Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
enough of an area to support breeding. These areas of appropriate habitat consist of several large sedge
meadows which would be crossed by this alternative. The width of the disturbed corridor would
increase from 580 feet (typical, existing) to 800 feet (existing plus Project ROW), thereby increasing the
potential for brown headed cowbird predation. Minimal loss of appropriate wetland habitat would
occur as a result of structure placement in these wetlands.
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 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
No CNF, DNR or BGR survey observations have been made of the Nelson’s sharp‐tailed sparrow along
the Route 3 Alternative, although it is likely that appropriate wetland habitat exists along this route.
Route 3 would cross several large sedge meadows which may be large enough to support breeding. The
width of the disturbed corridor would increase from 100 feet (typical, existing) to 225 feet (existing plus
Project ROW), thereby increasing the potential for brown headed cowbird predation. Minimal loss of
appropriate wetland habitat would occur as a result of structure placement in these wetlands.
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.
No Build Alternative
The no build alternative would maintain the existing conditions along each alternative. No habitat
impact would occur.
Determination of Effects
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
• CNF and DRM: May adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability in
the Planning Area, nor cause a trend toward Federal listing. Minimal area of appropriate
breeding habitat area would be reduced as a result of structure placement in wetlands.
Increased potential for predation by cowbirds may occur.
• DNR: Not Listed.
Route 2 Alternative (US 2)
• CNF and DRM: May adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability in
the Planning Area, nor cause a trend toward Federal listing. Minimal area of appropriate
breeding habitat area would be reduced as a result of structure placement in wetlands.
Increased potential for predation by cowbirds may occur.
• DNR: Not Listed.
Route 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
• CNF and DRM: May adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability in
the Planning Area, nor cause a trend toward Federal listing. Minimal area of appropriate
breeding habitat area would be reduced as a result of structure placement. Increased potential
for predation by cowbirds may occur.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐17