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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
W-S3, eagle and raptor nest study : draft
SuWa 105
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 105
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage, Alaska : Alaska Energy Authority, 2012]
Date published:
February 2, 2012
Published for: Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Draft
Document type:
Pagination:
10 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 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 1
W-S3: EAGLE AND RAPTOR NEST 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 other
studies will provide the information needed for the FERC’s National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) analysis for the Project license. Information on Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and other
raptor nest sites and habitats will be used to comply with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act (BGEPA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and Executive Order 13186 –
Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds.
Construction and operation of the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project as described in the Pre-
application Document (PAD; AEA 2011) will affect potential raptor nest habitats through clearing
of trees and inundation of previously forested habitats and cliff nesting sites (Figure 1-1).
Construction and operation will also increase human activity in the Project area that could
disturb nesting eagles and other raptors. This study plan outlines the objectives and methods
for characterizing existing raptor nest habitat within the Project area, and locations of active and
inactive Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and other raptor nests, in order to evaluate potential Project-
related habitat and disturbance effects. This study will initiate a multi-year effort, which will
include data collection activities beginning in 2012.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
The overall, multi-year objectives of Eagle and Raptor Nest Study are to:
Compile and prepare a spatial database for existing information on Bald Eagle, Golden
Eagle and other raptor nest sites, and their fall and winter communal roost locations;
Delineate suitable eagle and raptor forest, riparian and cliff nesting habitat;
Survey and locate Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle and other raptor large stick and cliff nest sites
in the Project area and determine the current nest activity; and
Develop recommendations for work windows and avoidance radii for other Project-related
field activities to prevent disturbance of all identified nests.
The 2012 study will identify and compile existing nest site and habitat use information, develop
survey areas, and complete multiple inventory and monitoring surveys for Bald and Golden
Eagles consistent with current guidelines. The 2012 study would identify potential Project-
related impacts to eagles and raptors, identify critical data gaps, and would develop 2013-2014
study plans.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 2
STUDY AREA
The study area will include suitable forested, riparian and cliff-nesting habitats that could be
affected by the Project within and near the inundation zone up to a minimum elevation of 2,200
feet above mean sea level (msl), Project facility locations, road and transmission corridors, and
proposed field study locations. Golden Eagle study guidelines include inventory and monitoring
in suitable nesting and foraging habitats within 10 miles of the Project footprint (Pagel et al.
2010). Recommendations for survey extent will be developed in coordination with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) prior to initiating surveys.
EXISTING INFORMATION
Special status raptors that construct large stick or cliff nests and have been documented or are
likely to occur in the Project area are listed in Table 1. Surveys completed in the middle and
upper Susitna River area during the 1980s identified 23 Golden Eagle, 10 Bald Eagle, three
Gyrfalcon, three Northern Goshawk, and 21 Common Raven nest sites (APA 1985). Although
Common Ravens are not raptors, they construct both cliff and tree nests similar to raptors, are
culturally significant, and are protected by the MBTA. Of the eagle nest sites identified in the
1980s, five Golden Eagle and three Bald Eagle sites were expected to be inundated by the
original APA Susitna Hydroelectric Project, Phase I Watana impoundment (LGL 1984). While
some information on Bald Eagle nest sites has been collected since these earlier surveys were
conducted, the efforts have not focused on specific areas that could be affected by the currently
proposed Project, and none of the surveys included both Bald and Golden Eagle habitats (ABR
2011).
Table 1. Special Status Raptors in the Study Area (Tables 4.6-2 and 4.8-2 PAD; AEA 2011)
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation
Status1 Seasonal Status2 Relative
Abundance3
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus FS B uncommon
Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus PIF, FS R rare
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos BLM, FS B fairly common
Great Gray Owl Strix nebulosa PIF, FS ? rare
Great-horned Owl Bubo virginianus FS R uncommon
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus PIF, FS R uncommon
Merlin Falco columbarius FS B uncommon
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus FS B fairly common
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis FS B uncommon
Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula FS R uncommon
Osprey Pandion haliaetus FS M rare
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum BCC, FS M unknown
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis FS B uncommon
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus BLM, FS B?, M, S uncommon
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus FS B uncommon
1 Conservation Status: FS = Featured Species (ADF&G 2006); BCC = Birds of Conservation Concern (USFWS 2008); BLM =
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 3
Table 1. Special Status Raptors in the Study Area (Tables 4.6-2 and 4.8-2 PAD; AEA 2011)
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation
Status1 Seasonal Status2 Relative
Abundance3
BLM Sensitive Species (BLM 2010); PIF = Boreal Partners in Flight Working Group (BPIF 1999)
2 Seasonal Status: M = migrant (transient); B = breeding; S = summering; R = resident; ? = uncertain (Kessel et al. 1982; APA
1985: Appendices E5.3 and E6.3)
3 Relative Abundance: From Kessel et al. (1982) and APA (1985: Appendices E5.3 and E6.3).
METHODS
Inventory and monitoring methodologies will follow established aerial and ground-based
protocols for eagle nest surveys (USFWS 2007, Pagel et al. 2010) using appropriately trained
observers and suitable survey platforms (helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft). Reporting of inventory
and monitoring data will comply with the protocols and standards described in the Memorandum
of Understanding between the FERC and the USFWS (FERC and USFWS 2011). Although the
primary focus of the surveys will be to evaluate the potential for the Project to impact eagles and
eagle nests (USFWS 2009), all raptor and Common Raven nests will be recorded during
surveys. Recommendations for survey extent and methods will be developed in coordination
with the USFWS prior to initiating surveys. In order to prevent disturbance to Dall’s sheep
during the lambing period, or near the Jay Creek mineral lick sites, standard eagle survey
protocols may need to be modified (Pagel and Whittington 2011). The extent of the nesting
survey may be adjusted or sectioned to match the extent of the 1980s survey. This will allow for
comparison of the historic and current data to evaluate trends in raptor populations and/or
habitat use. Winter surveys will focus on identifying foraging and night roost locations. Roost
surveys are usually conducted at dusk or dawn; repeated surveys of suitable protected forest
stands may be necessary due to the high mobility of wintering Bald Eagles.
Task 1: Review and Synthesize Existing Information
1. Identify, compile, and synthesize existing historical nest site locations.
a) Obtain copies of nest site records on file at the University of Alaska Museum (Kessel
et al. 1982) including: geographic locations, annual nest activity, photographs,
descriptions of nest site characteristics; and descriptions of cliff habitat in proximity of
each site.
Task 2: Preliminary Mapping
1. Prepare maps of eagle and other raptor nest locations.
2. Prepare maps of current suitable tree and cliff nesting habitats.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 4
Task 3: Aerial Surveys
1. Fly early spring (prior to leaf out) aerial surveys to document active tree and cliff nest
sites.
2. Fly late-spring and summer surveys to verify and monitor nest activity, and search for
additional nests.
3. Fly fall and winter foraging habitat and communal roost surveys to document any
communal roost sites for bald eagles along the Susitna River.
Task 4: Data Reporting
1. Past eagle and other raptor nest and communal roost locations with survey extents to
compare to current survey data.
2. Early reporting of current nest locations and activity for eagles with coordinates and
appropriate species-specific avoidance areas to protect active nests from disturbance
during field studies.
3. Summary and mapping of suitable forest, riparian, and cliff habitats to evaluate extent of
suitable nesting habitats and facilitate nest searches within the Project area.
ANALYSIS
A geo-spatially referenced relational database will be developed which incorporates the historic
and current data, including nest and roost locations for each species, occupancy/activity, nest
type and characteristics, stand characteristics, and photographs. Suitable raptor nesting habitat
will be delineated using ArcGIS software. Existing nest locations and distribution of timber
stands with suitably sized nest trees from vegetation surveys and mapping and three
dimensional topographic modeling will be incorporated into the identification and delineation of
suitable raptor nesting habitats. Foraging habitats will also be delineated. Recommendations
will be developed for future data gathering needs and analyses designed to evaluate potential
Project-related impacts to eagles and other raptors.
NEXUS BETWEEN PROJECT AND RESOURCE TO BE STUDIED AND HOW THE RESULTS WILL BE USED
The Project may result in eagle nest site loss or alteration and disturbance due to increased
human activity. Information on eagle and other raptor nest site locations will be necessary to
develop avoidance and mitigation measures in compliance with the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and associated Executive Orders. Current nest
site locations and nest activity in areas potentially affected by the Project, as well as areas that
could potentially be disturbed during field study activities for other resources will be obtained.
This information will be used to develop avoidance radii for field study activities, and to estimate
potential Project-related impacts. If appropriate, these data will also be used to develop Eagle
Conservation (USFWS 2009) and/or Migratory Bird Conservation plans in consultation with the
USFWS.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 5
The data gathered in 2012 will form the basis of future studies to determine the potential
impacts of the Project on Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and other raptors. Delineation and
survey results of all suitable habitats within the Project area will identify occupied habitats and
may be used in the future to evaluate occupied versus available habitats. Eagle nest sites and
ground-based observations may be compared to determine pair territory size. Data on territory
size can be used to determine whether raptors displaced from nest sites due to Project-related
habitat loss, alteration, or disturbance maintain alternative nest sites within their territory that
would be unaffected by the Project, or whether nesting pairs may be displaced into already
occupied territories. Historic and current data may also be compared to evaluate trends in
raptor populations and habitat use.
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, due to Project construction and operation.
W2: Potential physical and behavioral blockage or alteration of movements due to reservoir
water and ice conditions; access and transmission corridors; and new patterns of human
activities.
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
disturbances due to increased human presence resulting from Project development.
W6: Potential impacts to habitat of special status wildlife species.
Data gathered from other studies will be incorporated into the evaluation of potential Project-
related impacts to eagles and other raptors. Vegetation surveys and mapping will be used to
refine the distribution of timber stands with suitably sized nest trees and incorporated into the
identification and delineation of suitable raptor nesting habitats. Distribution of spawning
salmon will identify Bald Eagle foraging locations and potential fall eagle aggregation areas.
Distribution of fall waterfowl staging areas will provide information valuable for locating fall Bald
Eagle foraging locations and potential communal roost areas. Distribution of Dall’s sheep
lambing areas and caribou calving areas will provide information for Golden Eagle foraging
habitat analyses.
PRODUCTS
Study products to be delivered in 2012 will include:
Development of final 2012 study plan. The final 2012 study will be developed from standard
survey protocols and through consultation with USFWS and AEA, other resource agencies and
licensing participants during the Work Group Meetings. The AEA-selected environmental
consultant will assist AEA, the Program Lead, and the licensing participants develop the final
study plan.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 6
2013-2014 Raptor Study Plan(s). The 2013-2014 study plans will be developed through
consultation with the Work Group under 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.
Geospatially-referenced relational database. A geospatially-referenced relational database
will be developed that incorporates all historic and current data, including nest and roost
locations for each species, occupancy/activity, nest type and characteristics, stand
characteristics, and photographs. This database will form the basis for additional data analysis
in 2013-2014. All field data must be associated with location information collected using a
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in unprojected geographic coordinates
(latitude/longitude) and the WGS84 datum. All field data must be associated with location
information collected using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in unprojected
geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude) and the WGS84 datum. Naming conventions of files
and data fields and metadata must meet the ADNR standards established for the Susitna-
Watana Hydroelectric Project.
Delineation of suitable eagle and raptor nesting habitats in ArcGIS software. 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. Naming conventions of files and data fields and metadata descriptions must
meet the ADNR standards established for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project.
Draft Technical Memoranda. Brief interim reports, including the database and raptor nest
habitat map 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.
Technical Memorandum. A technical memorandum summarizing the 2012 results will be
presented to resource agency personnel and other licensing participants, along with spatial data
products.
SCHEDULE
The schedule for deliverables is as follows:
Final 2012 Study Plan – March 20, 2012
Delineation of suitable forested and cliff nesting habitat and compilation of historic eagle,
raptor, and common raven nest site data into GIS will be completed prior to final design
of aerial and ground-based surveys.
Final Draft 2013-2014 Study Plan Outline – March 20, 2012
Draft 2013-2014 Proposed Study Plan – April 27, 2012
Final 2013-2014 Proposed Study Plan – May 21, 2012
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 7
Conduct Surveys – mid-May through late-July, 2012
Surveys will be conducted in mid-May and early July with multiple ground visits to all
identified active nest sites between late-May and mid-July. A minimum of two aerial
surveys at least 30 days apart are recommended for the Golden Eagle protocol (Pagel et
al. 2010).
Draft Technical Memorandum – June 1, 2012
Early reporting of potentially active raptor nest sites after the initial survey in mid-May (or
potentially earlier depending on USFWS recommendations) will be used to develop
avoidance timing and radii for other Project-related field activities that could potentially
disturb nest sites. Active eagle and other raptor nest sites will be reported to AEA as
soon as they are found to develop avoidance radii for field studies.
Draft 2013-2014 Revised Study Plan – August 15, 2012
Technical Memorandum – August 31, 2012.
The Technical Memo will include a summary of 2012 results and recommendations for
future data gathering needs and analysis to evaluate potential Project-related impacts to
eagles and raptors. The findings will be presented to AEA and the other licensing
participants to inform 2013-2014 studies.
QC’d geospatially-referenced relational database of historic and current data –
August 31, 2012
Delineation of suitable eagle and raptor nesting habitat, old and active nest locations,
fall and winter roost locations, etc. in ArcGIS software – August, 31, 2012
Conduct Surveys – mid-October through early-December, 2012
Surveys will be conducted in mid-October through early-December at 7 to 21 day
intervals to identify use of winter foraging and communal roost sites along the Susitna
River. A minimum of three aerial surveys at about 20 day intervals depending on
weather will be completed.
Technical Memorandum – December 30, 2012.
The Technical Memo will include a summary of 2012 winter foraging and communal roost
survey results and recommendations for future data gathering needs and analysis to
evaluate potential Project-related impacts to winter foraging and communal roost sites.
The findings will be presented to AEA and the other licensing participants to inform 2013-
2014 studies.
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.
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 8
ADF&G (Alaska Department of Fish and Game). 2006. Our Wealth Maintained: A Strategy for
Conserving Alaska’s Diverse Wildlife and Fish Resources. Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, Juneau, Alaska. 842 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.
APA (Alaska Power Authority). 1985. Before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:
Draft Amended Application for License for Major Project – Susitna Hydroelectric Project.
Volume 11, Exhibit E – Chapter 3 Fish, wildlife, and botanical resources. 702 pp. (APA Doc.
No. 3435]
BLM (Bureau of Land Management). 2010. BLM–Alaska sensitive animal and plant lists.
Alaska State Office, Anchorage.
BPIF (Boreal Partners in Flight Working Group). 1999. Landbird conservation plan for Alaska
biogeographic regions. Version 1.0 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska.
116 pp.
FERC and USFWS (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service). 2011. Memorandum of Understanding Between the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Regarding Implementation of Executive Order 13186, “Responsibilities of Federal Agencies
to Protect Migratory Birds”. March 2011. Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia. 13 pp.
Kessel, B., S. O. MacDonald, D.D. Gibson, B.A. Cooper, and B.A. Anderson. 1982. Susitna
Hydroelectric Project environmental studies, Phase I final report – Subtask 7.11: Birds and
non-game mammals. Report prepared for the Alaska Power Authority by the Universiyt of
Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, and Terrestrial Environmental specialists, Inc., Phoenix, New
York. 149 pp. [APA Doc. Nol. 398]
LGL (LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.). 1984. Susitna Hydroelectric Project: update and
refinement of bald and golden eagle impact assessments and mitigation plans. Report
prepared for the Alaska Power Authority by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.,
Anchorage, Alaska. 68 pp. [APA Doc. No. 2374]
Pagel, J.E., and D.M. Whittington. 2011. Interim Golden Eagle Inventory and Monitoring
Protocols; and Other Recommendations: 2011. Presented at the Western Raptor
Symposium. J.L. Lincer and D. Bittner (Co-Chairs). Hosted by Wildlife Research Institute
and The Wildlife Society, Western Section. Riverside Convention Center, Riverside,
California. February 8-9, 2011.
Pagel, J.E., D.M. Whittington, and G.T. Allen. 2010. Interim Golden Eagle technical guidance:
inventory and monitoring protocols; and other recommendations in support of eagle
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC #14241 Alaska Energy Authority
2012 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Mapping Study—February 2, 2012 9
management and permit issuance. Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. 30 pp.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2007. National Bald Eagle management guidelines.
Washington, D.C. 25 pp.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2008. Birds of Conservation Concern, 2008. Division
of Migratory Bird Management, Arlington, Virginia. 85 pp. Available online (Accessed
November 2011) at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/BCC2008/BCC20
08.pdf
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2009. 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22. Eagle Permits; Take
Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities; Final Rules. Federal Register
74:46836-46879.
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