Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
individual is found during construction, potential impacts and avoidance will be assessed and
coordinated with the appropriate agencies.
Route 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
No DNR or DRM observations of this species occur within one mile of Route 3, nor were any located
during the EP survey. This species is not tracked by the CNF.
A minimal amount of forested and shrubby habitat would be converted into open habitat. This may
remove appropriate eastern spotted skunk habitat from the vicinity of Route 1. 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.
No Build Alternative
The no build alternative would maintain the existing conditions along each alternative. No adverse or
beneficial impact would occur.
Determination of Effects
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
• 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, however, observations in the Study Area are listed as questionable and this
species may not be present.
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, however, observations in the Study Area are listed as questionable and this
species may not be present.
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, however, observations in the Study Area are listed as questionable and this
species may not be present.
5.2.3.7 Northern Bog Lemming (Synaptommys borealis)
One DNR observation of this species is located in the Study Area, indicating appropriate habitat is
present. These areas would likely be restricted to wetland habitats with sphagnum moss and an
ericaceous shrub layer, such as spruce bogs.
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 re‐
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