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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
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Title:
Caribou distribution, abundance, movements, productivity, and survival,
Study plan Section 10.6 : Initial study report
SuWa 207
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Prepared by Alaska Department of Fish and Game
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Draft initial study report
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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 207
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[Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014]
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February 2014
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Alaska Energy Authority
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Study plan Section 10.6
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Draft
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iv, 14 p.
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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/
Susitna–Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Caribou Distribution, Abundance, Movements,
Productivity, and Survival
Study Plan Section 10.6
Initial Study Report
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Palmer, Alaska
February 2014 Draft
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i February 2014 Draft
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... iii
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2. Study Objectives................................................................................................................ 1
3. Study Area ......................................................................................................................... 1
4. Methods and Variances in 2013 ....................................................................................... 2
4.1. Radio Collar Deployment ....................................................................................... 2
4.1.1. Variances......................................................................................... 2
4.2. VHF Telemetry Surveys ......................................................................................... 3
4.2.1. Variances......................................................................................... 3
4.3. GPS Collar Monitoring ........................................................................................... 4
4.3.1. Variances......................................................................................... 4
4.4. Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 4
4.4.1. Variances......................................................................................... 4
5. Results ................................................................................................................................ 4
5.1. Radio Collar Deployment ....................................................................................... 4
5.2. Telemetry Surveys .................................................................................................. 5
5.2.1. Calving Survey................................................................................ 5
5.3. Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 6
6. Discussion........................................................................................................................... 6
7. Completing the Study ....................................................................................................... 7
8. Literature Cited ................................................................................................................ 7
9. Tables ................................................................................................................................. 8
10. Figures .............................................................................................................................. 10
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5.1-1. Caribou Captures and Radio Collar Deployment, 2012–2013. ...................................8
Table 5.1-2. Caribou Telemetry Survey Summary, 2012. ...............................................................8
Table 5.1-3. Caribou Telemetry Survey Summary, 2013. ...............................................................9
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3-1. Caribou Study Area, 2012–2013. ................................................................................11
Figure 4.1-1. Nelchina and Delta Caribou Herd Ranges. ..............................................................12
Figure 5.1-1. Seasonal Summaries of VHF-Collared Caribou Locations, 2012–2013. ................13
Figure 5.1-2. Seasonal Summaries of GPS-Collared Caribou Locations, 2012–2013. .................14
LIST OF ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviation Definition
ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and Game
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
DCH Delta Caribou Herd
EMG Eastern Migratory Group
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GMU Game Management Unit
GPS Global Positioning System
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
ISR Initial Study Report
NCH Nelchina Caribou Herd
PRM Project River Mile
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241
RSP Revised Study Plan
SPD study plan determination
VHF Very High Frequency
WG Western Group
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iii February 2014 Draft
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Caribou Distribution, Abundance, Movement, Productivity and Survival 10.6
Purpose This goal of this study is to obtain sufficient population information on
caribou to evaluate Project-related effects on important seasonal ranges, such
as calving areas, rutting areas, wintering areas, and migration/movement
corridors. The study supplements ongoing ADF&G caribou research in the
study area and surrounding region by increasing the sample size of
radiocollared caribou from both the Nelchina caribou herd (NCH) and the
Delta caribou herd (DCH). Telemetry and GPS locations from these
radiocollared caribou are being used to document the seasonal use of and
movement through the Project area by both females and males of the NCH and
the DCH; document the extend of herd mixing between the NCH and the
DCH; document productivity and survival of caribou using the Project area;
and compare current movements and distributions in the Project area to
historical data.
Status Monitoring of the seasonal use of, and movements in, the Project area by both
cows and bulls from the NCH and DCH is ongoing via the 223 currently
active radio collars (168 VHF and 55 GPS). Calving surveys were conducted
May-June 2013 and will be conducted again in the next study season. Data
collection, analysis, and comparison to historic data are underway and will
continue through the completion of the study.
Study
Components
The components of this study consist of the following:
1) Deployment of Very High Frequency (VHF) radio collars on bulls and
Argos satellite-linked (GPS) radio collars on bulls and cows from the
NCH and DCH.
2) Redeployment of radio collars available from mortality collar pickups
and hunter harvested caribou.
3) Monitoring of all existing VHF-collared Nelchina and Delta caribou
monthly within the Project area via aerial radiotracking with additional
flights (every two weeks) during peak fall and spring migration and
telemetry flights twice a week during peak calving.
4) Collection of locational information from GPS-collared caribou via a
satellite data link using the Argos Data Collection System on a regular
basis.
5) Data analysis and evaluation of the spatial distribution and movements
of cows and bulls from each herd using a Geographic Information
System (GIS).
2013 Variances The study plan (RSP Section 10.6.4) proposed that two-thirds of the radio
collars be deployed on Nelchina caribou and one-third of the radio collars be
deployed on Delta caribou. However, the herd designation for caribou collared
within the study area is complicated by mixing of caribou from both the DCH
and the NCH, and it has become evident that the study team will not be able to
definitely determine herd designation upon capture for those individuals
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iv February 2014 Draft
Caribou Distribution, Abundance, Movement, Productivity and Survival 10.6
captured in the study area. So, caribou collared during the course of the study
were instead classified into two groups based on wintering strategies and
capture locations (the Eastern Migratory Group and the Western Group).
These classifications were merely semantics used in the planning of collar
distribution and are not intended to replace the Nelchina and Delta caribou
herd designations. Therefore, the study team is confident that these new name
conventions will not interfere with their ability to meet the study objectives
outlined in RSP Section 10.6.1.
Plans to
Complete the
Study
As explained in the cover letter to this draft ISR, AEA’s plan for completing
this study will be included in the final ISR filed with FERC on June 3, 2014.
Highlighted
Results and
Achievements
The study team deployed all initial VHF and GPS radio collars in 2012 with
additional re-deployments in 2013. The study team obtained 2,854 locations
for 272 individual caribou (199 VHF-collared caribou and 73 GPS-collared
caribou) during 33 telemetry surveys from April 18, 2012, to October 22,
2013. The study team is continuing to monitor VHF collars via telemetry and
GPS collars via Argos satellite uplink. The study team conducted telemetry
flights once or twice weekly during May 7–July 1, 2013, to monitor the
parturition status and calf survival of VHF- and GPS-collared cows. Of the
128 cows located, 84 (66 percent) were determined to be pregnant or were
observed with a calf at heel. Forty-six percent (n = 39) of parturient cows lost
their calves. Spring migration and peak calving were delayed during the
unusually late spring in 2013 and very few collared cows were found on the
traditional calving grounds in GMU Subunit 13A during the typical period of
peak calving.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 1 February 2014 Draft
1. INTRODUCTION
On December 14, 2012, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) filed with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) its Revised Study Plan (RSP) for the Susitna-
Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241 (Project), which included 58 individual study plans
(AEA 2012). Section 10.6 of the RSP described the Caribou Distribution, Abundance,
Movement, Productivity, and Survival Study. On February 1, 2013, FERC staff issued its study
plan determination (February 1 SPD) for 44 of the 58 studies, approving 31 studies as filed and
13 with modifications. RSP Section 10.6 was one of the 31 studies approved with no
modifications.
This study focuses on characterizing caribou distribution, movements, population size,
productivity, group size, and density in the Project vicinity through radio telemetry and
geospatial analyses. RSP Section 10.6 described the goal, objectives, and proposed methods for
data collection regarding caribou.
Following the first study season, FERC’s regulations for the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)
require AEA to “prepare and file with the Commission an initial study report describing its
overall progress in implementing the study plan and schedule and the data collected, including an
explanation of any variance from the study plan and schedule” (18 CFR 5.15(c)(1)). This Initial
Study Report (ISR) on the Caribou Distribution, Abundance, Movement, Productivity, and
Survival Study has been prepared in accordance with FERC’s ILP regulations and details AEA’s
status in implementing the study, as set forth in the FERC-approved RSP (referred to herein as
the “Study Plan”).
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study is to obtain sufficient population information on caribou to evaluate
Project-related effects on important seasonal ranges, such as calving areas, rutting areas,
wintering areas, and migration/movement corridors.
The study objectives are established in RSP Section 10.6.1:
• Document seasonal use of and movement through the Project area by both females and
males of the Nelchina caribou herd (NCH) and the Delta caribou herd (DCH).
• Assess the relative importance of the Project area to both the NCH and DCH.
• Document productivity and survival of caribou using the Project area.
• Analyze data from historical caribou studies and synthesize with recent data for the NCH
and DCH, as a continuation of the caribou task of the 2012 study (AEA 2012).
3. STUDY AREA
As established by RSP Section 10.6.3, the study area includes most of Game Management Unit
(GMU) Subunit 13E east of and including Broad Pass. The study area also includes drainages
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 2 February 2014 Draft
emptying into the upper Susitna River in GMU Subunit 13B, as well as a small portion of
northwestern GMU Subunit 13A from Kosina Creek east to the Oshetna River. The study area
encompasses the proposed reservoir inundation zone, associated infrastructure, and potential
access and transmission line corridors (Figure 3-1).
4. METHODS AND VARIANCES IN 2013
The study team implemented the methods described in the Study Plan with one variance in the
collar deployment methods (RSP Section 10.6.4), as described in Section 4.1.1 below.
4.1. Radio Collar Deployment
This study, initiated in 2012, supplements ongoing Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(ADF&G) caribou research in the study area and surrounding region by increasing the sample
size of radiocollared caribou from both the NCH and the DCH. Using small piston-powered
helicopters (Robinson R-44) and chemical immobilization techniques, the study team deployed
30 Very High Frequency (VHF) radio collars on bulls and 60 Argos satellite-linked (GPS) radio
collars on bulls and cows from the NCH and DCH to detect temporal and geographical fine-scale
movements. The study team deployed 70 percent of GPS collars on cows because the female
segment represents the reproductive portion of the herd and the leading edge of seasonal
movements. Spring captures (April 27–28 and May 11, 2012) targeted caribou overwintering in
the Project area, and fall captures (October 13–28, 2012) targeted migratory caribou. The study
team re-deployed radio collars that were available from mortality collar pickups and hunter-
harvested caribou on 22 bulls and 14 cows during additional captures in 2013.
ADF&G also deployed VHF collars on cohorts of female calves from the NCH and DCH for
routine ADF&G management purposes in 2012 and 2013. DCH management captures occurred
north of the Alaska Range in GMU Subunit 20A. NCH management captures occurred east of
the study area in GMU Subunits 13A and 13B and targeted NCH animals during their fall
migration (Figure 4.1-1). Management captures occurred outside of the study area and were paid
for through ADF&G management funds. Although these management captures were not an
explicit part of the Study Plan, these collared caribou have the potential to use the study area and
are included in the regular radiotracking flights.
4.1.1. Variances
The study team proposed (RSP Section 10.6.4) that 20 VHF collars be deployed on NCH bulls,
10 VHF collars be deployed on DCH bulls, 40–45 GPS collars be deployed on NCH animals
(cows and bulls), and 15–20 GPS collars be deployed on DCH animals (cows and bulls).
However, the herd designation for caribou collared within the study area is complicated by
mixing of caribou from both the DCH and the NCH. Caribou collared north of the Alaska Range
in GMU Subunit 20A are generally considered to be part of the DCH, and caribou collared east
of the study area in GMU subunits 13A and 13B during the Nelchina fall migration period are
generally considered to be part of the NCH (Figure 4.1-1). Because individual caribou can
deviate from these generalized patterns of distribution and movements, caribou collared within
the study area may be from either the DCH or the NCH when there is overlap and mixing.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 3 February 2014 Draft
Despite this difficulty in correctly classifying individual caribou by herd when mixing occurs,
herd designations remain the best tool for understanding caribou population dynamics and
quantifying the potential effects of development. At this time, more movement data are needed
before assigning herd designations for caribou captured within the study area. Therefore, post-
hoc movement analysis at the completion of the study will be used to assign a herd designation
for caribou collared within the study area.
Because the study team cannot definitively distinguish herd designation for caribou collared in
the study area without additional data and analysis, the study team has divided the caribou using
the study area into two functional groups with separate wintering strategies. Caribou collared
east of the study area in GMU Subunits 13A and 13B during the fall are likely part of the NCH
and make up the Eastern Migratory Group (EMG). These individuals typically calve in the
eastern Talkeetna Mountains south of the Project area and spend the summer in and near the
study area before starting a mass migration in August east to their wintering grounds. Their
winter range extends as far east as the Wrangell Mountains foothills, the Mentasta Mountains,
the Tetlin area, and into Canada. Caribou in the Western Group (WG) tend to spend all or most
of the year in and near the study area (western GMU 13), but may also spend time in GMU
Subunit 14B to the south or GMU Subunit 20A to the north; this group includes individuals from
both the DCH and NCH. If these individuals move north of the Alaska Range into GMU subunit
20, then they likely belong to the DCH; if these individuals move east into GMU subunits 13A
and 13B during the fall, then they likely belong to the NCH. However, at the time of capture it is
not possible to predict these movements so they were grouped into the WG with other
individuals that stay in the general study area throughout the year. These classifications are
intended to be used only for discussion purposes and collar distribution and are not intended to
replace the NCH and DCH designations. So, instead of definitively distributing collars between
the DCH and NCH, the study team deployed two-thirds of the new collars on EMG caribou in
GMU Subunits 13A and 13B during the fall migration and one-third of the collars on WG
caribou wintering in the study area (GMU Subunit 13E).
4.2. VHF Telemetry Surveys
The study team monitored all existing VHF-collared NCH and DCH animals monthly within the
Project area via aerial radiotracking (telemetry) from small fixed-wing aircraft (Piper PA-18
“Super Cub”) to provide general documentation of herd distribution and the extent of herd
mixing in the Project vicinity. The study team recorded reproduction, survival status, group size,
and any additional comments for located caribou. The study team conducted additional flights
(every two weeks) during peak fall migration (August–October) and peak spring migration (May
1–20). The study team used telemetry flights twice a week during peak calving (May 25–30) to
document parturition status by noting presence/absence of antlers, udders, and calves at heel
(Whitten 1995). All telemetry flights covered the study area; additional ADF&G management
flights covered the NCH range to a greater extent.
4.2.1. Variances
No variances from the telemetry survey methods described in the Study Plan were necessary in
2013. However, as detailed in Section 5.2 below, the NCH range was occasionally covered by
additional routine ADF&G management telemetry flights that were not part of this study.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 February 2014 Draft
Additional data from these routine ADF&G flights were were included in the data analysis
described in Section 5.3 below.
4.3. GPS Collar Monitoring
Caribou locations are regularly obtained from deployed GPS collars via a satellite data link using
the Argos Data Collection System and locations are provided to the study team on a monthly CD
from Telonics, Inc. (Mesa, AZ). The full data set of all locations for each GPS collar will be
downloaded after collar retrieval.
4.3.1. Variances
No variances from the GPS-collar monitoring methods described in the Study Plan were
necessary in 2013.
4.4. Data Analysis
Data collection and analysis are underway and will continue through the next study season. The
study team used kernel-density analysis (Seaman and Powell 1996) and ArcGIS® software to
summarize the seasonal locations of radiocollared caribou and satellite locations of GPS-collared
caribou from May 2012 through September 2013.
4.4.1. Variances
No variances from the analytical methods described in the Study Plan were necessary in 2013.
5. RESULTS
5.1. Radio Collar Deployment
The study team deployed 30 VHF radio collars on bull caribou and 60 GPS collars on bull and
cow caribou during spring and fall 2012 as proposed in the Study Plan. The study team deployed
15 VHF collars on bulls during April 27–28, 2012, and eight GPS collars on bulls on May 11,
2012. Because of the impending calving season, the study team did not deploy collars on cows in
the spring. The study team deployed the remainder of the bull VHF and bull and cow GPS
collars during October 13–28, 2012. These collars were distributed between wintering strategies;
20 VHF collars were deployed on EMG bulls, 10 VHF collars were deployed on WG bulls, 40
GPS collars were deployed on EMG animals, and 20 GPS collars were deployed on WG animals
(Table 5.1-1). These capture events supplemented the 125 existing VHF collars on caribou cows
in the study area and surrounding region, including 85 collars on NCH cows and 40 collars on
DCH cows.
The number of collared caribou that potentially were present in the study area varied over the
course of the study as individuals died and others were collared during additional capture events.
During capture events on April 15–17, October 1–4, and November 8–9, 2013, the study team
re-deployed radio collars that were available from mortality collar pickups and hunter-harvested
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 5 February 2014 Draft
caribou (Table 5.1-1). During annual captures for standard ADF&G management studies (which
are contributing telemetry data to this study), ADF&G biologists also deployed VHF collars on
cohorts of five-month-old female calves from the NCH during October 1–2, 2012, and October
1–4, 2013, and on a cohort of 10-month-old female calves from the DCH during March 12–19,
2013.
5.2. Telemetry Surveys
The study team obtained 2,854 locations for 272 individual caribou (199 VHF-collared caribou
and 73 GPS-collared caribou) during 33 telemetry surveys from April 18, 2012, to October 22,
2013 (Tables 5.1-2 and 5.1-3). The total number of active radio collars on NCH and DCH
animals has fluctuated during the study because of the loss of some collars from collar drops and
caribou mortalities and the addition of more collars during capture events. At the end of October
2013, 223 radio collars were active on caribou from the NCH and DCH. Of those collars, 55
were GPS collars (40 on cows and 15 on bulls) and 168 were VHF collars (147 on cows and 21
on bulls).
The NCH typically is spread out over a large area (Figure 4.1-1), so the study team did not locate
all collared caribou during each telemetry flight. The type of caribou targeted and the survey area
covered also varied between flights. All telemetry flights covered the study area and the
remainder of the NCH range was occasionally covered by additional ADF&G management
telemetry flights (Table 5.1-2 and Table 5.2-3). These routine management telemetry flights
were paid for through ADF&G management funds and therefore not part of this study. However,
this additional data was included in the data analysis described in Section 5.3 below. The study
team attempted to locate all VHF- and GPS-collared caribou during the June–October 2012
telemetry flights (Table 5.1-2) to monitor survival of newly collared individuals. In subsequent
flights, the study team targeted only VHF-collared caribou, with the exception of the calving
surveys, when all cows (VHF- and GPS-collared) were located (Table 5.1-3). Caribou locations
are regularly obtained from deployed GPS collars via a satellite data link using the Argos Data
Collection System and locations are provided to the study team on a monthly CD from Telonics,
Inc. (Mesa, AZ).
5.2.1. Calving Survey
The study team conducted telemetry flights once or twice weekly during May 7–July 1, 2013, to
monitor the parturition status and calf survival of VHF- and GPS-collared cows. The study team
evaluated parturition status by noting presence/absence of antlers, udders, and calves at heel
during each survey flight. The study team located collared cows during each flight until they
were determined to either not be pregnant or to have lost their calves (Table 5.1-3). The study
team considered calves to have been lost when they were not seen during three consecutive
telemetry flights. Of the 128 cows the study team located, 84 (66 percent) were determined to be
pregnant or were observed with a calf at heel. Forty-six percent (n = 39) of parturient cows lost
their calves. Spring migration and peak calving were delayed during the unusually late spring in
2013 and very few collared cows were found on the traditional calving grounds in GMU Subunit
13A during the typical period of peak calving (Figure 5.1-2).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 6 February 2014 Draft
5.3. Data Analysis
Telemetry locations of radiocollared caribou and satellite locations of GPS-collared caribou from
May 2012 to September 2013 were divided into five seasons for summary and analysis: spring
migration (April 1–May 24), calving (May 25–June 10), summer (June 11–August 15), fall
migration (August 16–November 20), and winter (November 21–March 31). The study team
used kernel-density analysis (Seaman and Powell 1996) and ArcGIS® software to create 50
percent, 75 percent, and 95 percent utilization distribution contours for each season, using both
the VHF telemetry survey data (Figure 5.1-1) and the GPS-collar movement data (Figure 5.1-2).
6. DISCUSSION
Monitoring of the seasonal use of and movement through the Project area by both cows and bulls
is continuing through radio-tracking of the 223 radio collars (168 VHF and 55 GPS) currently
active on caribou from the NCH and DCH.
From 1980 to 1985, 85 VHF-collared caribou (69 cows and 16 bulls) were monitored throughout
the NCH range. Those collared animals were relocated 2,651 times over the course of the Alaska
Power Authority proposed project study, for an average of 31 relocations per animal (Pitcher
1987). From April 18, 2012, to October 22, 2013, the study team for the current Project obtained
2,463 relocations of 199 individual VHF-collared caribou, averaging 12 relocations per animal.
The study team will continue to radio-track VHF-collared caribou through the duration of the
study. In addition, from May 24, 2012, to September 28, 2013, the study team collected 63,787
GPS locations from 69 GPS-collared caribou via the Argos Data Collection System. The study
team will continue to collect regular locations from these individuals until the GPS collars are
removed in April and October 2014. Results from these telemetry surveys and locations from
these GPS collars will be compared with results from previous years in the Updated Study
Report (USR).
The study team implemented the methods outlined in RSP Section 10.6.4 with only one variance
in the radio collar deployment methods. RSP Section 10.6.4 proposed that two-thirds of the radio
collars be deployed on Nelchina caribou and one-third of the radio collars be deployed on Delta
caribou. However, the herd designation for caribou collared within the study area is complicated
by mixing of caribou from both the DCH and the NCH, and it has become evident that the study
team will not be able to definitely determine herd designation upon capture for those individuals
captured in the study area. So, caribou collared during the course of the study were divided into
two groups based on wintering strategies and capture locations: the EMG and the WG. Caribou
that migrated east during the Nelchina fall migration period and were subsequently captured in
GMU Subunits 13A and 13B were classified as the EMG, which likely includes individuals
primarily from the NCH. Two-thirds of the radio collars in this study were deployed on
individuals from this group. Caribou that were collared while wintering within the study area
(GMU Subunit 13E) were classified as the WG, which may include individuals from both the
NCH and the DCH (Figure 4.1-1). One-third of the radio collars in this study were deployed on
individuals from this group. Post-hoc movement analysis at the completion of the study will be
used to assign a final herd designation for all caribou collared during the course of the study. The
study team is confident that it will be able to meet the objectives of documenting seasonal use of
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 7 February 2014 Draft
and movement through the Project area by both females and males of the NCH and the DCH,
and of assessing the relative importance of the Project area to both the NCH and DCH (RSP
Section 10.6.1.1), by using this modified naming convention.
7. COMPLETING THE STUDY
[As explained in the cover letter to this draft ISR, AEA’s plan for completing this study will be
included in the final ISR filed with FERC on June 3, 2014.]
8. LITERATURE CITED
AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by the Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska.
http://www.susitna-watanahydro.org/study-plan.
Horne, J. S., E. O. Garton, S. M. Drone, and J. S. Lewis. 2007. Analyzing animal movements using
Brownian bridges. Ecology 88: 2354–2363.
Pitcher, K. W. 1987. Susitna Hydroelectric Project, Final report, Big game studies, Vol. IV—
Caribou. Report prepared by Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Anchorage, for the
Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage. 59 pp. [APA Doc. No. 3496]
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ungulate migration routes for landscape-level conservation. Ecological Applications 19:
2016–2025.
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for home range analysis. Ecology 77: 2075–2085.
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INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 8 February 2014 Draft
9. TABLES
Table 5.1-1. Caribou Captures and Radio Collar Deployment, 2012–2013.
Collar Type Sex Group 2012 2013
Apr–May Oct Total Apr Oct–Nov Total
VHF
Bull Western 8 2 10 9 0 9
Eastern 7 13 20 0 1 1
Cow Western 0 0 0 0 3 3
Eastern 0 0 0 0 4 4
Satellite
Bull Western 4 2 6 9 1 10
Eastern 4 8 12 0 2 2
Cow Western 0 14 14 1 1 2
Eastern 0 28 28 0 5 5
TOTAL 23 67 90 19 17 36
Table 5.1-2. Caribou Telemetry Survey Summary, 2012.
Survey Start Date Caribou Targeted Number of Caribou Located Area Surveyed
Season Date Collar
Type1 Sex2 # Target Caribou Collared
Total # Located
# in Study Area
# out of Study Area
Study Area Western Range3 Entire Range
Calving May 25 Both Cows 144 cows 106 94 12 X X X
Summer Jun 10 Both Both 168 total 96 95 1 X X
Summer Jun 22 Both Both 167 total 105 67 38 X X
Summer Jul 14 Both Both 167 total 113 110 2 X
Summer Aug 5 Both Both 166 total 105 51 54 X X
Fall Aug 21 Both Both 163 total 96 50 46 X X
Fall Sep 3 Both Both 162 total 50 50 0 X
Fall Sep 24 Both Both 161 total 97 58 39 X X
Fall Oct 8 Both Both 176 total 104 35 69 X X
Fall Nov 8 VHF Both 241 VHF 43 20 23 X X X
Winter Dec 7 VHF Both 224 VHF 110 18 92 X X X
TOTAL 1,025 648 376 11 9 3
Notes:
1 During May–Oct., both VHF- and GPS-collared caribou were targeted; during Nov.–Dec., only VHF-collared
caribou were targeted.
2 Only cow caribou were targeted during the May flight, whereas both cows and bulls were targeted in all
remaining flights.
3 These flights covered the western portion of the NCH range.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 9 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.1-3. Caribou Telemetry Survey Summary, 2013.
Survey Start Date Caribou Targeted Number of Caribou Located Area Surveyed
Season Date Collar
Type Sex # Target Caribou
Collared
Total #
Located
# in Study
Area
# out of Study
Area
Study
Area
Western
Range3
Entire
Range
Winter Jan 10 VHF Both 223 VHF 32 16 16 X X
Winter Feb 12 VHF Both 218 VHF 32 15 17 X X
Winter Mar 14 VHF Both 162 VHF 92 11 81 X X
Spring Apr 11 VHF Both 158 VHF 19 11 8 X X X
Spring May 71 Both Cows 182 cows 26 19 7 X X
Spring May 142 Both Both 224 total 30 26 4 X X
Spring May 201 Both Cows 182 cows 97 32 65 X X X
Calving May 251 Both Cows 182 cows 57 35 22 X X
Calving May 281 Both Cows 182 cows 112 40 72 X X X
Calving Jun 31 Both Cows 174 cows 107 50 57 X X
Summer Jun 111 Both Cows 174 cows 108 65 43 X X
Summer Jun 192 Both Both 214 total 123 59 64 X X X
Summer Jun 251 Both Cows 174 cows 36 16 20 X X
Summer Jul 11 Both Cows 174 cows 9 9 0 X X
Summer Jul 15 Both Both 165 VHF 95 91 4 X X X
Summer Aug 5 VHF Both 165 VHF 90 47 43 X X X
Fall Aug 24 VHF Both 163 VHF 89 64 25 X X X
Fall Sep 3 VHF Both 163 VHF 83 61 22 X X X
Fall Sep 16 VHF Both 163 VHF 78 67 11 X X X
Fall Sep 27 VHF Both 158 VHF 95 52 43 X X X
Fall Oct 10 VHF Both 174 VHF 109 30 79 X X X
Fall Oct 20 VHF Both 172 VHF 108 18 90 X X X
TOTAL 1,253 644 609 22 22 12
Notes:
1 During these calving surveys, cow caribou were located until they were determined to not be pregnant or to
have lost their calf.
2 During these flights, VHF-collared caribou of both sexes were located in addition to GPS-collared cows for
calving surveys.
3 These flights covered the western portion of the NCH range.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 10 February 2014 Draft
10. FIGURES
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 11 February 2014 Draft
Figure 3-1. Caribou Study Area, 2012–2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12 February 2014 Draft
Figure 4.1-1. Nelchina and Delta Caribou Herd Ranges.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 13 February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.1-1. Seasonal Summaries of VHF-Collared Caribou Locations, 2012–2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT CARIBOU DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, MOVEMENT,
PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVAL (10.6)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 14 February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.1-2. Seasonal Summaries of GPS-Collared Caribou Locations, 2012–2013.