Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Direct & Indirect Effects:
Current transmission line construction practices minimize impacts to wetland habitats by spanning these
areas (when possible), constructing these segments during the winter months (when appropriate), using
mats to minimize impacts from heavy equipment (when appropriate), allowing native vegetation to recolonize
disturbed areas and by maintaining existing hydrology and grade. Permanent loss of wetland
habitat will be restricted to the footprint of transmission line structures placed in wetland areas.
Forested wetlands would be converted into emergent or scrub/shrub wetlands, as trees would be
removed to allow for transmission line development.
No transmission line structures would be placed in open water.
Human activity along the chosen route will be high during construction when compared to nearby areas
of unfragmented habitat. This may prevent king rails from using suitable habitat along the ROW,
especially if individuals have a low tolerance for humans.
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
No DNR, DRM, or EP survey observations of king rails are located within one mile of Route 1. The CNF
does not track this species. Appropriate habitat of sufficient size to support breeding may exist along
this route. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland habitat would occur as a result of pole placement,
limiting the amount available in the vicinity of Route 1.
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)
No DNR, DRM, or EP survey observations of king rails are located within one mile of Route 2. The CNF
does not track this species. Appropriate habitat of sufficient size to support breeding may exist along
this route. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland habitat would occur as a result of pole placement,
limiting the amount available in the vicinity of Route 2.
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 BGR survey observations of king rails are located within one mile of Route 3. The CNF
does not track this species. Appropriate habitat of sufficient size to support breeding may exist along
this route. Minimal impacts to appropriate wetland habitat would occur as a result of pole placement,
limiting the amount available in the vicinity of Route 3.
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.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐43