· sites and clearing operations, not expected to r tosu 1 t in an y o f herd (APA 1984b, FY85 Task move.ents and population til ! ~r 3 year s before f illln't; pat· pa rticuhrly by cova and col· population effects (LCL 1985, 22). ~~~e .. ~~:A 198.3a, P: £·3-ches o! \'egetatlrr: \o'lll be le f t untll ve e due to hwun disturb an ce . p. 2 .3-10). j ust ~einre fillin g (APA 1983a, p . E- 3·525 ul). Clearing activities will be prohibited near concentr3t1ons of lftigrating c.1ri· bou during sensitive \.riods (APA 1983a. p. E-3·532 u10 • (1) Affected Specleo cw Croup (C) Caribou (cont.) (D) Dall Sheep (ll) Potential l.,act llecbani .. (1.4) lncreaoed -rl)' demdl particularly to presnmt cow (or c.,... vtth calvu) due to dllturtw>ce by connruction traffic on the access road be- ._ the Denali Hipay and Wauna. CIS) Overfllal>tl by aircraft uy advenely illpact caribou throuat> lncr~ased eneriY coou. Hill> levels of Clstur- bance uy affect productivity Csroup• vith feules and cal- vet are mat tenaltln). (16) ~nee• 1n ranee us•, dllruption of msratlor. ;:at- terns and abando.-.ent o ! tra· dltional c.alvtns areas r..ay re- sult frc. an increase tn re- creational activities and an increase in non-project devel- opment activitiea, both facl.l- i t.ted through increased ac-: cess. ( 1) Partial Inundation of the J oy Creek mi neral lick. !nun· dation vil 1 cov er over 2=\ of the lick surface area during the months of uximua use . At aaxlona 1-cll:!ent level In October, lt'l'\. of lick surface 111\l be flooded. (2) Arus of the lick be !ow lUX!Jma fill level uy suffer s oee leaching and erostcn , uking thla area leas valuable 11 • lick site. (111) l.,act ..... _t StatUI * Iapect not quantified, but not expected to reeult In pop- ulat l on-level effecu (LCL 1985, p. 2.3-10). • lDpact not quantified, but not upected to be olsnificant 1! pilou uintain oufflcient altitude (t.CL 1995, p. 2.3-10). • Difficult to prodict but not anticipated to caus e popula- tion-level !~>poets (t.Cl 1985, p. 2.3-11). • Cnlikely that sheep will discontinue use of the lick due to partial inundation (APA 1993a, pp . E-3-419 to 420, Table E.3.lt.8). ln addition, s ites to be inundated account· •d for only 2 .6\ of licking in 1983 (Tankersley 198/o). Im- pact not anticipated to be !Ciportant (t.Cl 1985, pp. 2.1.-6 to 7 ). * Erosion cay tncreasf' avaU· ability of aloerals, however this Ia not anticipated to affoct the quallty of the lick slgniflcantly. l~ct of leaching has not been fully quantified (t.Cl 1985, p. 2.4-7). (IV) Onaolnl and Pbnned Stud leo Continued studieo of _,tl of th~ herd and S\lhllerd (APA 19841>, fY85 Talk 22). SufHclent lnfo,...,.tlon !1 anilo.ble for il!pOCt aooeu- Mnt and •ltisatlon planntnc. No fun:her studlea are plan- ned. Cont1nuod studies ot .aovH~entl and range use (APA 198/ob, FY85 Task 22). * Sufficient lnfomaticn is available for impact assess · ment and ,.itigatlon planning. * Sufficient lnforutlon Is available for tapact •saesa· .eat a.nd •itlptlon planning. (V) Pnopoled llonitorlns Activities Collect data on caribou .,_u and pop~latlor. otze (APA 198Ja, p. E•l- 523 •3). Collect data on caribou moveeents and populatiO!\ size (APA 1983a, p. E-;- 523 •3). Collect i n forma t ion on sheep use of the minera: lick after inundAtion I.;PA 1983&, p. C:·l-S24l. Coll•ct lnf~rmation on sheep use. of mineral licit. and on luch lng of soi: s after lnundat !on ( APA 1983a, p. E·3-S24 •51. 'Vll Proposed !'lltlaatlon Measure a Paae 20 Chanses ln deolgn >nd all..-nt of ac- cess road to re<tuce itrpacta on caribou (APA l983a, p. E-3-533 •11). • Use o f buoas and prohibition of per- sonal \·~hiclea on the access road dur- in& conotructlon 'LCt. 1985, p. 2.3-9). Aircraft vill ulnutn •In-oltl- tudes o f 1000 ft abon around level c!urln§ fl!al>tl, and poostbly 2000 ft over calving areas (APA 19R3a, pp. £- 3·416 and 531 •10). Aircraft Iandin&• will be prohibited vithln calvlns area in Talkeetna Moun- ulna 15 May-30 ;une (APA l983a, p. E- 3-531 u10). Plannlnc and devel~t o f an environ- Mntal brleHnss prosrom f or all flel~ personnel (APA 19S3a, p. E-3-292 •nl. Changes in duicn and al1ar-nt of ac- cess ro.d to reduce i~cts on caribou and e ther species (APA 1983a, p. E ·3- 533 •11). Public acce1s to access road and air- field prohibited during construction (APA 1983a, p . E-3·531. M12, 14). Discouragement of off-road recTeational vehicle octlvity , and phnsing In of re- creational plan to llmlt recreat!onal impacts on vegetation and wlldlife (APA 19!3o, p . E-3-292 u H-l7l. tf needed, exposur!! o f new sotl at J4y Cree<. :tlneral lie~ (APA 1983&, p. E-3- S34 "lll. I! r.eeded, ~xposure o f new son lit Jay Creek ~lin.ral I !ck (APA 1983 , p. £-3- 534 u 1)). Po~ 21 (I) (11) (Ill) (IV) (V) 1 \j) Affected Potential Iepact Onaoinl Proposed Proposed Species or l111>act Asse1..-nt and Planned Monitorinl Htt 1 ~at1on Group llechania Status Studies Activities l'!'!asure• (D) Dall (3) Watana iiOpOWI-nt may de· * Impact not expected to be hapo:~;ct severit)' not s uffichmt Sheep lay aprinc phenolol)' and lead s igntricant (LGL 1985, p. t o require study. (cont.) to tncrea1ed anov ac\allation 2.4-7). i n south·fac ins s lopes of Wa tana Hills. (4) Increase in a ccident oor· • Unliltelv to cause mortalitv Collect information on tality due to ice shelves on of t'lore than a few s h eep, noi sheep use of t he mineral tower sections of the Jay expected to cau se population-ltck after inundat !on Creek •ineral ltck in early level i~~~>ac t s (LGL 1985, p. (APA 1983, p . E-3-524). spri n1. 2 .4-7). * ( 5) Increased legal harvest * To t a l nu.ber of legally bar· l evels may r esult from in-vested sheep regulated by creased hunter access to Dall ADF&C and should not increase sheep range . s ubstantially CLGL 1985, pp. 2 .4-7 to a). * (6) Increased ooor taltty NY * I nc rease in Illegal harvest Use of project fac :lit ies or equl p:llent result f rom increaaed access not expected to be significant by emp loyees and !ar.U ies for hun ting by poachers to Dall sheep t~ overall population l evel s and trappln~ will be rohibited (APA range .. CLGL 1985, p . 2.4-8). 1983a , p. E-3·534 "14 • If neede d, recOII'IC!endat i ons for res eric- t ions to h unt ing :-e~rula tions t o reduce harvest pressure 'APA 19e3a, p. £-3·534 ~14). (7) The liatana t.poundment may • Sheep may cross open wa t e r Collect records of im-• Clearing o f hr.ro·.mdment s prior t:o b l ock some movemen t to lic k o r ice , move upstream 1 mile poundmen t crC'SSin gs An d flooding and removal o f floating debr is sites o n the east side of Jay before crossing, or not c r ess impoundment -cau sed mor ta 1-to rel.uce hazar ds :o crossing f APA Creek. the impoundme n t , potentially it~· during open-water pe-1983a, p. E-3-530 "9). Special at:en- reducing the availabi\1 ty of riod (at Jay Creek) (APA tion ':\l removal o f debris in t he :owe r lick sites on the east side of 1983a, p. E-3-524 •<.). J ay Cre ek area wi 1 t be ou:complished Jay Creek. However, the main (LCL 1985 , p. 2 .L-c 2\. lick on t h e west s ide of the Collect inio macion f"n c reek wi ll reoain available , sheep u se of mineral lick I f needed, exposurt! of ne\ol' soil a:. J a y thP.refore not r esulting in an and on l eachin t o f soils Creek ::i neral lief. t APA 1983a, p . £·3· i <.portant le,·el of iiii>&Ct (LCL After i nundation (APA 5 34 u l~l. 1985 , p. 2.4-8). 1983a, p. E-3-524 •5l. ( 8) Increase d .. ubolic energy Impact not quantified but not Suffi cient Info rmation Is Ai rcr a f t will ma lr.tain min!r.lum a l ti - requlre~~ent s and a bandoneent expected t o t• s i gn ificant If a vailable for impact assess-tudes o f 1000 f t ato..,e g r ound le\'el of s ome areas due to aircraft height restr ictions are main-r..ent and mitigation planning. duri"S fl ights (;.FA 1983a, p . E-3-5 )1 overflights . tained (APA 1983a, pp . E-3-418 ~o studies pl anned. n l O). to ~1 9, Ta ble E.3 .148l. Planning :and dev elC';n:~ent of an en•:·i r o n- rcental b r i cfin~s p rC~sram fo r al l :teld per sonne l (APA 19:3a., p. E-3-292 ':1 3). Pa11e 22 (I) (II) (Ill) (IV) (V) f\'1) Affected Potential TIIJ)aCt Onaotn11 Pr0110ae<1 Proposed Species or l..,.ct Asses11111!nt and Planned ~itoring Hit!l!ation Croup Meehan in Status Studies Activities Measures (D) Dall (CJ) Disturbance of lheep uti-Impact not quantified. Dis- I Impoundment clearing schedule to be Sheep Uzing lov elevation winter turbance will occur only over determined in consultation with re- (cont.) and spring habi tau due to im-the short-term period of im-source agencies (APA 1963&, p. E-3-526 poundllent clearin11 activities. pounclllent clearing and will n1). probably not produce a serious population effect (APA 1983&, Table E.3.148). (10) Disturbance fr011 aircraft * Icpact not quantified; but Sufficient information is Collect infonnation on Aircraft will mair.tain minilll11111 alt1- lanalnu 1 dearln~acdvltles 1 not expected to be significant nvaUable for impact aueu-sheep use of mineral lick tudes of 1000 ft above ground level and rec!'eatlonal ats near with planned project controls, ment and mitigation. No stud-and on luching of soils during fllghts (APA 1983a, p. E-3-531 tfie la% ~ree~ mineral licit mal provided there is little re-ies planned. after inundation (APA nlO). affect us use IJy sheep. creational disturbance. Fre-1983a, p. E-3-524 tS). quent visits could result in * Aircraft landir.~s and boat traffic abando=ent of the lick with will be prohibited within 0.5 mile of resultant changes in distri-Jay Creek licks, l ~ay -15 July (APA button and local population levels (APA 1983&, p. E-3-420, 1983a, r· E-3-531 "10; LCL 1985, p. 2.4-11). Table E.3.148; LCL 1985, p. 2 .4-6). *Major ground activity (includir:~ boat and floatplane use l will be prohibited within 0. 5 mile of Jay Creek llcks, 1 May-15 July lAPA l9~3a, ~· E-3-532 "10; LGL 1985, p. 2.4-ll • * Impoundment clearing will avoid the Jay Creek tick area from 1 May-15 July (LCL 198~, p. 2.4-11). (E) Brown (1) Pemanent loss of SOlie Of radio-collared brown bears Continued studies of habitat Collect infomation on Habitat enhanc.,er.t and protection mea- Bear r;rins !ei!illns haliltat aue to pr.,sent in the project area, use and timing, den site char-bear populations o>nd dis-sures on replace!:!ent lands to compen- poundments. 5()<·, in 1980 •nd 61' in 1981 acteristics, and season~~l food tribution of bear harvest sate for permanent ~abit~t loss may mo,·ed l"to the future impound-habits f APA 1984b, FY85 Task (APA 198a, p. E-j-534 bene!it burs (AP A l 983a, p. E-j -527 "'ent zones in spring. This 17). "14). ••6). loss is apect"'d to be "'""t important to brown bear popu- lations in spring wllen great- est use of inundated and ad- jacent ar..aa occurs. Some us" also occurs in sum~er and fall. (APA 1983a, p. E-3-420 to 425, Table £.3.149). (2) Impoundeent clearing will Impact not expected to be sig-Continued studies of seasonal Collect information on tmpoundment cleari~g will not begin un- affect habitat qunlity for nificant in the 2-3 years be-food habits (APA 1984b, FY85 bear populatlono and dis-til Z or 3 years ~efore filling; pat- brown bears in spring. fore filling (APA l'i83a, p. Task 17). tri button of bear harvest ches oi vegetation ·•ill be ldt until E-3-422, Table E.3.149). (A PA 1983a, p. E-l-534 _lu st before filllr.g (APA 1983a, p. E- itl4). l-~25 "I). ( 3) DlsTlac..,.ent of bears from May affect cub survival, in-Conrinuf!d studies of seasonal Collect in formation on 2reaenc•v usea fia61tats ~esl!e-crease predation pressure on habitat use and food habits bear populations and dis- ciatlv in 11 2rliia, llal; result ungulates, increase intraspe-( APA 1984b, FY85 Task 17) • tribut ion of bear harvest In loca[lv more det~se 222ula-cHic mortality, and decrease (APA 1983&, p. E-3-534 tiona ana 'Teater lntr.ns,ec{ .. reproduction. 1114). Fie C2!2;!t tlon anCI scrl e [n 83Jacent areas. (I) Ufeeted Speciea .,. Croup C!l Brown Bear Ccont.l (lt) Potntt.al lapa<:t -i- (Itt) Itopact A.ssesatent StatlU (4) Lou or alteration of bib· l•pac:t not quantified. Babi· I tat clue to borrow s ites. tat values uy increue on recla!J:Ied areas clurtns early s t aps of plant succession IAPA 198la, p. E-1·421 to l.22l. ( S) Potential !~~~pact on den· n ing areal due to tepoundment shore eroaton. !!!!!· ( 7) Reclucttons in upstreu: un- plate prey populations "'"Y <:auae corresponding reductions In available food supply for bears, especially in the sprtna. ( 8) Pouible reduction In avaUabll tty of animal prey (e.@., sahoon, IIUOSe) and veg- etable foods in dovnstrem reaches. (9) l.owr population s izes and decreaHd re-crul~t of bear s ln t-he study area -y result In fever subadults fr001 the study area available to d ls- perae out to and populate ad- jecent areas. (10) Increase In 110rull :" of &ears due to attr action to h~n refuse and reveaetated area• near conatructlon sites , and the re•ultant increase In the lncldiilce of h,..n/bur encounter• 1 retultin' in de· struc:t{on of the "or endlna Gear". lCJl)ICt may occur on potcr.ttal or unknown den sites, but has not been quantified; not ex· pected to be significant (APA l98la, Table E.1.ll.9). lm,..ct not quantified and dif- ficult to predict (APA 1981a, pp. E-1·426, 481 , 484, Table E.1 .1l.9). lcpac t not quantified CAPA i:~~,:9~~· E·J-l.25, l.26, Table ~ttigation for salmon and coose may negate this aspect of the l1Dpact . Altered plant succf!saion r..ay reduce or in- crease plant foods available to bears. tcpact dlfflcul t to quantt!y, but uy affect nearby popul a· t ~ons . · lcpact not quantified and dtf· rtcult tr p r edict (APA 1981a, p. t-1-S23 to loll., T~ble t.1. 149). (IV) Onaoins and Planned Studies Continued studies of babitat use and tbin& CAPA 1984b, FT85 Taat 17). Continued studies of den site characteriltics ( APA 198lob, f'I8S Task 17). Continued studies o f aeuon&l habl tat use and a:o..-e:oenu (APA 1984b, FY8S Task 17\. Cont inued studies or seaaonal food habl t1 of bears C APA 1984b , FY85 Task 17). !loose calf morta 11 ty St~dy (APA 1984b , FYBS Task 0 ). Downstream r;,oose studies (APA 198lob, FYBS Task 23). Oovn- streo hydrologic and vegeta- tive studies (APA 1984b, f'/aS Task 1S). Sal11on studies (APA t98l.a, Aquatic f'ISS Tasks 12- 16 ). Opportuni s tic lnforl:lltlon on dispers al in the course o! I'Uked bMr studies (APA 198lob, FY8S Task !7 ). Sufficient lnfon:atlon Is avat table for impact asaeas- soent and •itlgatiMI. No stud· les planned. (V) Proposed !lonitorins Activities Collect records of tm- pciiiiiGent crouings and 1.8poundltent·caused 100rtd- tty during open·vater pe- riod (APA l98la, p. t -3- S24 ... ). Collect data on changes in downst ream veget3tlve cov- er (APA 19~1a , p. E-1-521 •2). Collect lnfon:oatlon on bear populat ton• and dis- tribution of bear harve~t (APA 1981&, p. E-1-514 "14 ). rvn P~oposed ~!tt~tion ~easures Pap 23 ll.obltat lou vUl be 10lnilolzed by stde borrow t Khnlques for road construe· tlon , spoil depos ition I n lcpoundcents or d~leted borrow~-sa, and c c nsoll- dotlon o f project !1. .lltles (APA 1981a, p. t-1-~26 rl2). Reve t;etation an~ :ertiliz.uion of dis - turbed sites (APA l 983n, p . E·3·526 •1). Clurtna lmpouneents prior to flooding and reeoval of !loating debris to re· duce ~nards to c~os•lng (APA 198la, p . E-3·530 09). U.pacts f r otD dec:-e ase:d prey a vat labtl- ity should be r~uced by Masure s to mttiglte impac ts tc ungulate popula- tions fAPA 1983a, ?· t-3-SJ6 •16). l mpacrs f r om decreased prey ;Wa tlabfl- ity should be re~uced by measures to mitigDtf impacts :o s all!lon .ln d un@:ulate populotlons (APA !981a, p. E·l-SJ6 o16 l. Education pr cgr a::, ond strict garbo,e- contro l ~:easures and e n forcerent to pre\'tnt c rea';ion of nuisance 3nlc.lls (APA l 9S3a, p. E·l-53S •1Sl. Planning and deve 1 J ptrtent of an environ- mental brlefln .. r rogr:un £or all Held personnel (APA l9a1a, p. t -1·292 •11). Paae 21o (I) (lt) (Ill) (IV) (V) (VI) Affecte<l Potential t.pact Onaoinc Proposed Propose<! Species or I.,..:t Asses58ent .nd Pbnned llonitortna Hitig.tlon Croup !!«ban in Status Studies Activit tea Heasurea (£) lrovn (11) Cruter suaceptlbillty of Kuntlns ;>olicy for the project Sufficient infonutlon is Collect lnfonution on Public access to access road and air- Bur burs (p.rtlcubrly hablt,..te<l area currently allows liberal available for t.pact assess· bear populations and dis· field prohlblte<l durlns construction (cont .) burs) to hunUna and ~chins brown bear harvest levels Mnt .ad altlaation phnnlna. trlbutlon of bur harvest (APA 1981., p. £-3-534 tl2, 14). aortdity due to l.aprove<l ac-Which em be reaulate<l In the No studies are planned. (APA 1983a, p. £-3-534 cess in the area. future . losses to poachers t11o). Use of project facUlties or equlpcoen t vtll be an unavoidable adverse by employees and faailles for huntlns i•pact (APA 1961., pp. £-3-and trapplns will be rohlbited (APA 423, 4 26, 484, Table £.3.149). 1983a, p. £-3-534 n4 • If needed, reca-endatlons for restrtc- tiona to hunting regulations to reduce huntins preuure (APA 198la, p . £-3-5 34 tl4). Disc:ouraaeMnt of off-road recreational vehicle activity, and phasing in of re- creational plan to liait recreational l.apacts on vesetatlon and wildlife (APA 1981., p. £-3-292 •15-17). (12) Avoidance of traditional lapact includes loss of feed-Continue<! studies of habitat Collect infomation on Possible controls on volume, speed and use areaa caused by lnc:rea•e ln1 habitat Mar ac.cesa corTl-use and Uatns (APA 1984b, bear population• and dis-frequency of access road traffic (APA in huaan activity at construe-dora, vU lages, airstripa, and FY85 Task 17). tribution of bear harvest 1983a, p. E-3-534 •nl. tion sites and operations fa-bon'ov sites. Soee bears aay (APA 1983a, p. £-3-534 c!lltlu. be displace<! or alter their t 14). Avoidance of the Prairie Creek and .wsents; others uy habltu-Stephan Lake areas by access routlns ate and lead to h~aan /bear (APA 198la, p. £-3-292 114). lnter-octlon probleu (APA 1983a, ~· E-3-42t., table '::.3.149 . (13) Disturbance fr0111 access Significant lii!J>act not expec-Continued studies of den site Collect information on den Ground activity vlll be prohibited corridors, vll lages, air-ted because brown bear dens charact.eristics (APA 1984b, locations throughout con-within 0 .25 miles of known active bear strips, and clearing of trans-are typically at higher elevo-FY85 Task 17). struction (APA 1983a, p. dens 15 September-15 Hay (APA 1983s, p. million line 10ay d isplace tlons than proposed project £-3-524 &6). E-3-532 110). bears fr011 current denning facilities; Identified dens areae. are not in the viclnlty of Plannina and development of an environ- such f&cllltles (Hiller 1984, mental brlefinss program for all field Table 23 and Fig. 8). personnel (APA l983a, p. £-3-292 •13). (lt.) Overflights or haras S111ent * t-,act difficult to q ... nti-Sufficient Information 11 Alrcroft vlll aalntaln •inl.llull alti- by aircraft uy disrupt fee<!-fy , however some habituation available for l~ap1ct a1sess-tudes o f 1000 ft above around level 1n1, restins and dennlng ac-to overflights would be expec-aent ond mitigation planning. durlna flights (APA l983a, p. E-3-531 tlvltles. ted. No studies are planne<l. t10). Plannlna and devetopeent of m environ- ~~~ental brieflnss prosr• for all f ield personnel (APA 1981., £-3-292 al)). Pa~• 25 (1) (11) lltl) (IV) (V) (\'1) Affected Potenthl l"l'act On coins Proposed Proposed Species or I ..,act AsaesSMnt and Planned ~nitorin~ M!.ttutton Group IIKhani• Status Studies Activities '~easures (F.) Brown (15) Recreational disturbance Impact not quantified, but Continued studies of seosonsl Public access to acces1 road and air- Bur fac{litatl!d bv Increased ac-could be slsnificant. Most habitat use and food habits field orohlblted ourln1 construction (cont.) cess uv cause avolaiiice ol slsnlficant Impact vould like-(APA l9114b, F'Y85 Task 17). (APA 1983a, p. £-3-534 112, 14). tr4dltlonal use areas and mav ly be froa recreational actlv- l eail to Increase in Fiuun16Ur lty In the Prairie Creek-Avoidance o f the Prairie Creek and Interact Ions. Stephen Lake area --a trod!-Ste'phan Lake areas by access routi ne tlonal area for s.-r feedins (APA ;.9@3a , p. £-3-292 114). on sal1110n (APA 1983a, p . E-3- 421, Table £.3.149). Dlscourasement o f off-road recreational vehicle activity , and phaslns 1n o! re- creatlonal plan to llalt recreat i onal l "l''ct s on veKetatlon and vUdllfe IAPA 1983a , p . £-3-29 2 •16-17). (F) Black (1) Permanent loss of hlsh 1/lll exclude black bears up-Continued soonitorlns of black Collect tnfor:1atton on Habitat enh.anceeent and protection nea- Bear t:!!tv forest F.abltats due to stream fro. \latana Cretk. and bear population• and 80Ve.efttS bear populations and dis-sures on replacec~ent lands to c0111pen- nC!iiiii ta. slsnlficantly lower popula-In the area Is planned (APA tribution of bear harvest sate f or peraanent habl t a t loss will tlons In the project area (APA 1984, F'Y85 Taak 171. (APA 1983a, p. E-3-534 provide soae benefits for black bears 1983a, p . E-3-427, Table £.3. #14). (APA 1983a, p. E-3-S27 16). lSO). ( 2) Loss of covu and foraaln! Ihls vill be realized prior to Continued 1110n1tor1na of black Impound~>ent clurlr.s will not begi n un - areal In foreat habitats due Impounc!Mnt filling due to bear populations and move.nts til ~ or 3 years before filling; pat- to lJii)OUf\aHnt clear1ns. clearina activities (APA In the area Is planned (APA ches o f vesetatlor. ~o~l ll be l eft until 1983a, p . £-3-~28, Table £.3. 1984b, F'l85 Task 17). just ~efore Hlllr.~ (APA 1983a, p . £- 150). 3-S25 01). (3) Temporary l o ss of forest Impact represents a tempora ry Continued studies of black Hab itat loss will be minimized by side hsbltats In borrov lites . loss of habitat for black bear populations and movet!M!nt;s bonov technique:• for road construe- bears. Revesetatlon will pro-(APA 19@4b, F'Y8S Tuk 17). tlon, spoil deposition In Impoundments vide s pring for .. e during o r depleted borrow areas, and consol1- early successional stages, And dation o f proj ect f oc llltl es IAPA re@rovth of forest will pro-198la, p. E-3-S26 u2). vide continued habitat for bears (APA 1983a, p. E-3-427, Revegetation and !ert il!zat lon o f dis- table £.3.150). turbed s ites ( APA 1983a, p. E-~-;26 •3). !llnleize loss and aiterat l on of habl- tat, particularly l fss abundant habi- tats a nd sensltve 111ldl!fe habitats (APA l983a, p. E-!-291 •1-lll. (~) Penoanent lou of so:oe den Of known black bear dens In ldentlficatlon of active den Collect lnfonoatlnn on !lajor ground actl\'lty will be proh ibit- sites due to l!poundllen:s. 2nd the project area, S4~ were in sites of black bears wU 1 con-b l xk bear den locations ed vltl:ln 0 .25 •lies of all knovn ac-aue to d[sturbance and dis-the Watana and 6\. vere in the tlnue (APA 1984b, F'Y84 Task throughout construc:tio:"l tive bear dens bet\.-.en 15 Septecber and 2lacsent lroa construction Devil Canyon Impound.,.,nt zones 17). (APA 1983a, p. £-3-524 15 !'.ay (APA 1983a, p. £-3-S32 h 10l. :tnCI ;nratlon laciiitles and (!'Iiller 1983). •6). activ ties. (5) Poulble f.llpac t on den !~~pact not quantified; paten-Continued studies of den site Collect lnfonoatlon on den sites due to l~nt shore tlal or unknovn den situ uy characteristics (APA 1984, locations throuJhout con- eros ton . be affected but t.pscts are F'Y85 Task 17). structlon (APA 1983a, p. not expected to be shnlflcant E-l-52~ ~). (APA 1983a, Table £.3.150). (l) (II) (Ill) (IV) (V) IVl) I Af'ected Potential lmpact Clngoins Proposed Proposed Species or l"Pact Assessment and Planned ~ltoring !'litigation Group Hechanisa Status Studies Activities ~asures I (F) alack (6) Habitat alteration along Pos:ttve and negative iapac:ts Continued studies of black Collect infomation on Selective clearing i n transmission cor- Bear the tranniss ton corridor. on black bears. Loss of for-bear habitat use and 110ve•nts bear populations ant C!.s -ridor. ?Cmitti r.g sera\ vegetation u p !cont.) tit habitats along the corrl-(APA 1984, FY85 task 17). tribution of bear harvest to 10 ft I n hel~t (APA l9!3a, p. E-3- dor will constitute so.e habt-(APA l96 3a, p . E-3-)}4 526 •4 ). tat t oss, althoush spring for-•14). age within the corridors wlll !1in t:~ize loss of :orest areas through p rov ide added food (APA l 983a, al icroent of access road and transmts - p. E-3-4Q4, table E.3.150). stC'In corr i dor, and othf'r ~esures (APA l9B;a , p. E-3-539 •23). ( 7) Reduct ton In avallablllty tmpac t not quanti fled, but not lmpact sever! ty no t sufficient Co llect i nfomation on of low shrub habitats in expected to be s i gnificant t o require study . bear populations and <!is· sprin~ due to delayed melting (APA l983a, Tabl e E.3.l50). trlbutlon of bear harvest of snow drifts south and IAPA 1963a , p. E-3-534 southwest of the impoundment. 014). ( 8) Reductions In prey ropula-Proj !Ct impacts on soae food Continued investigati ons of Collect lnfonutlon on Impacts from decre a sed prey •vallabil'"' tions, If the~ occur !e.g., res01arces of black. bears are bear food habits vii l better bur populations and dls-lty should be reduced by measures t o salmon, eoose , vould nega-as y•H uncertain, and bears docu:ment important food trlbutlon of bear ha:"Vest mitigate impacts to salr.on and ungulate tively l"Pact black bears In may not be adversely affec ted sources for b 1ack bears (APA (APA l993a, p. E-3-534 populations (APA 1983a, p. E-3-536 dOWftltre• areas. IAPA 1983a, p. E-3-429, table 1984b, FY85 Task 17). n4l. •16). E.3.1 50). (9) Increased avallablllty of No noticeable llrpact expected lmpact severity not sufflcier.t Collect data on changes in Use of multllevel intake s truc tures on early spring forage dovnstre .. on black bears (APA l983a, p. t o require study. downstream veCietative cov-the da::~s to maintain downst!'eam river fr011 l•poundlr.ents due to al-E-3-429). er (APA 1983a, p. E-J -523 teeperatures as close to norc.al a s pos- teration of vesetation phenol-•2). sible (APA l983a, p . E-3-526 45). ogy. (10) Decreased availablllty of lDI~act not quantified but not Cant inued refinement of down-Collect data on chan~es t n early succes1ional vegetation expected to be signiHc•nt strelll!l h ydrology ".odellng ma y downstre ao ''egetative cov- typel due to r i.ver hydrC~logic (APA 1983a, p . E-3-4~9, Table better enable prediction of er (APA l983a, p. E-3-523 changes dowstream of the im-E .3.150). effec ts on black bears (APA t2). poundiDenta. 1984b, FY85 Tas l<s 5, 15 and 23). Pogo 27 (l) (It) (III) (IV) (\') (VI ) Affect ed Potential lODpact O.golng Proposed Proposod Species o r l•ct Assesseent and Pl annod Monitor i ng Mlt l~>tlon Croup Mech anism Status Studios Acttviti!s ~asures (F) Black (11) S... Ind irect habitat ll:lpact not quantlfiod, al-Contlnuod s tudios of habit at Collect tnfomat ton on t cpo~.::1doent clearing wil l not begin un- Bear loaa (especially ber ry ror a o-though s.,.., habltuat ion to use and black bear move.eents bur populations and dis-til 2 o r l yett r s before f U ling; par- (cont .) in& s hrubland) and poss!blo huun act ivities will occur (A PA 1984b, FY85 tuk 17). t r ibution of bear harvest c h es of vege t :~t ion wil l be left until blocbge o f llOVements to 1o -(APA 1983a, p. E-3-427, T1lblo (APA 1983a, p. E-3-534 just boforc filling (AP A 1983a, p. E- port ant tt.bi tat areas due t o E .3 .150l. •14). 3-525 u 1 ). avoidance of construct ton sites, access roads , icpound- I Possf.tl e controls on volUDe, speed and aent c l earin g activities . and frequency of access ro:td t raffic (APA. recr eational use o f t he area. 1983a, ?• E-3-534 •12). Publ tc access to access r oad and air- Hold proh!bitod dur in~ construction (APA 1983a, p . E-3-534 "12). Avoidance of t h o Fog L.1k .. nnd Indian River areas by access r outing (APA 1983a, p . E-3-292 •141. Di s cC'u r a geme nt of o ff·road recreational vehicle activity, a nd phasing in of re- ereational plan to limit recreational impacts on vogotation and vUdli fo (APA 1983a, p. E-3-29 2 n16, 17). (12) Broken ice and/or leo lapact not quantlfiod but not Continued study or boar habi-Colloct records of U.-Clearing of impoundoents prior to s he l ving, open v ater i n the expected to bo signlficont tat use and movt>ments (APA. poundment crossings a nd flooding and roeova l o f floating dobris t.pounct.nta, roads, and other (APA 1983a, Tab1o E.3.150l. 1984b, FY85 task 17). iapoundme:nt ·cau sed mort a 1· to reduce hazards to c rossing (APA facUitioa uv block or hindor ity durinw open-water pe -1983a, p . E-3-530 •9). access to hab ituall y used rlods (APA 1983a, p . E-3- a real C e ·I · , aeaaonall )" used 524 #4). feeding areaa). (13) lncr oaae i n i n ter specific Impact difficult to quantify lnves tig3tions of bear move-Collect infomRtion on COODpOt l t l on with and prodat ion (APA 1983a, table E. 3.150). me nts and mortalitv sour ces be.:~r populations and dis- by br own bea rs and i n t r aspeci-are continu i n g (APA 1984b, tribution of bear han·est fie competition amon g b lack FY85 Task 17). (APA 1983a, p. E-3-53~ bear s duri ng dispersal from 414 ). illlpoundalon t zonos • (14) Lover populati on sizos !~:~pact d ifficult to quantify, Oppor tuni sti c information on and decr eased recruitur.t of but 1118)' affect nearby popula-disper sal in the c our so or bears in the study a r ea ~y tions. aarked boar studios (APA 1984b, resul t in fever subadults from FY85 Tas k 17). the study a r ea available to dis perse out to and populate adjacent areas . (l.S) Increase in IIOrt al!.tv of Destruction o f some black Sufficient !nforcation is Education progr .:u:s and s trict ~arba (l:e· bears due to attr act ion t~ hu-bears likely during construe· a vailabl e for impact assess-cont:-ol measures a nd enforcec~en t to aan refuse, revegetat ed areas tion phasos (APA 1983a, p. mont and mitl~ation planning. p r e\·ent c reation of nuisance nn ic.a.ls near construction s ite s , and E-3-427, table E.3 .1<n ). No studies a re planned . (APA l983a , p . E-3-535 •15). increases tn huaan/~r en- COW"'ter s, resulting i n de-Planning a nd develcpme nt of an environ- struction of the "offendintt mental briefinRS program for oll Hold bear ". personnel (APA 1983a, p. E-3-292 •lll. Pa~e 28 (I) (tl) (III) (IV) (\') (\'l) Affected Potent ill I "Pact On~ins Propoaed Proposed Specht or ltopact Aases58eflt and Phnned Monitoring Mit l ~atlon Croup lleehmi• StatUI Studies Activiti es ~asures (F ) Black (16) Greater suoceptibUity of Hunting mortality can be re-Sufficient infol"'lltion II Collect infomation on Use e f project facilit ies or equipment Bear habituat ed bears to hunting gulated, although i ncreased available for lllpact assess-bear populations and dis-by e.::ployees and families for hunting (cont.) and poaching I'IOrtality. poachin& losses uy represent Hnt and •itigation plmning. tributton of bear harvest and :upping will be rolliblted (APA an unavotdab le adverse ~act No studies are planned. (APA 19S3a, p. E-3-S34 1983a, p. E-3-S34 "14 . IAPA 1983a, Yable £.3.150 • '*14). I f r.H:ded, recC~~CDer.dations for restric- tions to hunttn~ regulations to re~uce hunt !"~ pressure 'APA 1983a, p. E-3-534 ~14 ). (17) Disturbance froe aircraft Impact not quantified, but not Sufficient Information Is Aircraft will mal"taln "'1r!Jow:l altl- overflights NY dilrupt normal expected to be significant avall3ble for impact asseaa· tudes of 1000 ft above ground level feeding, reatlng and denning (APA 1983a, Table £.3.150). ~ent and mitigation planning. durl r.~ !lights (APA 1983a, p. E-3-Sll activities. No studies are planned. u 10). (C) Wolf (1) Pen:>anent loss of l!!!rtlons I=;»act represents an absolute Continued studies of wolf pack Collect lnfo,.,.tion on ol territories ol at least s t.x habtt.at losa for wolves, but slus and distributions (APA wolf populations throu@h- packs . is unlikely to affect local 1984b, FY85 Task 28). out construction and into wolf populations. \Oolf num-operation (APA 1983a, p. bers are currently highly E-3-525 •17). regulated by trapping and removal for IE)e unagement pu~ses (APA 1983a, p. E-3- 431, Table £.3.151). (2) Inundation of parts of lzcpact vt 11 occur over the Continued stud les of wolf pack Collect lnfo,.,.tlon on ranses of six packs will cauae short tera, wtlen ungulate prey sizes and distributions (APA wolf populations through- upheaval of the historical populations are also under-1984b, FY85 Task 28). out construction and tntc distribution of packs due to ~Ina shifts; effects are not operation (APA 1983a, p. associated socill strife. expected to be significant E-3-525 •7l. (APA 1983a, p. E-3-431, Table E.3.151l. ( 3) Reduction of carrvlnt Impact not quantified (APA Co ntinued studies of wolf pack Collect tnfomatton on Is:pac t s f r om decreased prey •vallabll- caeacitv ol 11tolves aue to re-1983a, pp. E-3-430 and 431 , sizes and dis tributions (APA wot f populations through-lty to \o'Olves should be reduced b~ mea- auction ol 11001e tan<l otfier Table £.3.151). 1984b, FY85 Task 28). out construction and into sures ~o miti~ate tcpac.ts to ungulate prey) camlna capacities. operation (APA 19!3a, p. populations (APA t983a, p. E-3-536 Studies of 1100se calf DDrtal-E-3-525 ~7). n6l. l ty and of wolf predation during a severe winter (APA Habitat enhanc8en': measures for aoose 1984b, FY85 Tasks 9 and 10). In &.e :>lddle basin and on replacment lands :o compensatE !or perNnent !'labi· tat less (APA 198j•, p. E-3-527 <>6). (4) Increase In wolf numbers Short-term beneficial Impact Continued s tudies of wolf pack Collect Information on Ir.:poundt~ent clearing will not begin near the I"PPUndment zones due (APA 1983a, p. E-3-431, Table sizes a nd distributions (APA wolf populations through-until ~ or 3 years before filling; to d isplacettent of .oose £.3 .151). 1984b, FY85 Task 28l. out construction and into patches of vegetation wi ll be left caused by lepoundment clearing operation IAPA 1983a, p. until ~ust before :nun, (APA 19@:!3, activities . E-3-S25 •7). p. E-!-525 •1). (5) Presence of the 1Jopound-Impact not quantified (APA Continued studies of wolf pack Collect records of t.-Cleorlng of lmpound:>enta prior to Hilt and clu facllltlea uy 1983a, Table E.3.151l. dlstr1~ut1ons (APA 1984b , FY85 poundllent cross in@.• and floodln1 and reiiOVal of floating debris hinder IIOVeooent of ..-packs Task 26). l•poundunt-caused mortal-to rtc!uce hazards to crossing (APA to caribou and 1100se calving lty durin~ open-water 1983a, p. E-3-530 .,g ). areea. period (APA 19B3a, p . E- 3-524 "4). Pa~e 29 (I) (Ill (Ill) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Potential !Jopact OniJOtnc Propoaed Proposed Species or lJopact Asaes..-nt and Planned ~ltorin& !litigation CrOUJI ltechan1• Stnu. Studies Activities Mea au rea (Cl ~lf (6) Wolves aay uM the acceu lleneHclal l-et not ~rtl· I.,act severity not sufficient (cont.) ro.d to their t>enef1t when Hed; not expected tc be str to require s tuc1y. hW\tlng unplate prey. n!Hcant (APA 1983a, Table E.J.1Sll. ( 7) Open voter dovnstree f r ooo l a:pa ct not ~ntlfied; M t Continued studies of volf pack the daas aay hinder .:we.cents expected to be stcnlftcant dlnrlbut lons (APA 19841>, FY!5 of wol ves. CAPA 19834 , Table E.J .151). Task 28). (8) Increased 110rtall~ of Hunttns of volvea can be re· Sufftc!en t 1nfon:ation 11 Use ~: p roject facilities or equtpant wolves aue to fiuntrn •• 2!!•ch-plated, but increase<~ poach· avallable for t..pact aaae aa-by r.:ployeea and faD IIIes for hunt t ng Ina , ana trappinR. ina louea aay represent an unt and Dittaatlon planntna . and :rawtn& viii be rohibited (APA unavoidable adverae t.ap..ct No srodtes are planned. 198Ja, p . E·J-534 al4 • (APA 1983a, p. E·J·485 and 518, Table E.J .151). 1! needed, rtc~ndationa for restrtc· tiona to hunttna regulation• to reduce hunti ng p r essur e (APA 1983a, p . E·J-534 .o]l,). (9) llolvea a re likely t o avoid $"""' h abituation vill likely Continued studies of volf pack Collect tnforcatlon on den Crou".d activity v i ii be prohibited artu of intense huaan acttv-occur; l8pact not expecte d to distri bution• (APA 1984b, FY85 loutlons throuchout con· vith L~ 0.25 alles of known active wolf tty {e.a., e:onstn:.ction areas) be aicniftcant (APA 198Ja, p. Task 28!. atruction (APA 1983a, p. dens o r rendezvous sites betVH:n 1 ~y or heavy road t r a ffic , at E·J·4JO, Table E.J.151). E-3·524 •6l. and 31 July I APA l983a , p . E·J-"2 leut Initially. 410 ). Possible controls on volume, speed and fre~~ency of acceu road traffic (APA 1983a, p . E·J·534 •12). (10) Disturbance of wolves by lD!pac t not quantified (A PA Continued studies of wolf pack Collect lnfonnation on den Aircroit vill maintain minlr:tum alti· hwsan activ ities or aircraft i~~~~ht E·l-430, Table distributions (APA l984b , FY85 locations throughout c on-tudes of 1000 f t above ground level a t den sites could lead to pup Task 28). structton (APA 1983a, p. durto~ overfll~ta CAPA 198Ja, p. E-3- IIOrtallty 1f the dens are E·3·524 06). 5Jl u10), abandoned during the early weeks of a pup's life. Aircraft land tngs will be prohib ited vithlo 0 .25 01 U ea of known active wolf dens o r rendezvo us sites during 1 May to Jl J uly (APA l99Ja, p. E·J·5ll 410). Ground a ctivity viii be prohibited vithln 0.25 •lles of known act ive volf dens ~r rendezvous s ites between 1 ~y and :1 J uly (APA 198Ja, p . E·J·5Jl ¥10). Plar.ntn~ and deve lo~t of an en vi- rom:ental brieflnat prosr~a for all flel~ penonnel CAPA 1983.1, p. E·J-292 •U l. (lll Wolvea aay habituate to Deatructton of tc.e nuisance lapact s everity not suffici ent £ducat ion procru. and atrict csrbar;e· b...an use areas and have the valves uy occur 1f aitl&atlon to requi re study. control •aaurcs and enforctMnt to potential to becc.e nuisance •••urea are not enforced {APA preve nt creation of nuisance aninals antaah, increaslns the like· 198Jo, ~· E·J·IoJO, Table (APA !98Ja , p. E·J·5J5 •15). lihood of de•truction of the E .J.1Sl , howver, thla tapact "offendtnc volf". Ia unlikely to be aicniftcm~t l n theae heavily exploited wolf I>OI'Ulationa. (1) (lll (111) (IV) (V) I Vt) Affected Pountt.l Iotpact Ongoing Proposed Proposed Specteo or lotpaet Aasess~~ent and Planned Honltoring Hit!~ation Croup Meehan in Status Studies Activities ~asures (C) 1/olf (12) Dioturbance •~ den sites I•pact not quantified (APA Continued studies of wolf pack Collect i nfomation on den Publ ~c use of Kcess road and airfield (cont.) fr~ increased access for re-1983a, ~· t-3-430, Table distributions (APA 1984b, FY85 locations throughout cor.-pr~.!b ited dur i n~ construction ( APA creational activities c ould t.3.1S1 . Task 28). structlon (.IPA p. E-3-5 2• 1953•, p . E-3-534 •12 , 14). lead to IJU1> 110rtallty if dens •6l. are abandoned du.rtng early Disc:ura~;eaent of offroad recreational ....,ka of a pup's llfe. \'et:icle .ttth•it )', and phastns i n of re - c:-eat ~ona l pl.tn :o ll~tt recreiltionat lapae<s on vegetati on and w!I Gl!fe ( .IPA 198:a, p. E-3-292 •16-17). (H) 1/ol verine (1) Pen:oanent loss of winter Winter habitat for severo 1 Opporwnistic collection of lora!!i! Fi a61t.at aue to ilr volvertnea vU 1 be lost; chan · data durin@: vol! surveys. poun tl. au in aoveeents t dens 1 ties and productivity will affect surrounding populations IAPA 1983a, p . t-3·432 to 433, Table t .3.l51). ( 2) Secondary loss of small Difficult to predict whether Iepact severity not sufficient .... t and arouse prey bases. lncreaaes ln ungulate carrion to require study . Changes in prey density will availability vill offset affect -u, population loues of aaller prey (APA denlitiu , and productivity. 1983a, ~· t-3·433, Table E.3.152 • (3) T011p0rary increaae ln lmp.~ct repreaenta a short·terr.t Impact severity not sufficient availability of prey in areas beneficial effect (APA 1983a, to require study. adjacent to t..poundment clear-Table E.3.1S2). tna zonea. (4) Increase in carrying capa-Impact represents • small but Impact severity not s ufficient Selective clearin;. in the transmission city of t he transmiasion cor· beneficial effect on wolver· to require study. corri dors, permtttins seral vegetation ridor for 0100se and ptarcl ~an inee (APA 1983a, Table up to 10 ft in height (APA 1983a, p. may benefichlly i"'l'act wol-E.3.1S2l E-3-;26 •4l. verines. ( 5) Increase in 110rtalitv due Impact not quantified but Sufficient information is lf nee<!e d, recoc:cendations for restrtc- to li untlna1 tra22lnl!1 ana likely the 1110st illportant ill-available for impact .useas· tlons to hunting and trapping regula- poach ins. pact on vol verines. Hunting ment and mltigtation planning. tions to reduct h&rvest preuure (APA and trapping can be regulated, No studies are planned. 1983a, p. E-3·534 •14). but poachin& uy represent an unavoidable adverse Impact Use o f project facilities or equipment (APA 1983a, p. E-3•486, Table by t :ployees and !acilles for hunting E.3.152). and t rapping wi II be rohibited (APA 1983a , p. f.-3-534 •14 • Pub l !c access to access road and air· fiel~ prohi~!ted durins c<'Dstruction (APA t98 3a, p . E-3-534 #12, 14). (6) Disturbance -habitat Iapact will be •i•ilar to Opporwnistic collection of IllpO\lndllent clear in& wt 11 not besin un-l011 'ue to ~t c[e.ar-(K)(1) and will occur 1-2 data during wolf suneys. til ! or 3 years before filling; poe- na v ii at.,acevoverlnes , years prior to t..pound<lent ches of vegetation wU 1 be left until P!rticularlx in Vlnter. Hllins (APA 1983a, Table just before fillin& (APA 1983a, p . t- E.3.lS2l. 3-S25l. l Page 31 (1) (11) (Ill) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Potential I mpact Ongoing Pr oposed Proposed Species or I mpact Assessment and Planned Monitoring ~litigation Group Meehan is• S t at us Studies Activities ~easures (H) '~olvertne (7) AI teration of uoe patterns Conflicting data on home range Opportunistic c ollection of I (cont.) due to presence of the to-boundari es of wolverines and data during wo l f surveys. poundments and changes in hoM terra!n features Nke this l.m - range bounda riel. pact difficult to predict; not expected to be s ignificant (APA 1983a, p. E-3-432). (8) Avoidance of all areas of tcpact not quantified ; not ex· Opportuniatic collection of Pos~ible controls on vol ume , speed and h111111n activity (including ac-pected to be significant u n-data durin& wolf surveys. fre~uency of access road t r affic (APA. cess road during heavy traffic less high levels C'f recrea· 1983a, p. E-3-53~ ul2). periods and areas vith high tlonal di sturb~nce occur (APA levels of recreational acttv-~~~~~s2t E-J-486, Table Public access to access road and air- ity), at least Initially, fie ld proh!bitec dur!na construction causing sotee chan1es in use fAPA 1983a , p. E-3·534 1112). patterns o r preclusion of u se in some areas. Dtscouragetnent oi off-road recreational vehicle activity , and phasing 1n of re- creational pl an to U11it recre ationa l imp•cts on vegetation a nd vUdlife (APA l98~a, p. E-3-292 "16-17). (I) Belukha (1) Water teeperature changes Water teeperatures will not Impact severity not sufficient Use of mu l tilevel int3ke structures on at t he .,outll of the Sus!tna chanae s!anif!cantly at t he to require study. the ~a:ns to air.tain downstream r i ver River due to the project uy r iver mouth; impact not expec-te~perature s as close to normal as affect calv!na. ted to occur (APA l983a, p. possitle (APA H~3a , p . E-3-526 t5). E-3-433 ). (2) Food suppl!es o f belukhas Salmon decreases would at aost Impact s everity not sufficient Impacts from decreased prty availabil- may be decreased due to alter-be 5-s-. of Sua!tna river to warrant further s tudy. !ty w!ll be rect~f!ed by 11easures to at!ons or blockage in the stocks; impact not expected to mit!~ate impacts :o salmon populations ava!labil!ty of spavn!na ~e s!gn!fic~nt (APA l983a, p. (APA ~983a, p. E-3·536 n 6). streams for sal11011 . E-3-434). (J) lynx (l) Pemanent habitat loss due Impac t v!ll r esult In loss of Continued surveys of furbearer to i.ll~dments. habitat for probably all lynx distribution v!ll Improve 1m- (a fev animals), v!thtn the pact assesSIM!nt and citilation middle basin (APA l983a, p. planning (APA l984b, FY85 Task E-3-440 to 442). 26 , sub task 1). ( 2) Loss of habitat in tm-Short-term Impact that will Continued s urveys of furbearer Impo~ndmen t clear~ne wi ll not begin poundment areas due to clear-precede habitat loss due to distribution will i mprove 1m-unt!! 2 o r 3 yea:-s before filling; ing operation s. lr.>pc,ndment filling (APA pact assessment and mitigation patc~es of vesetation will be left l983a, Table E.3.157). planning (APA l984b, FY85 Task unti! just be fo~e !!ll!ng (APA 1983a, 26 , subtaak 1). p. ~-3·525 #ll. ( 3) loss of forest habitats Impact will result i n loss o£ Previous studie.l have provided Selective c lear!:-:.@ in the transaisston due to the transmission corri-3831 acres of forest habitats sufficient !nfon~~at!on for corridor, pemitt!ng seral vegetation dora. useful to lynx (APA l983a, iJil)ICt a1sessment. No further up to 10 ft In height (APA l983a, p . Table E.3.86). studi~s are p l anned. E-3-~26 •4). ~l!nio lz e toss ar.d alteration of habi- tat, particular!:: less abundant habi• tats and sensiti•:e wildlife habitats (APA l983a , p. E·3·291 to 292 fl·lll. Pa~e l2 (1) (Ill (Ill) (IV) (V) 'I"!) Affecte<l Potential l"!>OCt On&olng Propose<! Prcposed Species o r Iorpac t AssesSDent and Planned ~.onitortng !'!it ~~a tion Croup llechantsa Statu.s Studies Activities ~!ea su res ! ( 4) Loss of habl tat due to (J) Lynx Re:e:oval of 3,341 acres of Previous studies have provided I ReveRetation and :ertillZat ton oi dis· (cont. l borrow sites and other areas spruce forest habitats. Re-sufficient inforaation for :urbed sites (APA l9Sla, p. £-l-52 6 •ll that will be reclai-. Vt@:ttat ion will probab \ "! not lapact assesseent. ~lo further v ill ~rovtde sooe :oraginlt habitat return habitat to spruce ca~~- mun!t tes during the license studies are planned. prior ':O forest Sl.!cce sston . peri od (APA l98la, Table F..l.l57l. (5) lmpound010nts v iii blc ck RediStribution of h 0111e ran su Th is 11111act IIIOChantsm vill re· Clearing of f..alpou"dcents prior to movements and impede dispersal to confon:1 to impoundment of lynx. shores will occur (A PA 198la, Table E.l.l5i), cei ve further attention during flooding and removal of fl o ating debris i mpact 3ssesamen t reftnements to r educe hazards to c r ossing ( APA. (APA l9B4b, FY85 Task 5l. 1983a. p . £-l-530 u9) vtll aid ~!sper- sal but will not cocpletely miti gate barri er effects. (6) Increaae in the inci~ence Ic:pact not quantified but not I1111act severity not sufficier.t Collect mo rtalitY data on of road kil11 due to p resence expected t o be significant to requir e further study. road and railroad colli· of the access corrido r . (APA 1983a, Table t.l.l57l. sions (APA l98la, p. £-)- 525 •ll. (7) Increase in .or-taltt .. · due I Hunting and trapping can be Surveys of trappers are con· Uae of proj ect hctl ities o r equipoent to hun.tlnc , trapp£ns 1 ana resulated. but poaching losses tinuing to doctment current by eeployees and fa.:~ii.ies for huntlna poach ina. cay represent an unavoi dable harvest levels (APA 1984b, and :rapping wtll ~e rohibited f APA adverse U:!pact (APA l98la, FY85 Task 201. 198la, p. £-J-5):. •14 . Tabd £.3.157), t f needed, reco:~:endatlons for restric- tlor.s co hunting and trapping regu la· tions to reduce harvest pressure (APA. l98la , p. £-3-S):. ul4l. (8) Avoidance of SOliN! areas Lynx are uncommon and v11 1 be This i Cit)act mechanism will ~taj co~ ~round 3ct!::1ty will be pr ohtbt - near i n ten se human activit i es able to avoid developed areas. r eceive· fur t h er attent ion ted ~ear sen sit!.ve wildlife areas dur- (e.g., con•t ruction zones) due Not expected to be a signtfi-dur i n g impact assessment !ng senotttve per!ods CAPA l98la, p. to disturbance. cant tm~act (APA 198la, Tab le reftnments (APA 1984b , FYB5 E-l -53! flO). E.l.l5i • Task 5l. Pr ohil.l ition o f access during construe· I tion, d 1tcourager-e~t of offroad recrea- tior.a.t vehicle acti"lity, and phasing i r: of r ecreational ;:!an to lil'it recrea· tiona l impacts on \"egetation and wUd· ltfe f ~PA 198la, r• £-l-292 ,'15·11). IKl Coyote (1) Incruae in coyote populo· lmpact represents a beneficial Continued surveys of furbearer tion uy occur nur developed effect on c oyotes (APA l 98la, distribution, inc l ud i ng dovn- areas. p . E·l·439l. stream areas, wi ll docU~~ent chanRI!S in coyote populations (APA l984b, FYB5 7ask 26 , sub· task ll. (Ll Red Fox ( 1) Habitat alteration• due to liiJlaCt represents • beneftcbl l"Pact severity no t sufftc!en c Reve<etat i on and !ere lllzation of dis• t.,Duodaent clearing and re· effect on foxes (APA 1983a, to requi re further s tudy. turto~ site• (APA l 983a , p. £-l-526 c l aimed l and s vill increase Table E.l .lS6l. •ll. prey avatlabtl tty. (I) (II) (III) (tV) (V) (\•I) Affected Potent tal tmp•ct Ongoin R Prcposed Pre posed Species or lllplCt Assess~nent and Pl anned !lonitoring Hit~~~tion Croup Meehan 151ft Status Studies Activities ~easures (Ll Red Fox ( 2) Open water downstrez:. may Ir.p.act not quantified but not Impact sever ity not sufficient Cse of Cl.llttlevel ~ntalt.e structures on (cont.) hinder mov~ts in v tnter. expected to be significant to require study. the du.s to u intli:: dovnstreu river (APA l98la, Table £.3.156). tesnperatures as c!ose to nol"U.l as ~ossibl• (APA l983a, p. E-3-526 •5l. ( )) Increase !n oortalit•: C::ue Hunting •nd tn pptn~ c.an be Surveys of trappers ~re con· t:se of pro!ect fac ~ 1 !ties or equtpoent to Fiunttns 1 tra22ins 1 ane reiN l a ted, but poaching losses tinuing to docu.nt current by e~loyees ar.d fa:ilies for hunting poaching &.ly represent an unavoidable harvest levels (APA l984b, and trapping will ~· rol>ibited (APA ad·,•rs• I.Jlpact (APA 1983&, p . FY85 !ask ZOl. l983a, p. E-3-534 "l~ . E-l-439, Tabl • £.3.156). If needed, rec.c::~CZe:":dAtions f or restric- tions to hunting ar.d trapping regula- tions to reduce harvest pressure 'J.PA l983a, p. £·3·534 n l4). (4) Habituation of fox•• to May represer.t ,a.n important h:-This t.mpact mechanism will re-Education prt"'g racs and strict ~rbage tnaan presence eay lead t o pact on local fox populations ceive further attention duri n~ control measures •r.d enfo rce~nent to increase in mortality due to (APA 1983a, p. E-3-440, Table impact asses51Mnt refinements prevent creation ef nuisance ant.J:als destruction of proble~~ E.3.156). (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 5). (APA l983a, p. E-l-135 015). animals. ( 5) Abandonment of some d•n Some negative effects uy oc· Surveys of fox den use in Co llect lnfon:.atlon on !ox ~ajor ground actl·:i:y will b• prohibi· sites ma:y occur due to h\Can cur but habituation to human areas of potential impact den locations throughout ted near sensitive wildll fe areas dur· disturbance. activities is very likely; im -(APA 1984b , FY8S Task 26, construction (APA 1983a, ing s•nsitive periods ( APA 1983a, p. pact not eJ~Cpected to be signt-subtask 3). p. £-3-524 •6). E-3·532 •10). ficant (APA 1983&, p . E-3-439; Tob l• £.3.1~6). (:1) Beaver ( 1) Permane nt loss of habitat lr.poct Is of ::1inor signiH· Beaver Cilche surveys .:tay be Develooment of do· .. ~stream beRvttr carry- ior a few beaver due to ic-cance to .1rf'a populations due extended to lnc lude t h e 1.m-ing cnpacity mod el to yield better L.m- poundments and other pern:anent to the small nw:bers affected poundment zones to confirm pact predictions a:-td refinements to facilit i ••· (AP A 1983a, Table E .3.153). numbers of beaver affected nitigation measures (APA 1983a, ?· £- (APA 198~b, FY85 !as~. 18, sub-3·537 •18). I task 1l. Enhancement of s l c-.:ll\s downstrenr.: f rom D•v ll Ca nyon (APA :9S3a, p. E·l·SJ7 "19). Page 34 (l) (11) (Ill) (tV) (V) (VI) Affec tl!d Potential Iorpact Onsoing Proposed Proposed Spe<:les or Iorpact Asses58ent and Planned Moni t orln& Mitigati on Croup llechanl .. StatU8 Studies Actlvltles !'teasurea (H) Beaver C 2) Lou of s.-habitat for Iotpact 1s of otlnor slanlfl-Previous surveys have provided Collect Information on llab ltat loss vlll be alnil:llzed bv side (cont .) both species due to slltatlon cance to a rea populations due sufficient lnfor&atlon for beaver dlstrlbut ion In borrcv techniques for road conacTuc· of ponds, alteration and to the saall nuober s affected lapact assesSMnt. "o further De-.n Creek and In down-tl<'n, spoU deposition I n lapoundcents dratnase patterns, and distur· (65 beaver) (APA 1983a, pp. work ls planned. streUI floodplain (APA o r depleted borrow a reas, and consol i · bance near access roads and E-3-434 to 436, Table 1983a, p . E-3-525 #Sl. dat lc" of project facU it lea (APA borrov pits (pr iarlly In the E. 3.153). 1983a, p . E-3-526 •2l. Deadun Creek area). ~!odl!icationa of borTow requ lreaents and techniques to n t n imize loss o£ habitat £or aquatic f urbeare r s ( APA 1983a, p. E-3-536 n17). Devel opment of do\o'TlStream beaver carry· l ng capacit y model to yield better 1,- pact predictions and refinements to r.>itlgatlon measures (APA 1983a, p . f.- 3-537 •18). 'Enhancement of slou~s downstream froa Devil Canyon (APA 1983a, p . E-3-537 "19). ~ant:1tze \oas of fores t areaa thrcu~ alllf"Ctnt of access road and transots· sion corridor, and other eeasur es (APA 1983a, p. E-3-539 •23). ~inlaize loss and alterat ion of habi· tat, ;>a rticularly l ess abundant habi· tats and sen slth·e ._.ildllfe habitats CAPA 1983a, p. E-3-291 to 292 •1-lll. Design and alignment 11easures tc "In!.- olze lopacts on wetlands (APA l983a, p. E-3-292 ~18, 19). ( 3) Increased wi nter flews 1 lcpact r epr esent s a bene£1cinl Add iti onal Information wlll be Co llect data on changes !r. Development o f downstrerun beaver c3rry· s t a bitlz eCI llows 1 and I~ck of effect on beavers and wi 11 obtained f rom down stream hy· downstream vegetative !ng capacity model to yield better !m- Ice cover vUI Sener[t SeavP r probab l y c ompensate for losses drologic and vegeta.t ion model· cover (APA 1983a, p . E-3-pact predictions and refinemen ts to downstreiUD. due to the impoundments and l ng (APA 1984a, Aquatic FY85 523 t2). mltloatlon measures (APA 19e3a, p . E- other fac Ulties (APA 1983a. Task 4A ; APA 1984b, FY85 Task 3-53i u18l. p . E-3-434 to 436, Table 15). Collect information on E.3.l53l. beaver distribution in Enh ancement of s l oughs downstreac from Efforts to reftne the beaver Dea dman Cr eel< •nd In the Devil Ca nyon (APA :983a, p. E-3-537 population IIOdel and Held dovnstre3lll floodplain (A?A ••19). s tudies to provide lnfor&atlon 1983a, p. E-3-525 •8>. for IIOdellng v ill continue I APA l984b, FY85 Tasks 18, 19 and 20). (4) Oovnstr...,. daUy flow Shot"t ·tera flow fluctuations Infon:>ation froa lce--ellng Developee:n t of dovnscreu beaver carry- fluctuations aav freeze out or i n winter are not anticipated efforts is being incorporated !ng capacity IIOdel to yie ld better Ia- flood beaver lodges and/or to be of • magnitude detrleen-in the beaver 110de 1 (APA pact ?r e dtctlons ar.d re finements to food caches tn vinter. tal to beaver survival (APA 1984b, FY85 T3sk 19). nit!~ation measures (APA 1983•• p. !- 1983a, p . E-3-469). 3-S37 ul 8). Page 35 (I) (11) (lit) (IV) (V) (\'1) Affected Potent h i Impact Ongoing Propo1ed Pro posed Species or Impact Assesntent and Planned Monitoring 11!tigation Croup Meehan is• Status Studies Activities ~easu res (!1) Beaver ( 5) Increase in mortal it\' due Hunting and trapping can be Surveys of trappers are con-Use of proj ect facilities or equipment (cont.) to huntlns, trapping, and regulated, but poaching losses tinuing to document current prohibited to employees and hmll !es poach ina. N.Y represent illn unavoidable harvest levels (APA 1984b, for ~.unting and trappina (APA 198la, p . adverse impact (APA 198la, p. FY85 Task 20). E·l·Sl4 ol14). E·l -436, Table E.l.15ll. tf needed, rec0ftle4!ndattons for restrtc- tions to hunting and trapping regula· tions to reduce harvest pressure (APA 198la, p. E·l-534 ul4l. (N) Muskrat (1) Pemanent lou of habitat Ir.pact is of minor sian if i-Enhancement of slou~hs downstream from for 5·10 muskrats due to !m· cance to area populations due Devil Canyon (APA 198la, p. E-3·537 poundments and other per."".anent to the small numbers affected "19). facilities. (APA 198la, Table E.l .1Sl). ( 2) Loss of some habitat fo r lc:pact is of minor sianUi· Previous surveys have provide d Habitot loss will be minimized by side muskrats due to siltation of cance to area populAtions due sufficient inform.ation for borrov techniques !"or road construe- ponds, alteration of drainage to the small numbers affected impact assessment. No further tion, spoil deposition i n impoundments patterns, and disturbance near IAPA 198la, pp. E·l·4l4 to work is planned. or depleted borrcw area:i , and consoli- access roads and borrow pits •:.~. Table E.l.15ll. dation of pro ject :acilities (APA Cpri~:~arily in the Deadllan 198la, p. E-3-526 "2). Creek area). ~odiftcations of borrow requirements and t echniques to minimize loss o£ habitat for aquatic furbearers (A PA 198la, p. E-l-536 u l7). Enhancement o f s l oughs downstrellll fro11 Dev11 Canyon (APA 198la, p. E-3-537 #19). Hinitlize loss of forest areas through ali@r--:~ent of access road and transmis- sion c orridor, and ether measures (APA 198la, p. E-l-5Jg "23). Mininize loss ar.C alteration of habi- tat, part icularly less abundant habi- tats and sensitive wildlife habitats (APA 198la, p. E·l-291 to 292 •11·11). De siil' and al igr .. ":ent measures t:o mini- rr.ize !opacts on · .. ·etlands (APA 198 3a, p. E-3-192 ~18, 19), (l) tncre11ed winter flo"s, l01pact represents a beneficial Additional information w1!1 be Collect data on chRr.t;e s in Enhance:nent of s l oughs downstream from stabirized llow~ and lacK of effect on muskrat and will obtained from downstream hv-downstream vegetative Devil Canyon (APA Hel>., p. E·l-537 ice cover will nefit a:uskrat probably compensate for losses drologic and vegetation mode l~ cover (APA 198la, p. E-3-~19). downstream. due to the impoundments And in g. 523 #2). other hcllities (APA 198la, : p. E-3·434 to 436, Table ' E.l.15ll. r,ge 36 (1) (Ill (III) (IV) (V) r•:I) A ff~cted Potent131 I ~~~pact Ongoing Proposed Propos ed Species or Impact Assessmen t and Pl~nne:d Monitoring Mlt!g•tlon Croup Mechan ism Statu s Studies Activities ~easures (N) Muskrat (4) Increase in mortalit:v due Huntin3 And trapptns can be Surveys of trappers are con· l!se of project fac1.11t1es o r equi~nt (cont.) to 'huntina 1 crae2Ina1 ana regulated, but poachtn1 loases tinuing to doc~ent curr ent prohibited te" eeployees and faoiltes poachlns. cay represent an un~votdable harvest level s (APA l984b, for hunting and trapping (APA l96la, p . adverse 11rJtaC t ( A.PA 1983a, p. IT85 Task 20). E-3-534 •14). E-3-436, Table E.3.l53l. tf needed, recorr:rer.dations for restrtc- tions -:o hunting &:"ld trappi:lR res;ula- tions -:o reduce harvest pres sure (APA 1 983a, p . E-3-534 "14). (0) River (ll Pc runent less of r barlon • Ellalnatlon of 86 •lies (138 '* Set aside othe!' l ands used by river Otter and .1au.atic ri'ler otter ~.ab i -U) of uinstem river habitat otte:-to prevent f urther decline of tats In die 2ro2osed i.c~cund-ar.d 39 •lies (65 luo) of strem otter habitat. .-nt zones. habitat (APA 1983a, p. E-3-84 and 129). • (2) ltablut alterations The total area of habitat Additional lnforcotlon vlll be • Collect data on chanses dovnstre• of the impour.~-likely to be lost to otters obtained froa d~'Tistre .. hy-in downstream vegetat h ·e eents. because of reduce d flows has drologic and vesetation stud· cover (APA 1983a, p. E-3- not been determined (LCt 1985, les (APA 1984a, Aquatic FY85 523 •2l. p. 2.15·7). Task 4A; APA l984b, FY85 Task 15l. ()) Habitat alteration and Shor t-term Impact affecting teepo rary habitat loss due to the same populations affected clearing forest and brush f r om by i~~~poundment filling. lm· the impoundment zones. pact woul d occur 2-3 year s prior to filling (APA 1983a, table £.3.155). • (4) Increased vater te::pera-* I .lcreased 'Jater temperature Additional infon::atlon viii be * Use of multtle\·e l intake structures ture downstream from the 1m-would cause •lelayed ice for -obtained from downstream hy-on the dam s to maintain downstream poundments affecting otter oatior·, a£f1.cting amount of drologic and vegetation stud· river temper atures as c l ose to pre- habitat. aquati~,; h~~t~ttat usable, and les (APA 1984a, Aquatic FY85 proj ect temperatures as possible (APA prey nwnbers and distribution task 4A; APA 1984b, FY85 Task 1983a, p . E-3-526 u5). CAPA 1983a, p. E-3-llll. The 15). net change ln avaUable habi - tat or food availability has not been determined. • (5) Delayed spring ice • Spring Ice break-up In t he * l..nfomat ion frOCI ice·model· break-up. mitigation would be delayed tng could be used to determine a nd less severe . Continued 1:13gnitude of habitat altera- ice cover vould reduce a110unt tlon (APA 1984b, FY65 Task oi foraging habitats. Break· l5l. up in side channels and sloughs vould not occur, fur- ther reducing availability of s pring for aglnf habitat until the tee 11elts APA 1983a, p. E-3-90; LCL 1985, p. 8). 2.15-7 to (I) Affected Species or Croup (0) River Otter (cont.) ... (11) Potential I "'Pact !le<:hanin • ( 6) Change in beaver numbers dovnstre.., free the Ulpound- eents and consequent effects on otter habitat. • (1) Changes in vater qual- ity. ( 8) Permanent loss of habitat to access corridors. (9) Increased -.11 ,.....1 populations In recla!.JDed areas. (111) 1111J>aCt Asaess.ent Status • Should project actions re- sult ln increased beaver nwa- bers, r esting and denning hab- itats for river otters •ight be increased. Probably would not result in any appreciable Increase In otter nuabers (LGL 1985, p. 2.15-8). • llater turbidity dovnstre&ll of the d .. s \IOUld be decreased in SWIDer and Increased in vinter from present condi- tions, neither of which vould be a significant Impact on the ability of otter to forage for available prey (LGL 1985, p. 2.15-8). 1/ater turbidity in the impoun-n t s \IOU 1 d not be expected to t.pact on the ability of otter to forage for available prey. 1/ater runoff from fuel atorage facilities, solid vaste disposal and the construction v illage Is not expected to reach vater bodies because of construction de- signs (APA 1983a, p. E-3-128). • 1/ould result In oolnor loss of habitat where routes cross wetlands or stre&llls (APA 1983a, Tables E.3.20 and E. 3. 21). Unless construction changed or eliminated vater c ourses, the impact would not be important to river otters CLCL 1985, p. 2.15-8). • It is not likely that In- creased sull ...-.1 popula- tions as a result of reclai.ed arus vould benefit otter pop- ulations (LGL 1985, p. 2.15- 8). (IV) Ongoing and Planned Studies • Additional 1nfortl8tion vill be obtained fr011 dovnstream h ydrologic and vegetation studies (APA 1984a, Aquatic FY Task 4A; APA 1984b, OY85 Tuk 15). (V) Proposed !1onltoring Activities • Collect data on changes in dovnstream vegetative cover (APA 1983a, p. E-3- 523 #2). Collect informa- tion on beaver distribu- tion, abund•nce and over- winter survival (APA 1984b, FY85 Tuk 18, s ub- tuks 1 and 3). (VI) Proposed Hit!gatlon Measures Page 37 * \.:ater for cacr and construction use would be treated befo re discharge back into the Susitna River. Ston:> drainage and oily water runoff from the con- struction camp vould be collected and treated CAPA 1983a, p. E-3-128). A Sp ill Prevention ContAinment and Coun- ten:>easure Plan (SPCC) vould be deve l- oped. Habitat would be minimized by side bor- row techni ques for road construction , spoil deposItion In impoundments or depleted borrow areas, and consol ida- tion of project facilities (APA 1983a, p . E-3-526 02). Modification of borrow requlr~ments and techniques to minimize loss o f habitat for aquatic furbearers (A PA 1983a, p. E-3-536 t17). Hinl.clze loss of forest areas through align:ent of access road and transmis- sion corridor and other measures (APA 1983a, E-3-291, 292 J l-11). Hinl.cize loss and a 1 terat ion of habi- tat, particularly less abundant habi- tats and sensitivP "Hdlife habitats (APA 1983a , p. £-3-291, 292 "1-lll. Revegetation and fertilization of dis- turbed sites (APA 1983a, p. E-3-526 nl. (I) Affecte.l Speciea or Croup (0) River Otter (cont.) ., (11) Potential t.pact !tech ani• • (10) Lou of habitats used by river otters for travel routes . (11) Increased otter ..,rtalltv resultlng fr001 increased hunt ina and trapplns pressure. (12) Increased otter 1110rtallty resul tins fr001 poach in g. • (13) Increased otter IIOrtal- lty res ulting fr001 collisions of vlldl He and vehicles. • (11.) Peraanent abandonment of areas because of distur- bance a nd harasswenc during construction activities. (111) I.-pact Asaes..ent StatUI Data not avallable to deter- mine the nUIIber of otter ..,. ing through the iapound"""t area, or to quantify the ta- portance of the d• aites to traveling otters . I10pact not likely to have an iaportant iiOpac t on otter ..,....,ts (LCL 1985, p. 2.15-8). * Increased access to the pro· j ect area and increased huaan population would likely result In Increased trapping pressure vlllch may caus• adverse !a- pacts on the otter population (APA 198la, "Iable £.3.155; LCL 1985, p. 2.15-9). Illegal shooting and trapping might increase vith increased human population and access, but vould probably not be an important •dverse illpact on the otter population (LCL 1985, p. 2 .15-9). • Mortality cau sed by increas- ed vehicle t r afflc vould be an adverse impact , but not likely to becOODe Important (LCL 1985, p. 2 .15-10) • • Otters vould Initially leave construct ion areas because of disturbance, but pe.-...nent habi t ll-t loss vould prevent otters froa occupying the a rea inundated by the iapound~~ents. Disturbance alon& access routes would probably not result in c010plete abandonment of the area along those routes (LCL 1985, p . 2.15-10). (IV) Onaotns and Planned Stucliea Surveys of trappers are con· tinuing t o doc.-nt cun-ent harvest levels (APA 1981ob, FY85 "I ask 20) • • Impact severity not s u ffi- cient to r e q uire study. (V) Propoaed llonitoring Activities (VI) Propoaed 1Utlgat1on Measures Pap 38 Use of project facilities or equip1100t by sployees and futltes for hunting and trapplrg vUl be prohibited (APA 1983a, p. E-3-534 lllol. If needed, rec~ndations for restric- tions to hunting resulations to reduce harvest pressure (APA 198la, p . E-3-534 lllo). • Lands selected to c010pensate for lost vi1d1Ue habitat could be a source of river otters that could colonize areas vacated because of tncreued ..,rtalt~y (LCL 1985 , p . 2.1 5-lll. Major ground activity vill be prohibi- ted near sensitive periods (APA 1983a, p. E-3-532 •10). Possible control s on volume, speed and f r equency of access r oad traffic (APA 198la , p. E-3-5llo •12). Prohibition of access during construc- tion, discouragement o f o ffroad recrea- tional vehicle activity, and phasing in of recreational plans to l1•1t recrea- tional 110pacts on vegetation and vild- llfe (APA 1983a, p. E-3-292 •15-17). (I) (11) (ttl) (IV) (V) (VI) ~ Affected Potential lllpac:t Onaoing Proposed Proposed Species or lJopaet Assess~~e~~t and Planned Monitoring Miti gation Croup Mec:hania Status Studies Activities !1easures (0) River • (15) Permanent abandoreent * Increased recreat tonal use Prohibition o f access during construe:- Otter of areas because of distur-of the waterwys contributing tion, discourag...,..nt of o ffroad recrea- (cont.) bance and harasllleftt resulting to direct haras-nt and dis-tional vehicle activity, and phasing in froe increased rec:reat tonal turbance of otters could cause of recreational plans to limit recrea- use of waterways. otters to abandon areas vith-tional impacts on vegetation and wild- out sufficient escape cover. life (APA 1983a, p. E-3-292 t15-17). The importance of this pot en- tial adverse illpact would de- pend upon recreational u se patterns (APA 1983a, p. E-3- 505; LCL 1985, p. 2.15-10). (P) Marten (1) Permanent habitat loss due Impact will result in loss of • Previous studies provided to lllpoundiDents . habitat for approximately 100 s ufficient information for marten with in the middle basin impact assessment. No further (APA 1983a, p. £-3-1,40 to studies planned. 1,42). ( 2) Permanent loss of soee I•pact will likely result in Impact severity not sufficient Habitat l oss will be minimized by side liabitat lor marten aue to the redistribution of home ranges to require further study. borrow techniques for road construe- access corriC!or . of affected furbearers (APA tion, spoil deposition in impoundments 1983a, ~-E-3-487, table or depleted borrow areas, and consoli- 1!:.3.157 • dation of project facilities (APA 1983a, p. E-3-526 t2). Minimize loss of forest areas t hrough align:>ent of the access road and trans- mission corridor, and other measures (APA 1983a, p. E-3-539 #23). l11nicize loss and alteration of habi- tat, particularly l ess abundant h abi- tats and sensitive wildlife habitats (APA 1983a, pp. E-3-291 to 292 tl-11). (3) Loss of habitat in Short-term impact that will Continued surveys of furbearer Impoundment clearin g will not begin impoundment areas due to precede habitat loss due to distribution will improve 111-until 2 or 3 years before filling; clearing operations. impoundment filling (APA pact assessment and mitigation patches of vegetation will be left 1983a, table £. 3.157). planning (APA 1984b, FY85 Task until just before filling (APA 1983a, 26, s:.~btask 1) • p. £-3-525 tl). (4) Loss of forest habitats Impact will result in loss of Previous studies have provided Selective clearing in the transmission due to the transmission corri· 3831 acres of forest habitats sufficient i o1 formation for corridor, permitting seral vegetation dors. useful to marten, (APA 1983a, tapact assessment. No further up to 10 f t in height (APA 1983a, p. Table £.3.86). studies are planned. £-3-526 t4). l1in l aize l oss and alteration of hab i- tat, particularl)' less abundant habi- tats and sensitive wildlife habitats (APA 1983a, p E-3-~9 1 t o 292 n-11). ( 5) Loss of habitat due to RetDOval of 3341 acres of Previous studies have provided Revegetat ion and f ertilization of dis- borrow sites and other areas s pruce forest habitats. Re-sufficient information for turbed sites (APA 1983a , p. £-3-526 t 3) that vill be reclai~~ed . vegetation will probab 1 y not impact assess~~ent. No further wilt provide some foraging habitat return habitat to spruce coe-studies are planned. prior to forest su cce s sion. munit ies during the license period (APA 1983a, table £.3.157). Page 40 (I) (II) (III) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Potential I mpact Ongoing Proposed Proposed Species or I "'PAC t Assessment and Pl ann ed Monitoring Mitigation Croup Mechani sm S t atus St udies Activities !'f.easures (P) Mart en (6) I mpoundments vill b l ock. Redistribution of home ranges * Pr evious stud i.es have pro -Clearing of i.mpoundments prior to (cont.) movements of ma r ten and impede to confonn to impoundment v i ded suffic tent in forma t ion flooding and removal of floatin g debr i s dispersal. s~ores will occur (APA 1983a, for impact assessoent . No to reduce hazards to crossing (A.PA Tabl e E.3.1 S7). further studies are planned. 1983a, p. E-3-S30 "9 ) will a i d disper - sal bu t wil l not completely mit i gate bar rier effects . ( 7) Open water downs t ream vi II Marten usually allgn home r r evtou s studies have provided Use of 111\lltilevel intake structures on block movements of marten. ranges a l ong rivers and other sufficient information for the dams to main tai n do wns tream riv e r water bodies. Impact not impact assessment . No further temperatures as close to nonna 1 as expected to be significant work is planned. possible (APA 1983a, p. E-3-S26 4S). (APA l983a , Appendix ElU, Volume lOB). ( 8) Incr e a se in the incidence Impact not quantifi ed but not Impact severit y not sufficient Collect mor talit y data on of r oad kills due to p r osence expected to be significar t to requir e further study. road and r ail road co 11 t - of the access corridor. (APA l983a, Table E.3.1S7). sion s (APA 1983a, p . E-3- S2S #1). (9) Increase in mortalitv due Hunting and trapping can be Surveys of t rappers are con-Use of project fact lit tes or equipment t o huntins1 traEEin&1 and r egulated, but poaching l osses tinuing to document current by ecploy ees and families for hunting poachin g. taay represent an unavoidabl e har vest levels (APA 1984b ' and trapping will be rohibited (APA adver se impact (APA 1983a, FYSS Task 20). l983a , p. E-3-534 n4 . Tab l e E. 3 .157). If needed, r ecc:x::nend at ions for r e str i c- t ions to hunting and trapping regu l a- t i ons t o reduce harvest pressu re (APA 1983a, p . E-3-S43 #14). (10) Avoidance of some areas !1arten are unl L'kely to be Impact sever ity not sufficient Maj or ground activity will be proh t b t - near intense h uman activities affected, or will be able to 1:0 require further study. ted near sensitive wildlife areas dur- (e .g ., construction zones) due avoid developed areas. ~ot ing sen sitive periods (APA l 98 3a, p. to disturbance. expected to be a s i gni ficant E-3-352 1110). impact (1-.PA 1983a, T able E.3.1S7). Prohibition of access during c o nstrue- tion, discourager.e nt of offroad r ecrea- t tonal vehicle ac tivity , and phasing i n o f recreational pl an to l im i t recrea · tiona I impacts on vf!getation and wild- life (APA l 983a, p . E-3-292 DlS -17). (Q) Mink ( 1) Permanent habt tat loss du~ Elimination of a substant i al Distribution of f urbear e r s in c o die im~undraen t s. port ton of good quality habi-t he do'Wilstream a r ea a nd t n the tat (S3 miles of mainscem plus tmpoundmen t zones wi l l be 9. 7 miles o f stre am habita t) studied (APA l984b , FYSS Task will occu r (APA l983a, p. 26, subtaslt l). E-3-436 , Tabl e E .3.1SS). ( 2) Habitat loss due to lm-Shcn-tenn lmpact affe cting Distri but ion of f urbearers i n Impoun~.D<n t clearing will not begin poundmen t c l earing activities the same populations a f fected the downstream area and in tht:: until 2 or 3 years before ftlltng; and resul can t decrease in cov-by impoundment f!lllng. Im-trapoundmen t zones wi 1 1 b e patche s of vegetation will be l e f t e r a nd pr ey availabillty. pact wi 11 occur 203 years studies (APA l984b, FYSS Tasl< until just befo re filling (APA l983a, prior to fill l ng (APA l983a , 26, subtask 1). p. E.3.525 "1 ). Table E.3.1SS). (1) Affected Spedes or Croup (Q) "ink (cont.) (11) Potent tal ~t Mec:hani• ()) Habitat loss due to the acc.es• corridor. (4) Increase in saall -1 prey in reclat.ed a~. (5) Increase in beaver popula· tion, stabilization of water levels, and open water dovn· nre• vlll benefit alnk. ( 6) Increase in 11ortal1ty due to hunting , trapping, and poaching. (7) Abando.-nt of habitat near conatruction zones and recreation areal due to huaan disturbance. (111) J.pact Assesl8eftt Status Proposed road route will re· aove 12.3 ailes of stre .. ahore habitats alons Oeaclaan Creek (APA 1983a, p. E·3·1o38). 1h is l.llpact represents a bene· flcul iapact to aink, al· though bendits will probably be of little significance (APA 1983a, Table £.3.155). l'l:lpact represents a beneficial effect on alnk (APA 1983a, Table £.3.155). Runt lng and trapping can be regulated , but poaching losses aay represent an unavoidable adverse impact (APA l983a, Table E. 3.155). Effects would be aost notice· able on the remaining habitat areas along the upper reaches of tributary creeks near the l.llpounOJ:>ents (APA l983a, p. E·3·1o38, Table £.3.155). (IV) Onp>ina and Planned Studies Previoua stud lea provided suf· ficient lnforaatlon for iapact uaess.ent. No further stud· lea are planned. lllpact severity not sufficient to require study. Surveys of furbearer popula· tlons and distribution in the dovnstreaa area are planned (APA 1984b FY85 Task 26, sub· task 1). Surveys of trappers are con· tinuing to doc.-nt current harvest levels (APA 1981ob FY85 Task 20). lhis l.llpact aechani .. will re· ceive further attention during t.pact asses..ent reftnment (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 5). (V) Proposed !toni torlns Activities (Vl) Proposed "iUgatlon ~sures Pap ltl Habitat lou vU 1 be ainiJtized by side borrow techniques for road construe· tion, spoil deposition in ~nts or depleted borrcv areas, and consoli- dation of project facilities (AP A 1983a, p. £·3·526 •2). 11odiHcations of borrow requireaents and techniques to ainlmize loss of hab· itat for aquatic furbearers (APA 1983a, p. E-3-536 nn. "lnimize loss of forest areas through aligncent of access road and transmis - sion corridor and other measures (APA 1983a, p. E-3·539 t23). "inimize loss anJ alteration of habi· tat, particularly less abundant habi· tats and sensitive wildli fe habitats (APA 1983a, p. £·3·291, 292 •1·11). Revegetation and fertilization of dis· turbed sites (APA 198la, p. E-3·526 •3). Enhanceaent of sloughs dovnstre• fr011 Devil C..nyon (A PA 1983a, p. E-3·537 t19). Use of project facilities or equipaent by employees and families for hunting and trapping vill be prohibited (APA 1983a, p . E·3·531o n~o). If needed, recoaaendations for restric- tions to l:unting regulations to reduce harvest pressure (APA 1983a, p. E·3·531o tllo). "-jor ground activity vill be prohibi· ted ne ar sensitive wildlife areas dur· ing senaitive periods (APA 1983a, p. E-3532 nol. Prohibition of access during construe· t ion, d iacourageoent of off ·road re • creattonal vehicle activity, and phu· ing ln of recreational plan to Uait recreationa.l impacts on vegetation and wildlife (APA 1983a, p. E-3·292 •15·17). Page lo2 (I) (11) (111) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Potential Iapact On go ins Proposed Proposed Species o r lapact Au e s_,t and Planned Konitorinl !litigation Croup llechani,. SUtWI Studies Actlvitlu Measures (R) Weasels ( 1) Penunent habitat loss due "'-pact wUl r esult in l oss of Ccntlnued s u rveys of furbearer to tapouniliiiints . habitat f o r appr oxlaately 5,. distri bution vUl Ulpr ove 1.8- of t he population of weasels pact assess.ent and mi tigation vithin the aiddle basin (APA planning (APA 1984b FY85 Task 1983a, p . t-3-lol.O to lo42 l. 26, subt.uk 1). ( 2) Penunent loss of habitat "'-Pact vill likely result in "'-Pact severity n ot sufficient Habitat loss will be ainl.8ized by side lor wease t 3u.e to die a ccess redistr ibution of h.-r anges to require further study. borrow techniques for road construe· corridor . of affected furbearers (APA tion , spoil deposition in 1.8pounclments 1983a, p. t -3-lo87, Tabl e t.3. or depleted borrow areas, and conaoli- 1 57). dation of project facilities (APA 1 983a, p. t -3-526 •2l. Hiniaire l oss o f forest areu through all~t of the access road and trans- aisaion corridor, and other •aaures (APA 1983a, p. t-3-539 123). Hiniaire loss and alteration o f habl - tat, particularly less abundant habi- UU and sensitive vlldllfe habitats (APA 1983a pp. t-3-291 to 292 tl-11). ( 3) Loss of habitat in i C>-Short·teraa llllpact that v ill Continued surveys of fur bearer I mpoundment clearing vlll not begin un- poundment areas due to clear-p recede habitat loss due to distribution vlll i111prove liD -tU 2 or 3 years befor e fllllng; pat· ing operations. llllpounclmen t filling (APA pact assessment and mitigation chu of vegeta tion will be left until 1983&, Table E.3.157l . p lanning (APA 1984b FY85 Task just before fUlln g (APA l983a, p. 26, sub task 1l. t-3·525 Ill. (lo) Loss of fores t habitats l•pact vUl result in loss of Previous s t udies have provided Selective clearing in the transalssion due to the trannission corri-3831 acres of forest habitats sufficient inforaaation for c o rridor, per.itting seral vegetation dor s. useful to ""asels CAPA l983a, iatpact a ssesHJent. No f u rther up t o 10 ft in height (APA 1983a, p. Table E .3 .86). s tudies are planned . E-3-526 flo). Minimize loss and a l teration of habi- t at , par ticularly l ess abundant ha bi- tats and sen sitive vildllfe habitats (APA 1983a, p. E-3·291 to 292 •1-11). (5) Loss of habitat due to Re.>Val of 331o1 acre.s of Previous studies have provided Revegetation a nd fert ilization of dl.s- borrow s 1 tes and other •reas spruce forest habitats. Re -sufficient infonut ion for turbed sites (APA 1983&, p. t-3-526 13) tliat vUr se rectariie<l vegetation will probably not t..pact assessment. No furthe r vlll provide SOliN! foraging habitat return habitat to spruce com -studies are planned . prior to forest succession. munitles during the licen se period (APA 1 983a , Tabl e E .3. 1 57). (6) Impoundloents vill block Redistribution of home ranges This l.l>pact mechani .. will re-Clearing of 1.8pounclments prior to IIOVeaents and Ulpede d 1 spersal to con f ono to 1.8pounclllen t ceive further attention during flooding and reeoval of floatins debris of weasels. shores v ill occur (APA 1983a, loopact a•ses-nt reflneeent to reduee hazards to crossl.na (APA Table E.3.157). (APA l984b , FY85 Task S). 1983a, p . E-3-530 19) will aid disper· sal but will not completely aiti&ate barrier effects . Page 43 (I) .. (II) (lU ) (I V) (V) (VI) Affected Potential I epact Ongo ing Pr oposed Proposed Spec i es or I ~~Pact Au e sseent and Planned Moni t o r ing Mitigation Group Hechani,. Stat us Studies Activities !'.easures (R) Weaa e ls (7) Increaoe ln the inciden ce Impact not quan tified but no t I mpact severity not s u fficien t Collect 110r tallty data on (cont.) of r oad k llls due to p r esence expect ed t o be slgnlflcant to requi re f u rther study . road and rallroad colll· of the a c cess corr i dor. (AP A 1983a, Table £.3.157). slons (APA 1983a, E-3·525 tl). (8) Open water d owns t reac wlll \;easels probably align home Pr evious s t ud i es have provided Use of mu l tllevel intake structures on bl ock moveme nts of we asels. r~nges along rivers and ot her s u fficient l n fomatlon for the dams to mai ntain downstream river water bodtes. I~~pact not e x· impact assessment . No f urther temperatures as close to nonnal as pos· pected to be signi fican t (APA vork ls plan ned . slble (APA 1983a , p. E·l·S26 t5). l983a, Appendix EllJ, Vo l u. l OB). (9) Increase ln 110rtalltv due Hu nting and trapping can be Surveys of trappers ar e con· Use of project facUlties or equipment to hunting1 tra22In s 1 and r egulltec!, but poachi ng l osses t inuing to documen t c urrent by employees and fa~~llles for hunting poach ins. uy represent an unavoidabl e harvest levels (APA 1984b, a nd t rapp ing wlll be ~rohlblted (APA adverse impact (AjPA l98Ja, fYBS Task 20) • 1983a, p. E-3·534 #14 • Tabl e E. 3.157). If needed, rec011111endations for rest ric· t l ons t o hunt i ng and t rapoing regul a· tions to reduce harvest p1·essur e (APA 198Ja, p. E-3-534 fl4 ), (10) Avoidance of ooee a r eas Weasel are unlikely to be af· * Impact severity not suffl· !l&jor ground activity will be pr ohlbl · near t n tenoe huun activities f e cted or will be able t o cient to requ ire f urther ted near sen oltive wildlife a r eas du r· (e.g ., construction zones) due a void devel oped ar eas. Ho t study. ing sensitive periods (APA 1983a, p. t o disturbance. expected to be a significant E· 3·532 tlO). impact (APA 1983a, Table E. 3. 157). Prohi bition of access during construe· tion, discouragecent of off·road r e- creational vehicle activity, and phas· i ng in of r ecr eat ional p lan to limi t recreati onal i mj)acts on veget ation and wildlife (APA 1983a, p . E-3·292 tlS· 17). (S) Small (1) Permanent habitat loss due Habitats lost are sillilar to Previous studies provided suf· Selective clearing in t r ansmission cor· !l&llllalS to i mr.;unaiiM!nts ana o t her p ro· those of birds I see Section ficient i n forma t ion for i mpact rldor, permitting seral vegetation up !ect acllltles. (Z)(l) ). Norma lly rapid popu· assessment . No further stud· to 10 ft in height (APA 1983a, p . E-3- l ati on t urnover rates and re· i es pl anned. S26 f4). shuffling of ter ritories by small ........ ts will minimize Mi nimize loss a nd alteration of habi· illlledi&te Impac t s; however, tat, par ticularly less abundant habi· long·tenn l oss of habitat will t ats and sensitive wildlife habitats reduce overa ll populations (APA 1983a, pp. E-3·291 to 292 tl·ll), (APA 1983a, p. £·3·461). (2) I ncrease i n numbers of Impact repreaents a beneficial Impact severity not sufficient Select ive clearing in t ransmission cor· cer tai n apecles i n revegetated e ffect on mos t small maa1111ol to requi re 1 tudy. rider , permitting seral veget ation up areaa of r ecla!Jaed bo r row species (APA 1983a, p . E·J· to 10 ft in height (APA 1983a, p. E-3- situ. 462). 526 f )). (I) Affected Specieo or Group (S) Small Halllnab (cont.) (T) Waterbirds (11) Potential lll!pact Meehan in (3) Dioplacnent during 1m- poundloent filling of ..,.u .-als that have recolonized disturbed areao in the im- poundlllent clearing zont. (l) Permanent loss of river and stream habitats for water- fowl, ohorebirds, dippers, and k ingftshers due to impound- ments. ( 2) Alteration of ohoreline neoting habitats due to 1m- poun-nt clearing and facil- ity site clearing. (3) Trannission corridor may cross waterf~l nesting areas or .,vn~ent corridors, result- ing In diapl01cnent of breed- ing birds (particularly trum- peter swans) , or morta H ty due to tranomiasion line .:olli- sions. (4) Increased 1110rtality of gamebirds due to hunting and poaching. (Ill) !~~pact Alses....,nt Status temporary adverse i.rpact, which resulted fro. a pre- viously beneficial effect on .. au 11an1al populations (APA l983a, Appendix EllJ, Volume lOB). Numbers of birds affected have not been estimated but ill!pact is unlikely to have a major population effect. Effects will be greatest on riverine species, particularly harle- quin duck, cOIDOTI and red- breaoted mergansers, opotted sandpiper, semi -paluted plover, and dipper (APA 198301, pp. E-3·454 to 455). Tell!porary impact; in 1110st areas preceding iOipoundllent filling by 2 to 3 years (APA l983a, p. E-3-455). lll!pact not quantified (APA 198301, p. E-3-496 to 497). Hunting C311 be regulate.1 but poaching losses may represent an unavoidable adverse impact. (IV) Onsoing and Planned Studies l•pact severity not sufficient to require study. Previous studies provided suf- ficent information for ill!paCt assess~~ent. No further vorl< is planned. Impact severity not sufficient to require study. Surveys of all affected areas for trumpeter swans and nests, including the transmission corridor (APA l984b, FY85 Task 24). lll!pact severity not sufficient to require study. (V) Proposed Monitoring Activities Collect information on swan nest locations throughout construction (APA 1983&, p. E-3-525 flO). (Vl) Proposed Mitigation Measures Pace 44 Impoundment clearing will not begin un- til 2 or 3 years before filling; pat· ches of vegetation will be left until just before filling (APA l983a, p. E- 3-525 n>. Habitat loss wil 1 be minimized by side- borrow techniques for road constnk- tion, spoil deposition in Ulpoun-nts or depleted borrow areas, and cont ott- dation of project facUlties (APA l983a, p. F.-3-526 42). Design and alignment measures co mini- llize ill!pacts on wetlands (APA l983a, p. E-3-292 #18, 19). Major ground activity will be prohibi- ted within C. 5 miles of waterbodies use by swans viler. they are present ( APA l983a, p. E-3-532 flO). Design and alignr.>ent measures to mini- •ize impacts on wetlands (APA l983a, p. E-3-292 ns, 19). Use of project facilities or equipment prohibited to employees and families for hunting and trapping (APA l983a, p. E-3-534 •14). tf needed, recOIIIDendations for restric· tions to hunting regulations to reduce hunting pressure (APA l983a, p. E-3-534 #14). Paae 45 (1) (II) (Ill) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Poten tial lllpact Onaoing Proposed Proposed Species or l llpaCt Assessment and Phnned Monitoring Hitig.cion Croup llech..,i .. Status Studies Activities Measures (t) llaterbirds (5) Avoidance by waterbirds of I•pact not qwont ified, but not Impact severity not sufficient Collect info mation on Aircraft vill maintain 11iniiiiUlll altl- (cont.) area.s of intense huaan activ-expected to be significant to require study. s wan nest locations tudes of 1000 ft above around level ity (e•l•• con stTUc t ion zones, (APA 1983a, pp. E-3-455 and thr oughout constr uction d u rlna flight " (APA 1983a, p. ~-3 -531 Impoundment clearing activl-491). (APA 1983a, p. E -3-525 nol. ties recreational areas). no; APA 1984b, n"85 task 24). Aircraft vlll .. lntaln a 0.25 mile buf- fer around lakes used by • ru~~peter s wans during the nesting ,...,rlod (APA 1983a, p . E-3-531 #lOl. Hajor ground activity vill be prohlbl- ted within 0 .5 miles of vaterbod ies used by swans when swans are present (APA 198Ja, p. E-3-532 •10). Prohibition of access during construe- tion discouragement of off-road recru- t i onal vehicle activity, and phasing in of recreational plan to liait recrea- tiona! impacts on vegetation and v!ld- life (APA 1983a, p. E-3-292 •15-17). (U) Bald ( 1) Permanent lou of 3 nest-Nesting location loss v ill af-Food habits and foragins ranse • Survevs of aiddle basin • Construction of artificia l nest sites Eagle In15 l ocations an<! liuntins liab-feet 2-3 pairs of bald easles . o f bald eagles viii be stud-raptor nests and nesting for bald eagles (dependent on agency [tat !or sara easles aue to Loss of hunting habitat vlll led. In format ion vi ll be used locations will continue to approval) are proposed to compensate the tmpoundiDent . not be as important as loss of for mittgation planning ef-document use areas pr lor for the 3 nest sites lost by !nunda- nest sites, because presence forts to help detenlline the co, during, and after con-tlon. A fourth nest site at the edge of suitable nest trees is pro-optimal locations of artifi-structlon (LCL 1985, Sec-of the Impoundment vill be stabll i zed bably more lil:litins (APA clal eagle nests (APA 1984b tion 3.4). to pr event damage by moving ice or 1983a, pp . E-3-443 to 451; LCL n"85 task 21). other factors a nd establishmen t of al- 1984; LCL 1985, pp. 2.20-1 to ternate artificial nest sites nearby Is 3). planned (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). (2) Loss of 3 nesting loca-Loss viii affect 2-3 pairs of * Surveys of middle basin * Curt~il~nt of clearing operations tions ol bald eaaiesdue to bald eagles but viii be short raptor nests and nesting vlthln 0.5 mile radius of nests within [m~unaiiient cleadns . term, pr tor to permanent loss locations will continue to the il:lpoundment zone prior to Impound - as described in U-1. document u se areas prio r ment filling (l.Cl 1985, Section 3.4). to, during, and after con· struction (LCL 1985, Sec-* I1tplmentatlon of artificial nest tion 3.4). site citlgation 11easures (if approved). Se e a~ve in U·l. ( 3) Loss of nest sites and ha-Impacts not quantified, but Impact sever ity not sufficie't bitat a l teration due to secon-not expected to be significant to require study. dary lapacts of erosion, blow· (APA 1983o, Append lx E1U, downs, etc., on forest vegeta-Voluae lOB). tlon. (4) Detrimental impacts en Proposed miti!lation of Impacts Surveys of bald easle nest Impacts from decr eased prey availabil- salmon :>nd other fish prey in to salmon should also lessen sites in downstream rt.aches ity should be reduced by measures to downstream a r eas could affect Impacts on bald eagles. Not are planned and vi 11 provide mitigate Impacts to salmon populations bald eagle habitat quality. expected to be slsnificant baseline population data for (APA 1983a, p. E-3-536 H6l. (APA 198Ja, Appendix ElU, 'lolusoe lOB). future monitorlns studies (APA 1984b, n"85 Task 27). (t) Affected Species or Croup (U) Bald Eagle (cont.) (II) Potentbl Il!p<IICt Mechanis• (5) Increase in electrocution of bald eagles on transcission towers. (6) Potential abandonment of 2 bald eagle nests due to dis- turbance alons access corri· dors. (1) Potential abandon~~~ent of bald eagle nests along the transmission route due to diSturbance. (III) I ~~pact Assess~~ent Status Impact difficult to quantify. Selected tower and line con- figuration for perunent transmission line lS unlikely to c1use electrocution. Elec- trocution may occur on 34 kv constr~ction transmission line if used (APA 1983a, p. E-3- 497, Table £.3.159; LCL 1985, Section 3.4). Nesting locations are within 0. 5 mile (to rail road) and just beyond 0.5 mile (access road) of nests. I111pact not completely quanti· fled, but not likely to affect bald eagles. (IV) On&<>ing and Planned Studies Previous studies provided suf- ficient inforution for illlpact aases-nt. No further stud· ies are planned. Surveys to identify bald eagle nest sites along the proposed transmission corridor are planned (APA l984b, fY85 Task 21). (V) Proposed Monitoring Activities Surveys of 01iddle basin raptor nests and nesting locations will continue to document use areas and potential disturbance effects prior to, during, and after construction (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). Surveys flown prior to line construction will identify any newly established nest sites which may be located within the corridor (APA 1984b, fY85 Task 27) . (VI) Proposed Hiti&ation Hea1ures Pap 46 Pole-line configurations and possible perch guards to avoid raptor electrocu· tion will be used on penoanent trans- mission lines (APA 1983a, p. E-3-539 #22; LCL 1985, p. 3.4·8). Use of die:sel generators for power sources during construction NY el illlinate electrocution potential on temporary line (LCL 1985, p. 3.4·8). The Denali Hlgllway·to·Watana access road was realigned to avoid (remain 0.5 miles distant froo) the vicinity o f nest 8E·6, the reco....,nded distance to avoid disturbance illlpacts (APA 1983a, p. £·3·537 no, Fig. £.3.81; LCL 1985, ! Section 3.4). The railroad route can- not be realigned to avoid nest 8E·8 beyond 0.25 miles . Placement of arti- ficial nest structure farther away from the railroad will be done if distur· bance effects occur (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). Curtailment of construction acti vities I during the sensitive (nesting) period in the vicinity of active nests will also occur (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). Present route has taken into constdera· tion known bald eagle nests and wU 1 remain at least 0.5 miles from nest sites (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). (I) Affected Spec:iea or Croup CUl bld Eagle (cont.) (V) Colden Eagle (It) Potential I~~pac:t Meehan in (8 ) Inc:reaae in disturbance due to aircraft traffic, con- struction activity and recrea- tional activity that 1s fac:ll- itated by increased access. (l) Permanent l oss of 5 nest- ing locations of &Olden eagles due to the tapou..-..u. (2) Increase ln electrocution of golden eagles on transais - sion t~rs. (Ill) I!lpac:t Aasesaaent Status I•pac:t not quantified but uy caus e abandmwent of nests or nest failure (APA 1983a, p. E-3-4Sl to ~54, Table E.3. 159). 11111 result in loss or dis- placeaent of 2·3 pairs of eagles (LGL 1984, p. 7). Impact difficult to quantify. Selected tover and line con- figuration for permanent transaission line is unlikely to cause el~ctrocutlon. Elec· trocut ton may occur on 34 kv construction transmission line lf used (APA l983a, p. E-3- t.97, Table E.3.159; LGL 1985, Section 3.4). (IV) Onaotna and Planned Studies * Surveys of aiddle b a sin raptor nests and ne!ting loca- tions will contince to docu- .aent use areas pr ior to, dur- tns, and after construction (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). Previous studies provided suf- ficient lnforaatlon for i11pact assessment. No further s t ud- ies .a.r ..: planned. (V) Propooed 11on1tor1n& Activities Collect lnfo....,tion on ac- tive raptor nest locations throushout construct ion (APA 1983a, p. E-3-525 19). (Vl) Proposed 111tigat1on Measures Paae 47 Aircraft vtll uinuin •tnt.. alti- tudes of 1000 ft above aro\11\d level during flishts (APA l983a, p. l-3-531 110). Aircraft landings w111 be prohibited within 0.25 •Hes of active bald eagle nests between 15 !'~rch and 31 August (APA l983a, p . E-3-531 110). RAptor protection criteria (LGL 1985, pp. 3.4-2 to 3). ~nges in facility siting or aligncoent OT in construction schedules to avoid disturbance to raptor nest sites (APA l983a, pp. E-3-5l3 no, including spe- cific measures for specific situ). Public access to access road and air- field prohibited during construction (APA 1983a, p. E-3·534 112, 14). Discourag-nt of off-road recreational vehicle activity, and phasing in of re- creational plan to llllit recreational impacts on vegetation and wildlife (APA 1983a, p. E-3-292 116·17). * Construction of artificial nut sites on nearby cliffs for golden eagles are proposed to compensate f?r loss of nesting locations (APA l~83a, p. E-3- 538 and 539; LGL 1985, AppendiJ< Al. Hunting habitat exists mainly a.t eleva- tions above the iDpoundments and w111 not be affected. (1) (11) (111) (IV) (V) (Vl) Affected Potentul apact On&Olna Pr0110aed Pr0110aed Speclu or 1-Pac:t Aues-..t and Planned Monitorlna ltltiaatlon Cr oup llechanla Statua Studles Activitiu Heaaurea (V) Colden ()) Effective lo .. of nesting • Total of 14 nestina loca-• Surveys of •lddle baoln • CurtaU•nt of clearlng operatlona Eagle location• due to dlsturbance tlons .re ln areas aubject to raptor nesu and nesting loca-vl.thin 0.5 •lle of any active nesting (cont. l at borrow pits, near cle:arin& potential dlsturbance effects tiona v lll continue to docu-locations durin& the sensitive (nest- activities, and along the ac-(LCL 1914, pp. 2 to 4). Dls-11ent use areaa prlor to, dur-lnal perlod vtll occur (LCL 1985, Sec:- cesa corridor. turbance effects at nen C£-18 lns, and following construe-tion 3.4). cay occur vlthln 0.5 •lle of tion (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). the nest sites and vlll con-* Curtail•nt of soee barTow excavation tinue through ope rat ion phases actlvities at affected pits during the due to the presence of the sensitive period may be necessary • or, transatssion cor-ridor, road, lf t.practical, construction of alter- bridge, and d4111 sl te (LCL nate artificial nes t sites ln ne.rby 1985, Section 3.4). area• to compensate for effective nest loss due to disturbance (LGL 1985, Sec- tion 3.4). • Construction of alternate nest site(s) for GE-18 a.y be necessary if disturbance effects are anticipated (LCL 1985, Section 3.4). (4) 1ncrea"" in disturbance t.pact not quant Hied but aay Collect information on ac-Aircraft vill ulntaln alnlJoua alti- due to aircraft traffic, con-cause aband01111ent of nests or tive raptor nest locations tudes of 1000 ft above ground level struction activity and recrea-nest failure (APA l983a, p. throughout cons truction during flights (APA l983a, p. E-3-531 tiona\ activity that is facil-E-3-451 to 454, Table E.3. (APA 1963&, p. E-3-525 nol. ltated by lncreaaed accesa. 159). •9). Aircraft landlngs vlll be prohibited vithin 0.5 •Hes of actlve golden eagle nests between 15 !larch and 31 August (APA l093a, p. E-3-531 flO). !Yptor protection criteria (LCL 1985, pp. 3.4-2 t o 3). ~naes ln facU l t y slting or allgnaent or in construction schedules to avoid disturbance to raptor nest sltes (APA 1983&, pp . E-3-533 flO, including spe- cHic e>easures for specific aitesl. Publlc access to access road and air- field prohibited durlng construction (APA l983a, p. £·3-534 •12, 14). Dis c ourage"~aent of off-road recreational vehicle activity, and phaslng in of re- creational plan to lial t recreational impacts on vegetation and wildlife (APA 1983&, p. E-3-292 416-17). (W) Gyrfalcon ( 1) Possible loss of a nest lng Recent s urveys found no suit-Adherence to rap t o r pro tect lon criteria location due to borrow site K able nesting habitat for gyr-will be maintained (LCL 1985, pp. 3.4-2 and d1sturb4nce fr0111 the falcons vlthin 0.25 mile of to 3). trana•ission corridor. the borrow s ite or the t rans- mission corrldor (LCL 1985, prep. l. ln (1) Affected Species or Croup (W) Gyrfalcon (cont.) (X) Pe regune Falcon (Y) Other Raptors and lt.ven (II) Potential l~~pact !lechanisa ( 2) Potential abandontoent of several raptor and raven nests or nesting locations Cinclud· ing a perearine falcon nest) due to h\DUn activities alons the tranl•ission corridor. ( 3) Increase In disturbance due to aircraft traffic, con- struction activity and recrea· tiona! activity thlt is facil- itated by increased access . (1) Potent ial aban dot110ent of a peregrine falcon nesting loca- tion due to disturbance along the transmission corridor. (1) Pei"'D&&lent loss o f nesting locations and ford!!fit< habitat due to t~e ~n . ts, ac- cess roa , Trow sites, and o*er peru.nent pr oiect fach- [t es. (III) l10pact Aaaes.-ent StatUI l10p1ct not c010pletely quanti- fied but will affect 2 I}'Tfal· con neotina locations if con- struct ion activitie• occur during nest site attendance periods (APA 198la, pp . E·3- lo52 to '-54, Table £.3.159). Impact not quantified but uy cause abandonaent of nests or nest failure (APA 1983a, p. E-3-451 to '-54, Table £.3. 159). * Nest s1 tea reported to be within the transmission cor- ridor near the Nenana River crossing at Nenana are not suitable for nesting pere- grines according to a l981o survev of the area. One his- torical nesting site is within l.lo eiles of the proposed route (LCL l98S, in prep.). Coorplete quantification fo r all raptors and ravens l s not possible but will affect nor- thern goshawl<, sharp-shinned hawlt, red-tailed hawl<, ~~erlin, great h orned ovl, northern haW.·ovl, boreal owl , c~ raven and posaibly AOrthern h a rrier. great aray owl and short-eared owl. (IV) On so ina and Planned Studies Surveys to look for and deter- aine use of raptor nest sites alons the transaission corri- dor (APA 1984b, FY85 Taalls 2'- and 29). Previous studies have provided sufficient infol"'!!at ion for illpact assess-..nt. No further vorl< Is planned. (V) Proposed 11onitorina Activities Collect infol"'!!ation on ac- tive raptor nest locations throushout construction (APA 1983a, P. £·3·525 •9). Co llect inforaation on ac- tive raptor nest locations throughout construction (APA 198lA, p. E-3-S25 ~). Surveys to d ocument use of po tential nest sites near the transmiss ion corridor are planned through con· structlon and operation phases (APA 1983a, p. E-3-S25 o9; LCL 19115, in prep.). Paae 49 (VI) Proposed 11itiaation Meaaures Raptor protection cr1teri1 (LCL 1985, pp. 3.4-2 to 3). 0\anaes in facility sitina or alicn-ent or in construction schedules to avoid disturbance t o r anter nest situ CAP A l983a, pp. E-3-537 •20, E-3-533 •10). Aircraft w111 uintaln •in!Joua alti· tudes of 1000 ft above ground level during flishts (APA l983a p. £·3-531 •10). Aircraft landinas wt ll be prohibited within 0.25 •Hes of active gyrfalcon nests between 15 February and 15 August (APA 1983a, p. E-l-531 elO). Raptor protection criteria (LCL 1985, pp. 3.4-2 to 3). Changes in facil tty siting or alicn-nt or in construction schedules to avoid disturbance to raptor nest sites CAPA 1983a, pp. E-3-533 •10, Including spe· cific Deasures for specific sites). Public access to access road and air- Held prohibited during construction (APA 1983a, p. E-3-534 *12, 14). Discouragement of off-road recreational vehicle activity, and phasing In of re· creatlonal plan to limit recreational l.mpacts on vegetation and wildlife (APA l983a, p. E-3-292 •16-17). Adherence to raptor protection criteria will be maintained (LCL 1985, pp. 3.4·2 t o 3 ). * A sect ion 7 consultation (Endange red Species Act 1973) vith the USFWS will be c onducted to ensure protect ion of the historical nesting site (LCL 1985, in prep.). Changes ln facility siting or alignment or in construct !on schedules to avoid disturbance (APA l983a, p. E·3·S37 no, Appendix 3. I). * Protection of forested land on c011· pensatlon l.a nds and c reation of open- ings for 1100se browse will protect nest sites and provide foraging habitat for raptors, althoush SOllie absolute loss of habitat (particularly for resident species) will prcbably occur as a r esi - dual i10pact (LCL 1985, in prep. l. (I) Affected Species or Group (Y ) Other Rap tors and Raven (cont.) (II) Potentl..al I~~pact llechanlsa (2) Lou of nest sites and fona:ln& habl tat due to Im- poundment clearing. (3) Lou of nest sites and ha- bitat alteration due to sec- ondary illpacts of eroslo~, blowdovns, etc a• on forest vegetat ton. (4) Potential abandor.ent of raptor or raven nests or nest- Ing locations due to human ac- tivities along the transmis- sion corridor. (5) Increue In disturbance due to atrcr~ft traffic, con- struction activity and recrea- tional activity that Is facil- Itated by Increased access. (Z) Terrestrial (1) Permanent habitat los s due Birds to the illpound~Wnts and o ther peraanmt pro1ect facilities. (111) Iapact Asse.ssaent Status I•pact vill preceed eventual penoanent loss by 2-3 yean (APA 1983a, !able E .3.159). Impacts not qu.antH!ed, but not expected to be significant (APA 1983a, Append!>< EllJ, Volume lOB). Ic:pact not quantified but not expected to be important (tGL 1985, In prep.). Impact not quantified but uy cause aband~nt of nests or nest failur e (APA 1983a, p. E-3-451 to 454, Table E.3. 159). Loss of ,.5,688 acres of habi- tats used by ov< r 100,000 birds, resulting In possible l oss and displacement of b reeding, •!grating , and rest- dent birds (APA 1983a, pp. E-3 -,.56 to 459, Tables E.3.165 and 166; APA 1983b). (IV) Onsotn& and Planned Studies Previous stud les have provided sufficient Information for iapact assesnent. "o further von Is plaMed. Iapact severity not s ufficient to require study. Surveys for trumpeter swan and bald eagle n ests along the trans11tsslon corridor will also take note of obvious nests of other species (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 2"). Planned survevs of vtnter bird use of the lmj,oundment zones vtll illprove illpact asses..,..nt and aitlgat!on planning ef- forts (APA 1984b, FY85 Task 25). Nwobers of birds affec- ted vi 11 br revised following completion of vrgetatlon maps. (V) Proposed l!onltorln& Activities Collect lnfonoatlon on ac- t ive raptor nest locztions throughout construction (APA 1983a, p. E-3-525 ~). (VT) Proposed Mitigation !'leasures Page 50 l•poundment clearing vill not begin until 2 or 3 years before filling (APA 1983a, p . E-3-538). Realignment of the transaisalon corri- d o r may be poss lb lr In order to avoid known raptor nest sites . Clearing of the transmission corridor will probably improve hunting opportunities for most species (tGL 1985, In prep.). Aircraft will maintain alnillull alti- tudes of 1000 ft above ground lrvel during flights (APA 1983a, p. E-3-531 nol. Raptor protrctlon criteria (tGL 1985, pp. 3 ... -2 to 3). Changes In facility siting or a! !gru>e~t or in construct ion schedules to avoid disturbance to raptor nest sites (APA 1983a, pp. E-3-533 •10 , Including spe- cific measures for specific sites). Public access to access road and air- field prohibited during cons truction (APA 1983a, p. E-3-53" #12, 1 .. ). D!scourag1!111ent of off-road recreational vehic!e activity, and phasing in of re- creational plan to limit recreational impacts on vegetation and wlldltfe (APA l983a, p. E-3-292 1116-17). * Impoundment clearing v U l not begin until 2 o r 3 years before filling; pat- ches of vegetation v lll be left untll Just before filling (APA 1983a , E-3-525 •ll, and clearing requirements for many project facll!tles vlll be reduced (APA l9983a, p. E-3-253). * Protect:ion of forest l ands and pro· posed habitat compensation lands vtll brnefit forest-!nhabltating birds and provide some COOipensa t lon for further loss o f bird habitat (tGL 1985, pp. 2 .26-ll to 17). Species preferring s hrub or tundra habitats vlll probably not be severely affected. Page 51 (I) (It) (lit) (IV) (V) (VI) Affected Potential brpact Ongoing Proposed Proposed Species or l•pact Assess.ent and Planned Monitoring Mitigation Croup Hechant• Status Studies Activities Measures (Z) Terrestrial (2) Alteration of h;tbitats for A prel iJrinary est!Jiate of Previous studies provided suf· Selective clearing in tranS11isslon cor· lltrds birds due to the traMmission 10,515 acres Indicates that f1cient infonrat ion for iJrpact ridor, penoitt ing sera 1 vegetllt lon up (cont.) corridor. habitat for over 2000 breeding assessaent .. !1\llllbers of birds to 10 ft In height I APA 1983a, p . E·3· birds vi 11 be affected (APA affected v lll be revi oed fol· 526 •4). 1983a, p. E·3·490; APA 1983b, loving completion of vegeta· Tables E.3.79, 80, and 86). tion ups. Hlniclze loss of forest areas through allgr.<:ent of trans:::tsslon corridor (APA 1983a, p. E·3·5 39 :23). H!nblze loss and alteration of habi· tat, particularly less abundant habt· tats and sensitive wildllfe habitats (APA 1983a, pp. E·3·291 and 292 #l·lll. I I • (3) AI teration of forested • Alteration of 4, 752 acres of • Previous studies provided I • Revegetation and fertillzati on o! habitats for birds due to bor· habitat "Ill occur (APA 1983b, sufficient infonoatton for teo-disturbed sites will rectify so.., ef· I row sites, c~~~~ps, and vtl-Tables E.3.83 and 84). pact assessment. Estiaates oi fects (APA 1983a, p. E·3·526 •3>. I ages . nUIIIbers of birds affected v lll fol101o1 ca.pletion of vegeta· * ~ir.i.:Jize alteration of less abundant tion ~t<~ps. habitats and sensitive vtldllfe a reas (APA 1983a, pp. E·3·291 to 292 , U·lll. (4) Increase in breeding habi· lcopact represents a beneficial Impact not sufficient t o re-Collection of data on tat for s ome species due to effect on coast birds (APA quire study. changes in downstream vegetation encroachment on 1983a, p. E-3·459). vegetative cover (A.PA downstream river floodplains. 1983a, p . E·3·523 •2>. (5) Loss of nest sites and ha· • lcopact not quantified but Impact severity not sufficient bitat alteration due to sec· not expected to be sl gnifi· to require study . ondary effects of erosion, cantly widespread to affect blowdowns • etc. • on forest bird populations (APA 1983a, vegetation . Append lx EllJ, Vo 1 ume lOB) . (6) I ncrease in coorta llty due • Impact difficult to prevent Impact severity not sufficient to collisions vtth transmts-and population loss is predic· to require study. ston 1 ines and towers. ted to be Insignificant (APA 1983a, p. E-3-497). ( 7) Avoidance of areas of In· Impact not quantified (APA Impact severity not sufficient Proh !bit i on of access during construe· tense human activity (e.g., 1983a, p. E·3·4&0), but not to require study. tion, discouragement of off·road r e cre· construct ion zones, I.JDpound· e•pected to be significant for ational vehicle activity , and phasing ment clearing activities, re· coast spec tes. in o f recreational plon to limit r~cre- creational activities) due to actor:al icopacts on vegetatio n and wild· disturbance. life (APA 1983a, p. E·3·292 0 15·17). LITERATURE CITED Alaska Pcwer Authority. 1983u. Before the Federa~ Energy Regulatory Commission. Application fo ! license for major project. Susitna Hydroelectric Pro~ect. Exhibit E. Anchorage. 13 volumes. Alaska Power Authority. 1983b. Responses to FERC supple- mental information request of April 12, 1983. Filed with FERC July II. Alaskn Power Authority. 1984a. Susitna Hydroelectric Project. Draft aquatic plan of study. Fiscal year 1985. Doc. no. 591. Prepared for Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage. Alaska Power Authority . 1984b. Susitna Hydroelectric Project. Draft terrestrial plan of study. Fiscal year 1985 . Doc. No. 1110. Prepared for Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage. Alaska Power Authority . 1984c . Susitna Hydroelectric Project . Draft social science program study tasks. Fiscal year 1985. Prepared for Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage. LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc. 1984. Su~ary Statement on ~est Lo s ses and Conflicts for Bald and Golden Eagle s in the ~usitna Hydroelectric Project Area. Report to the Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage. LGL Alaska Research A~sociates, Inc. 1985. Susitna Hydro- electric Proj ec :, Mitigation Plan for Wildlife and Botanical Resources . Report to Alaska Power Authority. Anchorage. Miller, S.D. 1983. Susitna Hydroelectric Project. Phase 11 progress report. Big gaoe studies. Vol. VI . Black bear and brown bear. Alaska Department of Fish and Gace. Anchorage. Miller, S .D. 1984. Susitna Hydroelectric Proejct. Draft Phase 11 progress report. Big game studies . Vol. VI. Black bear and brown bear. Alaska Department fo Fish and Game. Anchorage.