Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chapter 5
Proposals to better understand the natural nesting habitat requirements of the clapper rail and
subsequent actions to improve habitat quality for the clapper rail are expected to benefit the rail
population. However, measures will also be taken during the implementation of studies in the
marsh to ensure that the Refuge’s rail population is not subject to any significant adverse direct or
indirect impacts. Disturbance during the nesting season to study nesting rails will be minimized to
the maximum extent practicable and actions to improve habitat quality would only be implemented
outside of the nesting season.
The effects to the clapper rail from the restoration proposals under Alternative C (more
wetland/upland transitional habitat for refugia during higher high tides) would be different from
those provided in Alternative B (more salt marsh habitat for foraging and/or nesting), but both
would provide benefits to the rail following establishment.
Pest Management
The analysis of potential effects to the light-footed clapper rail from the implementation of the
IPM and Mosquito Management Plans would be the same under this alternative as described
previously for Alternative B.
Public Use
No public use activities are permitted within the marsh; therefore, no impacts to the light-footed
clapper rail are anticipated as a result of the limited increase in public use proposed under
Alternative C.
5.5.3.3 Effects to Western Snowy Plover
Wildlife and Habitat Management
The western snowy plover does not nest on the Refuge and is only observed on the Refuge in small
numbers during the winter months. Other than general management of the coastal wetlands
within the Refuge to benefit migratory birds, Alternative C does not include any programs or
actions intended specifically for the benefit the western snowy plover. The potential effects to the
western snowy plover of implementing Alternative C would be the same as those described for
waterbirds in Section 5.4.3.1.
Pest Management
The analysis of potential effects to the western snowy plover from the implementation of the IPM
and Mosquito Management Plans would be the same under this alternative as described previously
for Alternative B.
Public Use
The visitor services opportunities described in Alternative A would continue to occur under
Alternative C and additional opportunities for public use would also be provided, including
increasing the number of days available annually for Refuge tours and/or bird watching events and
constructing a two-level, 20-foot-high observation tower along the east side of Kitts Highway
across from the Refuge visitor contact station. Although the number of tours and bird watching
events would increase, the areas used to accommodate these activities would remain the same. As
result, the potential for flushing shorebirds, including wintering western snowy plovers, would
remain relatively low and the frequency of disturbance would still be limited to just a few times a
month. Therefore, public use program proposed under Alternative C would not be expected to
result in any significant adverse effects to western snowy plovers.
5-64 Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge