Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
South Dakota to northwestern Minnesota a few years ago. More recently, a male mountain lion was hit
and killed by a car on the south edge of Bemidji in September of 2009. This occurred within a mile or so
of the proposed project routes. Initial examination of this animal did not indicate that it was a released
pet, but final determination of its origin was not available at the time of this document‘s preparation.
Species Habitat
The DNR Species profile for the mountain lion (DNR, 2009) includes the following species habitat:
Mountain lions are found in a wide variety of habitats, as long as there is a sufficient
prey base. Habitats used included desert scrub, chaparral, swamps, and forests (Beier
1999). Mountain lions tend to avoid habitats that lack topography or vegetative cover,
including agricultural areas and other flat shrubless areas (Beier 1999). If present in
Minnesota, mountain lions are most likely inhabiting remote, heavily forested areas.
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
Mountain lions are known to occur in North America across the western United States, southwestern
Canada and most of Mexico. A population also persists in Florida. A dearth of research on this species in
Minnesota makes scientific information limited. These available data suggest that Minnesota does not
support a viable breeding population, although sufficient habitat and prey sources are likely present
(DNR, 2009).
Three observations of mountain lions have been recorded within the Study Area (DNR, 2009).
Risk Factors
Due to their large home range and the widely dispersed nature of individuals, habitat fragmentation and
habitat destruction threaten to further restrict their distribution.
4.2.2.2 Pine Marten (Martes americana)
The pine marten is listed as DRM Sensitive.
Species Description
The pine marten is a member of the weasel family characterized by its golden brown fur, yellow chest
long body and round ears. It measures approximately 20 to 24 inches and can weigh up to two pounds.
An omnivorous species, the pine marten relies heavily upon mice, chipmunks, and red squirrels, but they
are also known to feed on berries and nuts during the summer months. This species is known to hunt in
tunnels built under the snow during the winter months (DNR, 2009c).
Species Habitat
Pine martens typically prefer old‐growth conifer and mixed forests containing an understory that
supports small rodents, which are a major prey source (Snyder, 1991). In Minnesota, this species is
known to frequent both coniferous and deciduous forest types with canopy cover ranging between 4
and 60 percent. They tend to avoid forests too dense to support the growth of understory vegetation
which support rodents and give appropriate cover for denning (Snyder, 1991). Females typically make
their nests in hollowed out logs and beneath bushes (DNR, 2009c).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
Pine martens are currently distributed widely across the Alaskan and Canadian boreal forests;
populations reach into New England, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper
Peninsula, as well as along the Rocky Mountain and Sierra Nevada Ranges (Natureserv 2009). In
Minnesota, pine martens range widely across the northern portion of the state across deciduous and
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐30