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

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
be implemented within 500 feet of the nest during the applicable nesting season.
Protection measures in the Recreation Plan include pre-construction clearance surveys
prior to implementation of ground disturbing and construction activities implemented
during the raptor breeding season. If active nests are found, activities requiring the use of
heavy equipment would not be implemented within 500 feet of the nest during the nesting
season. Alternative 1 measures that would be protective of forest-dwelling raptors are the
same as those specified in the project as proposed by PCWA.
Our Analysis
Measures for pesticide and fumigant application and implementation of
monitoring measures for rodent control, as described previously in this section, would
protect other special-status wildlife that may prey on small mammals.
Implementing the protection measures identified in the proposed and Alternative 1
VIPMPs, Transportation System Management Plans, the proposed Sediment
Management Plan, and the proposed and Alternative 1 Recreation Plans would minimize
noise-related effects on wildlife by limiting activities outside of the raptor breeding
season, restricting or limiting operation within 500 feet of a raptor nest, and/or
conducting pre-construction raptor clearance surveys. When possible, conducting
activities that result in noise or habitat removal outside of the raptor and special status
songbird breeding seasons, as proposed and provided for in Alternative 1, would also
reduce effects on other reproducing special status wildlife (e.g., other birds and
mammals). During pre-construction raptor clearance surveys, extending observations to
include all special-status wildlife, and if documented, coordinating with agencies to
identify species-specific protection measures, would further protect special-status
wildlife. Therefore, when a biologist conducts a pre-construction nest survey, having the
biologist extend their search image to include direct observations or signs of other
special-status species would enable presence to be detected and consideration of
protective measures. No additional costs would be incurred with this modification. In
addition, PCWA’s proposed and the Alternative 1 Employee Training Program should
readily accommodate identification of other special status wildlife by direct observation
and signs would also inform PCWA employees and contractors regarding special-status
wildlife and specific work methods to be implemented for their protection.
It is unlikely that a substantial loss to forest-dwelling wildlife populations or
suitable habitat would occur from habitat removal associated with vegetation
management near facilities and hazard tree removal. Vegetation management at project
facilities, features, and recreation areas would be limited to trimming of shrubs and
herbaceous vegetation and cutting of overhanging limbs to provide safe access and
maintain efficient operation. Hazard tree removal and fuels reduction (brushing and
thinning) conducted as part of heavy recreation facility maintenance would be restricted
to the perimeter of facilities, features, and recreation areas and would be limited to
removal of vegetation necessary to provide safe recreation opportunities and reduce fire
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