Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
• Sixty‐three individual Viola novae‐angliae plants were observed in a population along the
highway on a quarter miles segment of Highway 6 on state forest land.
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.
No Build Alternative
The No Build Alternative would not alter the existing condition along any of the routes where existing
utility corridors exist; No adverse impacts would occur.
5.3.7.3 Determination of Effects
Route 1 Alternative (Great Lakes Pipeline)
• CNF: The project may adversely impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a loss of viability
in the Planning Area, nor cause a trend forward Federal listing.
• DNR: The project may adversely impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a loss of viability
in the Planning Area, nor cause a trend forward Federal listing. B. minangense, B. pallidum, B.
rugulosum and B. simplex are known to occur on Route 1. Where individuals or populations of
these species are present within the clearing area of the transmission corridor, adverse effects
may occur adjacent to clearing. While these species are adapted to openings, individuals may be
adversely affected where clearing of canopy takes place above individuals adapted to shaded
habitat. Additionally, these species tend to populate the southern, shaded edge of clearings and
will likely find habitat and occupy this future edge of the widened corridors.
• DRM: The project may adversely impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a loss of viability
in the Planning Area, nor cause a trend forward Federal listing. Botrychium dissectum, B.
minangense, B. pallidum, B. rugulosum, B. simplex, Pinus strobus are known to occur on Route 1.
Where individuals or populations of these species are present within the clearing area of the
transmission corridor, adverse effects may occur adjacent to clearing. While the species B.
dissectum, B. minganense, B. pallidum, B. rugulosum and B. simplex are adapted to openings,
individuals may be adversely affected where clearing of canopy takes place above individuals
adapted to shaded habitat. Additionally, these species tend to populate the southern, shaded
edge of clearings and will likely find habitat and occupy this future edge of the widened
corridors. P. strobus individuals will be adversely affected by initial clearing of the transmission
corridor and future maintenance will prevent individuals of this species from achieving maturity.
Route 2 Alternative (US 2)
• CNF: The project may adversely impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a loss of viability
in the Planning Area, nor cause a trend forward Federal listing.
• DNR: The project may adversely impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a loss of viability
in the Planning Area, nor cause a trend forward Federal listing. B. minangense, B. pallidum, B.
rugulosum and B. simplex are known to occur on Route 2. Where individuals or populations of
July 2010 Environmental Consequences Page 5‐104