Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
7) Proactive management (versus protection based on avoidance of any management activities) is
needed to maintain species and
8) Coarse filter management does not provide adequate maintenance or restoration.
9) S‐WL‐6 (Standard ‐ Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife) Prohibit the harvesting of sensitive and
State‐listed threatened and endangered plants. Exceptions may be made for scientific research
purposes or in fulfillment of treaty rights.
In additional to the general Objectives, Goals, and Standards included above, the CNF Forest Plan
includes specific objectives for certain threatened, endangered or species of concern (TES). The speciesspecific
Objectives, Goals, and Standards are included in Chapter 4 of this report.
3.6 LLR and Bureau of Indian Affairs Guidance
The Land Use Plan for the LLR has outlined criteria for utility crossing of tribal lands. Approval of any
such use must be reviewed and approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
3.7 Previous Biological Surveys
The CNF, DNR, and DRM have collected TES data that identify species of concern within their survey
areas. These data were used as base information for the Project.
In addition to the available databases, a number of TES surveys have been completed for other linear
projects between Bemidji and Grand Rapids. Specifically, surveys were conducted within the CNF and
LLR for the Enbridge Pipeline Expansion project. Surveys included evaluation of habitat and species
occurrences for TES plants, birds and other animals. The data from this survey are applicable for BGR
Route 2; Enbridge has given permission to use their survey data.
Great Lakes surveyed the pipeline rights‐of‐way along much of Route 1 prior to 2008. During 2008 and
2009, BGR conducted additional surveys for TES plants, birds, and other animals along Route 1 and the
identified cross‐over segments that are within the CNF and LLR. These survey results are included in this
BA/BE.
TES surveys for Route 3 were conducted during 2009. These surveys included evaluation of habitat and
species occurrences for TES plants, birds, and other animals. These survey results are included in this
BA/BE.
In summary, the following survey data are included in the analysis for this BA/BE:
• CNF rare species inventory data (2008 and earlier)
• DRM rare species inventory data (2008 and earlier)
• DNR Natural Heritage Inventory System data (NHIS) (2008 and earlier)
• Enbridge Pipeline (EP) survey data (~2006‐2008)
• Bemidji to Grand Rapids (BGR) transmission line survey data (2007 – 2009)
3.8 Survey Protocol
Survey protocol for the 2008 and 2009 surveys were developed by the Applicants in consultation with
the CNF, DNR, USFWS, and DRM. The following provides a summary of the general TES survey
guidelines:
• The surveys will be led by a qualified botanist or biologist/technician identified on the DNR and
CNF contractors lists.
July 2010 Survey Coordination and Methods Page 3‐7