Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Deforestation and fragmentation have increased the available habitat and range of the brown headed
cowbird in North America, bringing it into contact with species which have had little experience with
parasitism (Hilty et al., 2006). Forest clearing within the final ROW may increase suitable brown headed
cowbird habitat by creating grassland and brushy habitats, which may be used by this species. Brown
headed cowbirds are not specifically adapted to forested landscapes, so parasitism is typically higher
near forest edges (Robinson, Thompson et al., 1995). Therefore, areas with a high edge‐to‐patch ratio
would be expected to be more susceptible to cowbird parasitism (Hilty et al., 2006). Because LeConte’s
sparrows are known to be parasitized by brown‐headed cowbirds (Shaffer et al., 2003), individuals in the
Study Area may experience increased exposure to brown‐headed cowbirds.
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
One CNF documented observation of this species has occurred within Route 1, located in a large
emergent wetland. No observations were made during the EP survey. The DNR does not track this
species.
Route 1 would cross several large emergent wetlands, although appropriate habitat may not occur in
large enough of an area to support breeding. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland habitat would
occur as a result of structures placed in wetlands.
Route 1 does not cross hayfields which are known to contain appropriate LeConte’s sparrow, although
appropriate habitat may be present. Forested and brushy areas would be converted into grasslands,
although this conversion may not create the specific conditions preferred by LeConte’s sparrows. The
width of the disturbed corridor would increase from 60 feet (typical, existing) to 185 feet (existing plus
Project ROW), thereby providing more habitat for brown headed cowbirds.
Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will be minimized by spanning wetland areas when
possible and by applying BMPs to construction in wetlands. If an active nest is found during
construction, potential impacts and avoidance will be assessed and coordinated with the appropriate
agencies.
Route 2 Alternative (US 2)
One CNF documented observation of this species has occurred within Route 2, located in a large
emergent wetland. The EP surveys included no observations of this species. This species is not tracked
by the DNR.
LeConte’s sparrow habitat likely occurs along Route 2, although it may not occur in large enough of an
area to support breeding. These habitat areas consist of several large sedge meadows which would be
crossed by this route. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland habitat would occur as a result of
structures placed in wetlands.
Route 2 does not cross hayfields which are known to contain appropriate LeConte’s sparrow, although
appropriate habitat may be present. Forested and brushy areas would be converted into grasslands,
although this conversion may not create the specific conditions preferred by LeConte’s sparrows. The
width of the disturbed corridor would increase from 580 feet (typical, existing) to 800 feet (existing plus
Project ROW), thereby providing more habitat for brown headed cowbirds.
Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will be minimized by spanning wetland areas when
possible and by applying BMPs to construction in wetlands. If an active nest is found during
construction, potential impacts and avoidance will be assessed and coordinated with the appropriate
agencies.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐14