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

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
assessment, and/or equivalent means of addressing effects on state and federal special
status species would protect the resources. However, before construction of new project
features not addressed in this EIS could occur, PCWA would first need to file with the
Commission an application to amend its license. If appropriate, a biological evaluation
or, if federally-listed species could be involved, a biological assessment for special status
species would be developed as part of the license amendment proceeding.
Bear-Human Interaction Management
Interactions between bears and humans can increase at camp site areas where
human food and trash has the potential to entice bears. Existing project recreation
facilities include single camp units that typically include a bear-proof food storage locker
and group camp units that typically include bear-proof garbage containers and bear-proof
food storage lockers. PCWA proposes to include a bear-resistant garbage container when
developing the Duncan Creek diversion primitive recreation site.
Forest Service condition no. 28 specifies that within 1 year of license issuance,
PCWA would, in consultation with Forest Service and California Fish and Game, prepare
a bear management monitoring plan that is approved by the Forest Service and California
Fish and Game. The Forest Service provides a rationale stating that this measure is
needed to ensure that project facilities and associated recreational use do not result in
bear-human interaction problems.
Our Analysis
Continuing to establish and maintain bear-proof garbage containers and bear-proof
food storage lockers, as proposed by PCWA and also included in Alternative 1, would
continue to minimize the potential for human and bear interactions. The Forest Service
provides no information on why this plan may be needed and we are not aware of any
reported problem interactions in the project area between bears and humans. In addition,
no details are provided regarding what specifically would be included in the plan. No
information as to what would be monitored (bear populations, effectiveness of bear-proof
containers, or both) and what types of bear management actions beyond those already in
use are envisioned. Given the paucity of information provided regarding the need for this
plan, we have no basis to evaluate any benefits that may result from development and
implementation of a bear management monitoring plan.
Protection of Special-Status Wildlife Species during Routine Maintenance
Activities, Modification of Existing Facilities, and Construction of New Facilities
Habitat removal and modification, as a result of routine maintenance activities,
modification of existing facilities, and construction of new facilities, has the potential to
nesting riparian songbirds, raptors, and mammals. The analysis below is grouped by
species that use similar habitat types (i.e., riparian, aquatic, forest).
183