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

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
of new or modification of existing facilities, it would consult with resource agencies to
review the measures included in its plan for adequacy in avoiding disturbance of these
nests and roosts and obtain all appropriate permits or agreements. Alternative 1 includes
implementation of the proposed Bald Eagle Management Plan.
Our Analysis
Increasing minimum instream flows in the bypassed and peaking reaches as well
as reduced flow fluctuations in the peaking reach are expected to increase habitat and
food production (aquatic macroinvertebrates) and would likely increase fish abundance,
consequently increasing the prey base for bald eagles and ospreys.
PCWA proposes to continue to manage project reservoirs that result in changes to
surface water elevations. Sediment management activities (discussed in more detail in
section 3.3.1.2, Geologic and Soils Resources) would result in a complete drawdown of
Middle Fork interbay, similar to what occurs under existing conditions, and three small
impoundments (Duncan Creek diversion pool, North Fork Long Canyon diversion pool,
and South Fork Long Canyon diversion pool), although proposed new infrastructure at
the small diversion dams would reduce the frequency of drawdowns. A fish salvage
effort would occur at these reservoirs and all rescued fish would be placed downstream.
The drawdowns would be temporary and would result in a temporary loss of aquatic
foraging reservoir habitat and prey base, until the prey base naturally recovered.
Reservoirs with partial drawdown (Ralston afterbay) would result in a temporary loss of
aquatic foraging reservoir habitat. Suitable habitat in nearby rivers and reservoirs would
likely provide sufficient foraging habitat and prey during the temporary drawdowns.
Noise disturbance from recreation activities (e.g., boats, campers) occur during the
bald eagle breeding season and have the potential to affect foraging birds. However,
because the closest bald eagle nest is about 0.5 mile from Hell Hole reservoir, it is
unlikely that existing nesting habitat would be disturbed by the proposed project. Upper
Hell Hole Campground (located about 0.5 mile from a bald eagle nest site) would be
removed under the proposed action and Alternative 1, thus reducing disturbance in the
area. Proposed and Alternative 1 changes to project-related recreation sites are discussed
in more detail in section 3.3.5.2, Recreation and Land Use.
PCWA is proposing to stock at about 50 percent of the historical average (2001 to
2009) stocking in the Hell Hole and French Meadows reservoirs. This may result in a
decreased prey base for the bald eagle and osprey if another entity does not provide the
full historical average stocking target; however, suitable habitat in nearby rivers and
reservoirs would likely provide sufficient prey for any bald eagles and ospreys that have
come to rely on these stocked fish. The Alternative 1 Recreation Plan would have
PCWA providing 100 percent of the historical average of stocked fish, which would
result in no change in the bald eagle or osprey prey base. Proposed and Alternative 1 fish
stocking measures are discussed in more detail in section 3.3.5.2, Recreation and
Land Use.
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