3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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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
Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS Affected Environment Figure 3.59. Study Area moose habitat 12/18/07 3-219
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3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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