Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
• 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. Some individuals may be subjected
to habitat loss. Right‐of‐way clearing would increase the area of grassland habitat available for
prey species.
Route 2 Alternative (US 2)
• CNF: Not listed
• 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. Some individuals may be subjected
to habitat loss. Right‐of‐way clearing would increase the area of grassland habitat available for
prey species.
Route 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
• CNF: Not listed.
• 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. Some individuals may be subjected
to habitat loss. Right‐of‐way clearing would increase the area of grassland habitat available for
prey species.
5.2.3.2 Pine Marten (Martes Americana)
Pine martens are known to occur within the Study Area in appropriate forested habitats.
Direct & Indirect Effects
Construction of transmission line infrastructure requires the permanent removal of trees within the
ROW, which would reduce the amount of appropriate habitat available for this species.
Human activity along the chosen route will be high during construction when compared to nearby areas
of unfragmented habitat. This may prevent pine marten 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 CNF observations are available for this species. No observations of pine martens were
made during the EP survey.
Forested habitat would be removed as a result of Route 1 construction, which could reduce the amount
of appropriate habitat available for this species. Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will
be minimized by using BMPs during construction activities. If an individual 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 are available for this species. No observations of pine martens were
made during the EP survey, although appropriate habitat may be present.
Forested habitat would be removed as a result of Route 2 construction, which could reduce the amount
of appropriate habitat available for this species. Impacts to individuals and appropriate habitat areas will
be minimized by using BMPs during construction activities. 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 5‐53