3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority
3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority
3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority
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<strong>Knik</strong> <strong>Arm</strong> Crossing DraftFinal EIS<br />
<strong>Affected</strong> <strong>Environment</strong><br />
3.8.8.5.4 Other mammals<br />
The Mat-Su<br />
Numerous furbearers <strong>and</strong> small game species are found in the Mat-Su, including beaver<br />
(Castor canadensis), coyote (Canis latrans), ermine (Mustela erminea), northern flying<br />
squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), Arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryi), river otter<br />
(Lontra canadensis), lynx (Lynx canadensis), hoary marmot (Marmota caligata), mink<br />
(Mustela vison), martin (Martes americana), muskrat (Ondatra zibethica), red fox (Vulpes<br />
vulpes), red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), weasel (Mustela nivalis), wolf (Canis<br />
lupus), <strong>and</strong> wolverine (Gulo gulo) (Mat-Su Borough 2005). Most furbearer species are found<br />
in riparian, wetl<strong>and</strong>, or forested areas, which are abundant in the Mat-Su Study Area.<br />
Anchorage<br />
Other mammals in the Anchorage area include beaver (approximately 150 in the Anchorage<br />
Bowl), wolves (two active packs in the Anchorage Bowl), wolverine, coyote, lynx, snowshoe<br />
hare (Lepus americanus), red fox, mink, weasel, martin, porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), red<br />
squirrel, northern flying squirrel, hoary marmot, little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), <strong>and</strong><br />
mice, voles, <strong>and</strong> shrews (Sorex spp.; ADF&G 2000). There are also hundreds of feral rabbits<br />
(Oryctolagus cuniculus), descended from tame rabbits released by humans <strong>and</strong> adapted well<br />
to survival in urban <strong>and</strong> suburban environments.<br />
3.8.9 Threatened or Endangered Species<br />
Currently, USFWS <strong>and</strong> NOAA Fisheries indicate that there are no threatened or endangered<br />
species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Study Area. 69 The Cook Inlet<br />
beluga whale stock is listed as “depleted” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act<br />
(MMPA). In August 2006, NOAA Fisheries released their review of a petition to list the<br />
Cook Inlet beluga whale as an endangered species (NMFS 2006). NOAA Fisheries found<br />
that the petition contained sufficient scientific or commercial information to warrant further<br />
action. Within 1 year of receipt of the petition, <strong>and</strong> pending completion of a status review<br />
initiated in April 2006, NOAA Fisheries will issue a finding whether or not to list Cook Inlet<br />
Beluga as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531). In<br />
addition, NOAA Fisheries changed the listing of the Cook Inlet beluga whale from Species<br />
of Concern to a C<strong>and</strong>idate Species because the stock is actively being considered for listing<br />
as endangered or threatened under ESA (NOAA Fisheries 2006x-protected resources Species<br />
of Concern). The stock’s status review was completed in November 2006 (NOAA Fisheries<br />
2006x-status review). Detailed information regarding beluga whales is found in<br />
Section 3.8.8.4.<br />
69 Personal communications: James W. Balsiger, National Oceanic <strong>and</strong> Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)<br />
Fisheries, letter to Edrie Vinson regarding listed endangered or threatened species in the Study Area <strong>and</strong><br />
Gregory Risdahl, U.S. Fish <strong>and</strong> Wildlife Service (USFWS), letter to Edrie Vinson regarding listed<br />
endangered or threatened species in the Study Area, 2005.<br />
12/18/07 3-221
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