Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
No CNF or DRM observations of black terns or black tern breeding colonies have been made within one
mile of Route 1. Additionally, no observations were made during the EP surveys. The DNR does not track
black terns. This alternative does cross large sedge meadows which may contain appropriate foraging
habitat, but may not support breeding. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland habitat would occur as
a result of structure placement. Right‐of‐way clearing would increase the area of wet meadow and
emergent habitat available for this species.
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 2 Alternative (US 2)
One CNF documented black tern colony is within one mile of Route 2, in a diverse wetland complex. No
observations were made during the EP surveys. The DNR does not track black terns. Where this route
alternative crosses appropriate wetland areas, minimal impacts would occur as a result of structure
placement. Right‐of‐way clearing would increase the area of wet meadow and emergent habitat
available for this species.
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 CNF or DRM observations of black terns or documented black tern breeding colonies have been
within one mile of Route 3. However, five observations of black terns were made during the BGR survey.
Observations were made in the vicinity of large wetlands areas, often supporting floating vegetative
mats. These wetland complexes contain habitat which likely occurs in sufficient enough of area to
support breeding, as a number of individuals were observed at these locations landing and taking off
from vegetative mats. The DNR does not track black terns. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland
habitat would occur as a result of structure placement. Right‐of‐way clearing would increase the area of
wet meadow and emergent habitat available for this species.
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.
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 habitat
area would be reduced as a result of structure placement in wetlands. Right‐of‐way clearing
would increase the area of wet meadow and emergent habitat available for this species.
• DNR: Not listed.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐24