Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

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Species Name Status Habitat Occurrence Notes
Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
American peregrine
falcon
(Falco peregrinus
anatum)
FSS
BCC
BEGEPA
SE
CFP
BCC
CFP
Typically breeds in forested areas
adjacent to large bodies of water.
The study area is on the southern
edge of the preferred breeding
range and is located within the
winter range.
Suitable breeding habitat includes
woodlands, forests, and riparian
areas near wetlands, lakes, rivers,
or other water on high cliffs or
banks. Nests in the Sierra Nevada
and migrants occur in the western
Sierra in spring and fall. The study
area is located within the winter
range and on the western edge of
the preferred breeding range.
Suitable foraging habitat within the project includes
project reservoirs and bypassed and peaking reaches
and suitable nesting or roosting structures include
large trees. Habitat may support the bald eagle yearround.
During the relicensing surveys in 2007 and 2008 and
incidental sightings in 2011, bald eagles were
observed in flight at Hell Hole and French Meadows
reservoirs, near Duncan Creek, and at several
locations along the Middle Fork American River and
the Rubicon River. One active bald eagle nest is
present near the confluence of Rubicon River and Hell
Hole reservoir. Three bald eagle winter night roosts
are present along the shoreline of Hell Hole reservoir.
The bald eagle nest and roosts are located within 0.25
mile of only one project facility, Hell Hole reservoir.
This species has a potential to winter or reside yearround
as the study area is within the geographic range
and suitable habitat is present.
No species-specific relicensing surveys were
conducted and the species was not documented during
point count surveys, nor were there any incidental
sightings.