Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
species. Minimal impacts to appropriate habitats would occur as a result of structure placement. Rightof‐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, DRM or DNR observations of yellow rails have been made in the Route 3 vicinity. During the
BGR surveys, two observations were made. These observations are restricted to a single expansive
sedge meadow with a component of standing water.
Route 3 would skirt this sedge meadow, which may experience minimal impacts to appropriate habitat,
although the majority of this wetland area is south of this route. It is likely that this wetland contains
suitable habitat for breeding. Minimal impacts to appropriate habitats 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, DNR 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.
Route 2 Alternative (US 2)
• CNF, DNR 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.
Route 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
• CNF, DNR 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.
5.2.1.9 Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccimator)
Trumpeter swans are known to occur in the Study Area in emergent wetlands and along lakes, river and
streams.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐26