3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS
Affected Environment
In GMU 14C, there is no open season for brown bear in the Eagle River, Fort Richardson,
Elmendorf, Birchwood, and Chugach State Park Management Areas (ADF&G 2005d). The
5-year (1999–2004) average brown bear harvest for GMU 14 was 22 bears (ADF&G 2005e).
Brown bear harvest data specific to GMU 14C were not available. No brown bear
nonhunting mortalities were documented in GMU 14C from July 2000 to June 2002 (Del
Frate 2003).
3.8.8.5.3 Moose
The Mat-Su
About 6,560 resident and migratory moose inhabit GMU 14A (Figure 3.59). With a winter
moose population of between 10 and 20 moose per square mile, the Point MacKenzie area,
including the Point MacKenzie Agricultural Area, hosts some of the highest concentrations
of moose in Alaska (Del Frate 2004a). Moose populations are high, especially during winter,
because of browsing opportunities and the opportunity for relief from high snow. Moose feed
on early successional species, including willow, birch, aspen, poplar, alder, cottonwood, and
a variety of herbaceous species (Mat-Su Borough 2005). 68 The Point MacKenzie Agricultural
Area and the 37,000-acre area burned during the 1996 Big Lake fire are ideal habitats for
moose browsing because of the subsequent return of early vegetation. It is not known what
proportion of the moose in the Point MacKenzie Agricultural Area and the Big Lake fire area
are migratory and where the migratory individuals spend nonwinter months (Del
Frate 2004a).
Moose in the Study Area primarily winter in lowland riparian and wetland areas, and on
south-facing alpine slopes and other upland areas supporting willow, birch, and other forage
species (Mat-Su Borough 2005). Many moose winter in the Susitna Flats seeking food and
refuge from the snow (ADF&G 2003a). Each spring, moose calving occurs outside the Study
Area in the inland portions of Goose Bay SGR, north of Point MacKenzie, and the brushy
thickets of Susitna Flats (ADF&G 2003b). Moose spend summer and fall in lowlands
throughout the Study Area. Figure 3.59 shows moose habitat in and around the Study Area.
Hunting regulations in GMU 14A allow for residents and nonresidents to harvest one bull
moose per season, with residents having the option to harvest one antlerless moose instead.
Open season typically runs from early August to the end of September, with the season
beginning with a bow-and-arrow-only period (ADF&G 2005d). Moose harvest in GMU 14A
ranged from 319 to 590 per year between 1998 and 2003 (Del Frate 2004a).
68 Plant succession refers to the change in the plant species composition of an area over time, often following a
disturbance (e.g., fire). The first plant species to establish in an area following a disturbance would be
considered early successional species.
3-218 12/18/07