Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
• 8 Botrychium minangense individuals were observed in six locations during Enbridge and HDR
surveys along Route 2. 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.
• Botrychium pallidum was observed in three new locations during BGR 2009 surveys along the
north side of the tree strip located between the Enbridge corridor and the BNSF railroad. DNR
records show eight records for this species along the Enbridge corridor. CNF point data indicates
12 populations of this species along the Enbridge corridor.
• A new population of Botrychium rugulosum was observed once during 2009 BGR surveys in an
area near the previously known location. CNF data identifies seven populations and DNR records
10 observations of this species along the Enbridge corridor.
• Two populations of Botrychium simplex were identified within this corridor during 2008 surveys.
Six additional populations were identified in 2009 BGR surveys in the corridor between BNSF
and Enbridge lines. CNF, DRM and DNR data have 8 records of this species within Route 2.
• Three populations of Hierochloe odorata were identified during EP and BGR surveys in the Route
2 corridor along cleared rights‐of‐way.
• Pinus strobus is found in all age classes in forest habitats along Route 2 and is present in young
forests and woodlands along this route.
• More than 65 individual Viola novae‐angliae plants were identified in two locations. One of
these populations is present on private lands south of Zemple in the floodplain of Deer River.
Woody species would be cleared within the work space of the project during construction and periodic
maintenance along the transmission line corridor will prevent future canopy closure. These activities will
directly affect some of the known occurrences for species adapted to shaded conditions as areas will be
exposed to additional direct sunlight. All of the species this guild are adapted to at least partial sunlight
and some species to full sun. Prior to construction, field surveys will be conducted to identify
populations of species in this guild. Where possible, populations will be spanned, and maintenance will
allow for regrowth of short stature species. Individuals of this guild may experience adverse affects
where these individuals have adapted to partial shade environments. Where impacts are unavoidable,
the applicant will obtain necessary take permits and negotiate appropriate mitigation.
Route 3 Alternative (Northern Route)
Woodlands and areas that resemble woodlands (due to logging) occur along the entire Route 3 area.
Logging has taken place along this entire route, and regrowth forests that resemble natural woodlands
are present where recent logging has occurred.
• Botrychium dissectum was observed in one location on the Leech Lake Reservation along
Highway 6 southwest of Bowstring Lake in an upland location under clear powerline corridor.
• Botrychium pallidum was observed in four locations with at least 23 individuals identified within
Route 3 in 2009. All observations were in or adjacent to lowland forests.
• Botrychium rugulosum was observed at two locations during the 2009 HDR surveys along Route
3, one in a cleared corridor and the other in lowland hardwood forest.
• One hundred thirty‐six (136) Botrychium simplex individual plants were observed in 6 locations
on Route 3 in cleared corridors generally in transitional areas between upland and lowland
hardwood forest.
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐103