Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
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. Appropriate breeding habitat area
would be slightly reduced as a result of forest cutting. Foraging habitat may be increased as
open habitats will be created and structures would provide additional hunting perches.
• 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. Appropriate breeding habitat area
would be slightly reduced as a result of forest cutting. Foraging habitat may be increased as
open habitats will be created and structures would provide additional hunting perches.
• DNR: Not listed.
5.2.2 Amphibian Species
5.2.2.1 Four‐toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)
Four‐toed salamanders are known to occur in the Study Area in mixed forests with interspersed
sphagnum seepages and other fish‐free waters.
Direct & Indirect Effects:
Construction of transmission line infrastructure requires the permanent removal of trees within the
ROW.
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 for native vegetation to
re‐colonize 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 four‐toed salamanders from using suitable habitat along the
ROW, especially if individuals have a low tolerance for humans.
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
No CNF, DRM, or DNR documented observations of four‐toed salamanders are located within one mile
of Route 1. No observations of this species were made during the EP surveys of this route, although
appropriate habitat may be present in forested areas along this route.
This species may be especially sensitive to the conversion of forested wetlands to open habitats.
Minimal habitat loss would occur as a result of forest removal.
Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will be minimized by using BMPs during
construction in wetlands to minimize impacts to these areas. If an individual is found during
construction, potential impacts and avoidance will be assessed and coordinated with the appropriate
agencies.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐47