Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
populations. Where impacts are unavoidable, the applicant will obtain necessary take permits and
negotiate appropriate mitigation.
Route 2 Alternative (US 2)
Lowland hardwood forests occur as small isolated basins within other forest types, and as large forest
stands, though few are present along Route 2. Within the corridor, mature forest has been cleared and
open conditions maintained. A large patch of this forest type (black ash‐American elm‐red maple) within
Route 1 are mapped by the CNF just west of the Mississippi River.
• 5 Botrychium minangense individuals were observed during 2007 and 2008 Enbridge surveys in
3 locations in Route 2. Surveys conducted in 2009 by HDR s along Route 2 identified 3 additional
populations. DNR data shows three populations of this species in Cass Lake along the Enbridge
corridor. CNF indicates one population near a DNR point in Cass Lake.
• Enbridge corridor surveys in 2008 identified a cluster of Carpinus caroliniana south of the
corridor near the intersection of Highway 10 and US 2. Two data points are within the Route 2
corridor. Neither the DNR nor the CNF track this species.
• White pine (Pinus strobus) is present in all age classes in a mix of forests along this route.
• More than 160 individual Taxus canadensis individuals were identified in eight locations along
Route 2 during surveys performed for Enbridge in 2007 and 2008. CNF data indicates five
observations of this species along Route 2. DRM is aware of numerous plants in and near Bena
on tribal lands.
• Ulmus americana and to a lesser degree Ulmus rubra were observed in lowland forests along
this route.
• More than 65 individual Viola novae‐angliae plants were identified in two locations during EP
surveys. One of these populations is present on private lands south of Zemple in the floodplain
of Deer River.
Woody and herbaceous species would be cleared within the work space of the project during
construction and periodic maintenance will prevent future canopy closure. These activities will directly
affect known occurrences for species adapted to shaded conditions as areas will be exposed to
additional direct sunlight. Lowland species ill adapted to partial or full sun include Botrychium
lanceolatum, Botrychium minanense, Carpinus caroliniana, Malaxis monophyllos var. brachypoda, and
Taxus canadensis. Where clearing of canopy occurs, sun intolerant species of this guild are likely to be
adversely effected, directly and indirectly. Botrychium pallidum and B. simplex are adapted to open
habitats, but changes in microhabitats due to clearing may adversely affect individuals of these species
adapted to more closed canopy conditions. Prior to construction, field surveys will be conducted to
identify individual occurrences of species in this guild and route shifts will take place if possible.
Protective fencing will be placed where construction is expected to occur in the vicinity of known
populations. Where impacts are unavoidable, the applicant will obtain necessary take permits and
negotiate appropriate mitigation.
Route 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
Lowland hardwood forest are common along Route 3, occurring as small isolated basins within other
forest types, and as large forest stands though are typically cleared of mature trees within the existing
transmission line Corridor. Large patches of this forest type (black ash‐American elm‐red maple) within
Route 1 are mapped by the CNF in Kinghurst Township and as multiple small scattered basins
throughout Liberty Township.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐88