Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
As a forest species, the Avian Powerline Interaction Committee (APLIC) categorizes the risk of
electrocution and collision for this raptors species as low (2006).
Human activity along the chosen route will be high during construction when compared to nearby areas
of unfragmented habitat. This may prevent red‐shouldered hawks from using suitable habitat along the
ROW, especially if individuals have a low tolerance for humans.
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline Corridor)
Seven DNR documented red‐shouldered hawk observations occur within one mile of Route 1. Two
observations of this species were made during the EP surveys along the Route 1 alternative. No CNF or
DRM observations are located within one mile of this route. These observations occur within forest
stands in the vicinity of lakes, streams and wetlands, which are a part of the largest concentration of
high quality red‐shouldered hawk habitat in the area.
Where Route 1 crosses forests of appropriate habitat, it would be converted into grassy and shrubby
habitat. In particular, this species may also be sensitive to the conversion of forested wetland habitats
into emergent wetlands, as forested wetlands can be used by this species for foraging. Habitat loss
would compound upon historical habitat destruction in the area to further limit the range of this species
in the area. The width of the disturbed corridor would increase from 60 feet (typical, existing) to 185
feet (existing plus Project ROW).
No nests are known to exist within the route. Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will
be minimized by applying BMPs to construction activities (see Section 8.0 for a description of BMPs). 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)
No DNR, DRM, or CNF observations of this species occur within one mile of Route 2. This species was not
observed along this route during the EP surveys. Where this route crosses appropriate forested areas, it
would be converted into grassy and shrubby habitat. In particular, this species may also be sensitive to
the conversion of forested wetland habitats into emergent wetlands, as forested wetlands can be used
by this species for foraging. Habitat loss would compound upon historical habitat destruction in the area
to further limit the range of this species in the area. The width of the disturbed corridor would increase
from 580 feet (typical, existing) to 800 feet (existing plus Project ROW).
No nests are known to exist within the route. Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will
be minimized by applying BMPs to construction activities. 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 DNR, DRM, or CNF observations of red‐shouldered hawks have been made within one mile of
Route 3. During the BGR surveys of Route 3, no additional observations of red‐shouldered hawks were
made, although appropriate habitat likely exists in woodlands near streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Where Route 3 crosses mature forests near lakes minimal loss of habitat would occur as these areas
would be converted to grassland or scrub/shrub habitat. In particular, this species may also be sensitive
to the conversion of forested wetland habitats into emergent wetlands, as forested wetlands can be
used by this species for foraging. This habitat loss would compound upon historical habitat destruction
in the area to further limit the range of this species in the area. The width of the disturbed corridor
would increase from 100 feet (typical, existing) to 225 feet (existing plus Project ROW).
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐22