Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
details will be determined based on consultation with the appropriate State and Federal
agencies.
• Trees within the proposed ROW that support stick nests of listed species will not be removed
without consultation with and written approval from appropriate State and Federal agencies.
• Flight diverters would be installed where the new route would cross known flyways or near
large wetlands, impoundments, and lakes. Locations would be determined in consultation with
State and Federal agencies.
The following sections summarize CNF species guidance that will apply to this Project.
8.2.2 Practices Specific to the Northern Goshawk
• There would be no disturbing activities (right‐of‐way clearing, access path construction, etc.)
within the nesting and post‐fledging areas during the breeding season, which lasts from March 1
‐ August 31.
• If a new stick nest is discovered in the project area during construction layout and marking
operations, right‐of‐way clearing would be deferred within the immediate vacinity until spring
stick nest surveys can confirm whether the nest is active and coordination with Forest Service
botanists reaches an appropriate settlement. Non‐breeding season mitigation in coordination
with CNF staff will be required in order to avoid impacts that could cause the abandonment of
the territory. The applicant must consider potential right‐of‐way shifts within the approved
route to avoid active goshawk nests. Nest removal will require coordination with CNF biologists
to ensure that impacts are minimized.
8.2.3 Practices Specific to the Bald Eagle
• All ground disturbing activities within 200m of an active nest are seasonally restricted;
construction activities would occur from October 1 through February 14.
• No ground disturbing activities within 100m of an eagle nest unless the project would benefit
the nest stand.
The following recommendations were provided by the Department of Interior to protect bald eagles.
These recommendations will be followed as noted.
• Keep contruction activity at least 660 feet away from an active nest, if the construction activity
is visible from the nest.
• Limit clearing to within the ROW; maintain existing forest or natural vegetation between the
construction activity and nest trees.
• Avoid certain activities during the breeding season. (See #1 above.)
• Site high voltage transmission lines at least two miles away from nests, foraging areas and
communal roosts. (This recommendation is not reasonable or feasible given the density of the
bald eagle population in the project area.)
• Employ industry‐accepted best management practices to prevent birds from colliding with or
being electrocuted by utility lines, towers and poles. If possible, bury lines in important eagle
areas. (Burying the transmission line was considered and rejected as an alternative. See DEIS
Section 2.3.4 Underground Transmission Line Alternative.)
• Miminize potentially disruptive activities and development in the eagles’ direct flight path
between their nest and roost sites and important foraging areas. (See #1 above.)
July 2010 Mitigation Measures Page 8‐2