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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
W-S1, wildlife habitat use and movement study : draft
SuWa 104
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
[Alaska Energy Authority]
AEA-identified category, if specified:
2012 Environmental Study Plans
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 104
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage, Alaska : Alaska Energy Authority, 2012]
Date published:
February 1, 2012
Published for: Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Draft
Document type:
Pagination:
13 p.
Related work(s):
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Notes:
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 1
W-S1: WILDLIFE HABITAT USE AND MOVEMENT STUDY - DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is preparing a License Application that will be submitted to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project (Project) using the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP). The Project is located on the
Susitna River, an approximately 300 mile long river in the Southcentral region of Alaska. The
Project’s dam site will be located at River Mile (RM) 184. The results of this study and of other
proposed studies will provide information needed to support the FERC’s National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the Project license.
Construction and operation of the Project as described in the Pre-application Document (PAD,
AEA 2011) will result in wildlife habitat loss and alteration, blockage of movements of mammals,
disturbance, and changes in human activity due to construction and operation of the Project
from the proposed dam site, and along access and transmission line routes. The Project may
result in loss and displacement from seasonally used sensitive habitats in the middle and upper
Susitna River basin such as moose and caribou calving areas; bear foraging and den habitats;
Dall’s sheep lambing areas and mineral licks; and wolf den or rendezvous sites. This study plan
outlines the objectives and methods for characterizing and further defining critical data gaps
based on existing Project area wildlife abundance, distribution, movements and sensitive habitat
data in order to evaluate potential Project-related effects and inform subsequent studies
developed under the ILP. This study is initiation of a multi-year effort, which will include data
synthesis beginning in 2012.
STUDY OBJECTIVES
The overall study objectives are to identify all data available from the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game (ADF&G), synthesize this information for abundance, distribution, movements, and
habitat use for moose, caribou, bears, Dall’s sheep, and wolves; and evaluate the adequacy of
this information for assessing potential Project-related effects on these big game resources in
the upper and middle Susitna River basins. This synthesis will further define identified data
gaps and develop 2013-2014 study plans. A data sharing agreement will be developed
between the ADF&G and AEA, and ADF&G survey and telemetry data will be obtained through
coordination with AEA. In addition, ADF&G will be conducting Project-specific moose and
caribou telemetry studies beginning in 2012.
This study is broken into tasks by resource with specific objectives, study areas, methods, and
analysis for moose, caribou, bears, Dall’s sheep, and wolves. Information on the current use of
critical moose and caribou calving areas, rutting areas, wintering areas, and migration or
movement corridors; bear foraging and den habitats; Dall’s sheep lambing areas and mineral
licks; and wolf den and rendezvous sites will be compiled from various sources and evaluated to
determine the need for additional aerial surveys, ground-based monitoring, and/or the potential
establishment of remote surveillance. This information will be used to develop 2013-2014 study
plans.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 2
TASK 1 – MOOSE
Objectives
The study objectives for moose are to obtain and synthesize information on the current use of
calving areas, rutting areas, wintering areas, and migration/movement corridors and to evaluate
the available data to determine the need for additional aerial surveys during critical periods.
Specific data gaps (ABR 2011) addressed for moose include development of a current estimate
of population size and density for the Project area based on available information, and
development of current range maps for seasonal distribution and movement using ADF&G
telemetry datasets.
Study Area
The study area for moose includes all areas that will be directly altered or disturbed by Project
facilities, access roads, transmission corridors, and within the inundation zone for the reservoir
(Figure 1); and adjacent seasonal ranges in the upper and middle Susitna River basin. The
study area will be centered on Game Management Unit (GMU) 13E and 13A. It will include
downstream areas in the middle Susitna River basin that could be affected by changes in
stream flows, temperatures, and ice conditions, which could alter riparian vegetation succession
and result in changes to moose habitats. The study area will extend to at least the confluence
of the Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers at the border of GMU 13E with GMU 14B and 16A, but
may also include the lower Susitna River basin.
Existing Information
Moose were considered a key species for study during the Alaska Power Authority (APA)
Susitna Hydroelectric Project (SHP) in the 1980s primarily because of the potential for loss of
winter range in the impoundment zone (ABR 2011). Studies were divided into upstream and
downstream (above and below Devil’s Canyon) components and included VHF telemetry from
1976 through 1986, upstream population censuses in 1980 and 1983, and downstream aerial
censuses during winter from 1981 to 1986. Current moose population estimates for the Project
area are not available; however, trend counts have been increasing for specific count areas in
GMU 13 (Tobey and Schwanke 2008). As part of the concurrent licensing studies for this
Project, ADF&G will estimate the moose population as well as movements within the Project
area using telemetry.
Methods and Analysis
In 2012 ADF&G population estimates and telemetry data will be compiled, and spatial
analysis of historic and current telemetry data will be conducted for moose .
The moose study will include the following study components:
Identify and compile survey data at the GMU sub-unit level with extrapolations to the
Project area level where possible.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 3
Complete updated spatial analyses of existing telemetry data to determine current
seasonal habitat use and movements within the Project area.
Population estimates based on existing data will be calculated consistent with the method used
to collect the data (Kellie and DeLong 2006, Becker et al 2004). Density estimates will be
calculated at a spatial resolution suitable to evaluate potential habitat loss and alteration from
the Project. Moose surveys generally use the Geospatial Population Estimate method (Kellie
and DeLong 2006). Ranges presented for the SHP in the 1980s included minimum and
maximum convex polygons. Telemetry data collected during the SHP studies in the 1980s, if
readily available, and current ADF&G telemetry databases will be used to delineate seasonal
ranges and movement corridors based on kernel density estimates (Seaman et al. 1998),
random walks (Morales et al. 2004) or Brownian bridge movement model techniques (Horne et
al. 2007, Sawyer et al. 2009).
TASK 2 – CARIBOU
Objectives
The study objectives for caribou are to obtain and synthesize information on the current use of
calving areas, rutting areas, wintering areas, and migration/movement corridors. The available
data will be evaluated to determine the need for additional aerial surveys during critical periods.
Specific data gaps (ABR 2011) to be addressed for caribou include development of current and
historical seasonal range maps and movements for the Nelchina and Delta caribou herds, and
development of seasonal range use and movements for ADF&G’s Global Positioning System
(GPS)-collared female caribou.
Study Area
The study area for caribou includes all areas that will be directly altered or disturbed by Project
facilities, access roads, transmission corridors, and within the inundation zone for the reservoir
(Figure 1). The study area includes adjacent seasonal caribou ranges in the upper and middle
Susitna River basin and will be centered on GMU 13E and 13A. Downstream areas in the
middle Susitna River basin that could be affected by changes in stream flows, temperatures,
and ice conditions which could alter conditions for river crossings traditionally used by caribou
Will also be included. Caribou data summaries will incorporate information for both the Nelchina
caribou herd in GMU 13 and 14B and the Delta caribou herd in GMU 20A and 13E.
Existing Information
The caribou study for the SHP began in 1980 and continued through 1985. The objectives of
the study were to determine the population status of the Nelchina caribou herd, delineate
subherds, and identify range use, movement patterns, migration routes, and migration timing
(ABR 2011). Three resident subherds were identified, and the reservoir was found to intersect
migration routes used by pregnant cows moving to calving grounds during late April and May
and cows and calves moving to summer range during late June and July (Pitcher 1982).
Current caribou use of the Project area is complicated by range expansion and mixing of Delta
herd caribou with the Nelchina caribou herd (Seaton 2009). Current ADF&G management and
inventory studies include collaring cow caribou with VHF telemetry equipment and locating
collared cows during the calving period to determine parturition and again later in the season to
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 4
determine calf survival (Seaton 2009, Tobey and Schwanke 2009). Additional collars including
both VHF and GPS/satellite technology will be deployed by ADF&G on cow and bull caribou of
both the Nelchina and Delta caribou herds to provide data for the Project.
Methods and Analysis
In 2012, ADF&G population estimates and telemetry data will be compiled and spatial
analysis of historic and current telemetry data for the Nelchina and Delta carib ou herds will
be completed. Based on a preliminary evaluation of these data the need for additional
surveys will be evaluated.
The caribou study will include the following study components:
Identify and compile survey data at the GMU sub-unit level with extrapolations to the
Project area level where possible.
Complete updated spatial analyses of existing telemetry data to determine current
seasonal habitat use and movements within the Project area.
Population estimates based on existing data will be calculated consistent with the method used
to collect the data. Density estimates will be calculated at a spatial resolution suitable to
evaluate potential habitat loss and alteration from the Project. Ranges presented for the SHP in
the 1980s included minimum and maximum convex polygons. Telemetry data collected during
the SHP studies in the 1980s, if readily available, and current ADF&G telemetry databases will
be used to delineate seasonal ranges and movement corridors based on kernel density
estimates (Seaman et al. 1998), random walks (Morales et al. 2004) or Brownian bridge
movement model techniques (Horne et al. 2007, Sawyer et al. 2009).
TASK 3 – BEARS
Objectives
The study objectives for bears are to obtain and synthesize information on the current use of
bear foraging and den habitats, and to evaluate the available data to determine the need for
additional aerial surveys, and/or ground-based surveys for bears foraging at salmon spawning
areas. Specific data gaps (ABR 2011) that will be addressed for bears include development of
current estimates of population size and density for black and brown bears in the Project area
and synthesis of information on the current and historical importance of salmonid streams
downstream from the Watana dam site for brown bear foraging.
Study Area
The study area includes all areas that will be directly altered or disturbed by Project facilities,
access roads, transmission corridors, and the inundation zone for the reservoir (Figure 1), and
adjacent seasonal bear ranges in the upper and middle Susitna basin primarily within GMU 13E
and 13A. The study area will also include salmon spawning areas downstream from the
Watana dam site used by bears that could be affected by changes in stream flows,
temperatures, and ice conditions.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 5
Existing Information
The SHP included upstream bear studies on population size and density, seasonal movements,
dispersal, demography, den locations and predation rates on moose calves from 1980 to 1985
(ABR 2011). Brown bears used the impoundment zone primarily during June, and loss of den
habitat was expected to be minimal (ABR 2011). Black bears used the impoundment zone
during May to June and about 55% of den sites were within the area that would have been
flooded (ABR 2011).
Methods and Analysis
In 2012 ADF&G population estimates and telemetry data will be compiled, and spatial
analysis of historic and current telemetry data for bears will be conducted. Based on a
preliminary evaluation of these data, the need for additional surveys will be evaluated.
The bear study will include the following study components:
Identify and compile survey data at the GMU sub-unit level with extrapolations to the
Project area level where possible.
Complete updated spatial analyses of existing telemetry data to determine current
seasonal habitat use of salmon streams downstream from the dam site and den
locations within the Project area.
Population estimates based on existing data will be calculated consistent with the method used
to collect the data. Density estimates will be calculated at a spatial resolution suitable to
evaluate potential habitat loss and alteration from the Project. Telemetry data collected during
the SHP studies in the 1980s, if readily available, and current ADF&G telemetry databases will
be used to delineate seasonal ranges based on kernel density estimates (Seaman et al. 1998).
TASK 4 – DALL’S SHEEP
Objectives
The study objectives for Dall’s sheep are to obtain and synthesize information on sheep lambing
areas and mineral licks and to evaluate the available data to determine the need for additional
aerial surveys and/or ground-based monitoring of the Jay Creek mineral lick. Specific data gaps
(ABR 2011) that will be addressed for Dall’s sheep include developing a current estimate of
population size and density in the Project area; and assessing the current condition and use of
the mineral licks on lower Jay Creek in relation to maximum elevation of the reservoir.
Study Area
The study area includes all areas that will be directly altered or disturbed by Project facilities,
access roads, transmission corridors, and the inundation zone for the reservoir (Figure 1), and
adjacent seasonal Dall’s sheep ranges in the upper and middle Susitna basin primarily within
GMU 13E and 13A.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 6
Existing Information
Dall’s sheep likely spend most of their time at elevations above the potential reservoir
inundation zone in the Project area, including mineral lick sites in the Jay Creek drainage.
Sheep used the Jay Creek mineral licks primarily between mid-May to mid-June in the 1980s
(Tankersley 1984). Potential loss of mineral lick sites due to leaching and erosion, blockage of
sheep movements by the impoundment, and aerial and ground-based disturbance were
identified as further study needs during the SHP in the 1980s; and monitoring during and after
construction was recommended (ABR 2011). The normal maximum reservoir surface elevation
of the currently proposed Project is lower than that of the 1980s SHP; therefore there should be
less potential for the Project to impact the Jay Creek mineral licks.
Methods and Analysis
In 2012 ADF&G population estimates and telemetry data will be compiled, and spatial
analysis of historic and current telemetry and survey data for Dall’s sheep will be
conducted. Based on a preliminary evaluation of these data, the need for additional
surveys or monitoring will be evaluated.
The Dall’s sheep study will include the following study components:
Identify and compile survey data at the GMU sub-unit level with extrapolations to the
Project area level where possible.
Complete updated spatial analyses of existing telemetry data to determine current
habitat use and movements within the Project area, current use of Jay Creek mineral
licks, and potential identification of additional mineral lick sites.
If warranted, design and complete preliminary ground-based surveys to evaluate the
condition and current use of the Jay Creek mineral licks during mid-May to mid-June.
Population estimates based on existing data will be calculated consistent with the method used
to collect the data. Density estimates will be calculated at a spatial resolution suitable to
evaluate potential habitat loss and alteration from the Project. Telemetry data collected during
the SHP studies in the 1980s, if readily available, and current ADF&G telemetry databases will
be used to delineate seasonal ranges based on kernel density estimates (Seaman et al. 1998).
TASK 5 – WOLVES
Objectives
The study objectives for wolves are to obtain and synthesize information for den and
rendezvous sites and to evaluate the available data to determine the need for additional
surveys. Specific data gaps (ABR 2011) that will be addressed for wolves include the
development of a current estimate of wolf population size and density in the Project area; and
delineation of current and historical wolf pack territories and movements based on ADF&G
telemetry datasets.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 7
Study Area
The study area includes all areas that will be directly altered or disturbed by Project facilities,
access roads, transmission corridors, and the inundation zone for the reservoir (Figure 1), and
adjacent wolf pack territories in the upper and middle Susitna basin primarily within GMU 13E
and 13A.
Existing Information
Wolves have been studied extensively in GMU 13 since the mid-1970s and are subject to
ongoing surveys for ADF&G’s intensive management program (ABR 2011). The area of the
Susitna basin potentially affected by the Project straddles three different GMUs (13, 14, and16)
with different management objectives (ABR 2011). The SHP wolf studies in the 1980s identified
territory boundaries, pack size, location and use of den and rendezvous sites, and feeding
habitats for 12 known or suspected wolf packs based on telemetry data (Ballard et al. 1983).
Sensitive locations for wolf packs such as current den and rendezvous sites should be located
and avoided where possible; previous studies and ADF&G data have indicated that the Big
Bend in the Susitna River just above Jay Creek is an important location for wolves.
Methods and Analysis
In 2012, ADF&G population estimates and telemetry data will be compiled, and spatial
analysis of historic and current telemetry data for wolves will be conducted. Based on a
preliminary evaluation of these data the need for additional surveys and monitoring work
will be evaluated.
The wolf study will include the following study components:
Identify and compile survey data at the GMU sub-unit level with extrapolations to the
Project area level where possible.
Evaluate ADF&G wolf telemetry datasets to identify locations of dens, rendezvous sites,
hunting areas, and other essential areas for each pack.
Population estimates based on existing data will be calculated consistent with the method used
to collect the data. Density estimates will be calculated at a spatial resolution suitable to
evaluate potential habitat loss and alteration from the Project. Wolf population data will likely
use probability sampling of animal tracks in the snow during aerial surveys (Becker et al. 2004).
Seasonal and home ranges presented in the Susitna Hydroelectric Project in the 1980s included
minimum and maximum convex polygons. Telemetry data collected during the Susitna
Hydroelectric Project studies in the 1980s, if readily available, and current ADF&G telemetry
databases will be used to delineate seasonal ranges and movement corridors based on kernel
density estimates (Seaman et al. 1998) or other applicable methods.
NEXUS BETWEEN PROJECT AND RESOURCE TO BE STUDIED AND HOW THE RESULTS WILL BE USED
The Project will result in wildlife habitat loss and alteration, blockage of movements of
mammals, disturbance, and changes in human activity due to construction and operation of the
Project. The Project may result in habitat loss, reduced access, or displacement caused by
increased human activity from seasonally used sensitive habitats in the middle and upper
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 8
Susitna River basin such as moose and caribou calving and wintering areas; bear foraging and
den habitats; Dall’s sheep lambing areas and mineral licks; and wolf den or rendezvous sites.
This study addresses the following issues identified in the PAD (AEA 2011):
W1: Potential loss and alteration of wildlife habitats, including key habitat features such as
den sites and mineral licks, from Project construction and operation.
W2: Potential physical and behavioral blockage and alteration of movements due to
reservoir water and ice conditions; access and transmission corridors; and new patterns of
human activities.
W3: Potential changes in wildlife mortality rates due to Project-related fluctuating water and
ice conditions in the reservoir and downstream river reaches.
W4: Potential impact of changes in predator and prey abundance and distribution related to
increased human activities and habitat changes resulting from Project development.
W5: Potential impacts to wildlife from changes in hunting, vehicular use, noise, and other
disturbance due to increased human presence resulting from Project development.
Documentation of currently used areas, along with timing, duration, and proportion of the
regional population that uses the habitat, could be used to develop seasonal or access
restrictions to protect sensitive habitats. The information developed by the 2012 work will be
used to refine 2013-2014 studies and to inform development of appropriate avoidance,
minimization, and mitigation measures in support of ADF&G management objectives for moose,
caribou, Dall’s sheep, and wolf populations in GMU 13. This information will also be useful to
prevent inadvertent disturbance from unrelated field studies for the Project.
PRODUCTS
Study products will include a summary of the information and findings in a Technical Memo for
the 5 study tasks (Task 1 – Moose, Task 2 – Caribou, Task 3 – Bears, Task 4 – Dall’s Sheep,
and Task 5 – Wolves) that will be presented to resource agency personnel and other licensing
participants, and will include spatial data products in GIS format and Quality Controlled
databases developed as work products for all studies.
Data reporting will include:
– Current population estimates with confidence intervals for big game mammals using
the Project area.
– Updated spatial and temporal distribution maps for big game mammals with
emphasis on delineation and temporal use of sensitive habitats.
– Updated spatial analyses to identify movement corridors.
Study products to be delivered in 2012 for the 5 study tasks will include:
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 9
Development of final study plans. The 2012 component of the study will be finalized through
consultation with AEA, the resource agencies and other licensing participants. The AEA-
selected environmental contractor will participate in the Work Group meetings as the technical
lead for this study and will assist AEA, the Program Lead, and the licensing participants develop
the final study plans.
Summary of the adequacy of population and telemetry data. Current population survey and
telemetry data collected for regional management of wildlife populations may not cover the
portion of the Project area that would experience direct habitat impacts (inundation zone,
facilities, access road, transmission corridors), and the existing telemetry data may not include
all sensitive times of year or sufficient number of animals to evaluate use of the Project area.
The AEA selected environmental consultant will need to identify the data gaps such that
additional study components can be recommended for incorporation in the 2013-2014 study
plan.
2013-2014 Big Game Study Plan(s). The 2013-2014 study plans will be developed through
consultation during the Terrestrial Resources Work Group meetings through the formal FERC
ILP study plan process. The AEA selected environmental consultant will participate in the Work
Group, as appropriate, and assist AEA, the Program Lead, and licensing participants develop
the study plan outline, draft and final Proposed Study Plans and draft and final Revised Study
Plans.
Draft Technical Memoranda. A draft memoranda, summarizing interim results along with
spatial data products including the wildlife database and range maps will be prepared and
presented to AEA and the licensing participants to provide the status of the study, identify any
issues that have occurred and allow for further refinement of the 2013-2014 component of the
study.
Geospatially-referenced wildlife data. Population estimates, seasonal range use, movement
summaries, and identification of sensitive habitats will be based on existing data supplied by
ADF&G. A data sharing agreement will be developed between ADF&G and AEA, and data will
be obtained through coordination with AEA. Geospatially-referenced relational databases of
historic wildlife survey and telemetry data used in the analysis, including all important attribute
data such as species, individual animal identification, sex, age, date, time, condition, location
will be prepared. All data must be associated with location information specifying the projection
and datum. Naming conventions of files and data fields, spatial resolution, and metadata
descriptions must meet the ADNR standards established for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project.
Seasonal range maps in ArcGIS software. Range maps for sensitive habitats will be
developed from wildlife data and will be delivered according to the schedule indicated below.
Naming conventions of files and data fields and metadata must meet the ADNR standards
established for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. All map and spatial data products will
be delivered in the two-dimensional Alaska Albers Conical Equal Area projection, and North
American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) horizontal datum consistent with ADNR standards.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 10
Final 2012 Technical Memorandum. A technical memorandum summarizing all of the 2012
results will be presented to resource agency personnel and other licensing participants, along
with spatial data products.
SCHEDULE
The following schedule is for the early 2012 scope of work for the 5 study tasks (Task 1 – Moose,
Task 2 – Caribou, Task 3 – Bears, Task 4 – Dall’s Sheep, and Task 5 – Wolves). The schedule
for the 2013-2014 components will be developed with the AEA-selected environmental
consultant during the final 2013-2014 study planning process. It is anticipated that further in
depth evaluation of the currently available data will result in recommendations for additional
population estimate surveys and telemetry deployments that will occur through the formal study
process. This study will inform the development of formal study plans and will explore the
applicability of survey methods, telemetry platforms, deployment sample sizes, and sample
intensity (GPS reporting periods). The Technical Memo will inform the formal study planning
process.
The schedule for the 2012 study tasks is as follows:
Final 2012 Study Plan – March 20, 2012.
Final Draft 2013-2014 Study Plan Outline – March 20, 2012.
Complete inquiries into existing information for data gaps – April 13, 2012
Draft 2013-2014 Proposed Study Plan – April 27, 2012.
Final 2013-2014 Proposed Study Plan – May 21, 2012.
Preliminary Dall’s sheep Jay Creek mineral lick condition and use survey, if warranted –
mid-May to mid-June, 2012.
Draft Technical Memorandum – June 29, 2012
Draft relational database and metadata – June 29, 2012.
Draft ArcGIS spatial products – June 29, 2012.
Draft 2013-2014 Revised Study Plan – August 15, 2012
Final 2013-2014 Revised Study Plan – September 24, 2012.
Final Technical Memorandum – November 9, 2012
QC’d relational database and metadata – November 9, 2012.
QC’d ArcGIS spatial products – November 9, 2012.
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2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 11
REFERENCES
ABR (ABR, Inc.). 2011. Wildlife Data-Gap Analysis for the Proposed Susitna-Watana
Hydroelectric Project. Draft Report, August 16, 2011. Prepared for The Alaska Energy
Authority by ABR, Inc.–Environmental Research and Services, Fairbanks, Alaska. 114 pp.
AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2011. Pre-Application Document: Susitna-Watana
Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2011. Prepared for the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
Arthur, S.M., and L.R. Prugh. 2010. Predator-mediated indirect effects of snowshoe hares on
Dall’s sheep in Alaska. Journal of Wildlife Management 74(8):1709-1721.
Ballard, W.B., J.S. Whitman, L.D. Aumiller, P. Hessing. 1983. Susitna Hydroelectric Project,
Phase II progress report, big game studies, Volume V–Wolf. Prepared for the Alaska Power
authority by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage, Alaska. 41 pp. [APA
Doc. No. 413].
Becker, E.F., H.N. Golden, and C.L. Gardner. 2004. Using probability sampling of animal
tracks in snow to estimate population size. Pages 248-270 in W.L. Thompson (ed).
Sampling rare or elusive species: concepts, designs, and techniques for estimating
population parameters. Island Press, Washington D.C.
Horne J.S., E.O. Garton, S.M. Drone, and J.S. Lewis. 2007. Analyzing animal movements
using Brownian bridges. Ecology 88:2354-2363.
Kellie, K.A., and R.A. DeLong. 2006. Geospatial survey operations manual. Alaska
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Morales, J.M., D.T. Haydon, J. Frair, K.E. Holsinger, and J.M. Fryxell. 2004. Extracting more
out of relocation data: building movement models as mixtures of random walks. Ecology
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Seaman, D.E., B. Griffith, and R.A. Powell. 1998. KERNELHR: a program for estimating
animal home ranges. Wildlife Society Bulletin 26:95-100.
Seaton, C.T. 2009. Unit 20A caribou management report. Pages 122-135 in P. Harper, editor.
Caribou management report of survey and inventory activities 1 July 2006 – 30 June 2008.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Project 3.0. Juneau, Alaska.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Wildlife Habitat Use and Movement Study—February 1, 2012 12
Tobey, R., and R. Schwanke. 2008. Unit 13 moose management report. Pages 151-164 in P.
Harper, editor. Moose management report of survey and inventory activities, 1 July 2005–
30 June 2007. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, Alaska.
Tobey, B. and Schwanke, R. 2009. Units 13 and 14B caribou management report. Pages 83-98
in P. Harper, editor. Caribou management report of survey and inventory activities 1 July
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
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