Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
microtines, such as Clethrionomys, Microtus, and Phenacomys. The northern bog
lemming closely resembles the more common southern bog lemming (S. cooperi) and
both may be found at the same location. Female northern bog lemmings have 4 pairs of
mammae, while female southern bog lemmings have 3 pairs. Species identification can
only be confirmed by examining dental and skull characteristics. In the northern bog
lemming, lower molars lack distinct inward angles on the outer (labial) edge, the upper
incisors frequently have labial spines, and the palate has a sharply pointed spine at its
posterior end.
Species Habitat
The following habitat description for the northern bog lemming is included in the DNR Rare Species
Guide (2009):
Northern bog lemmings typically occur in open, wet habitats dominated by sphagnum
moss, ericaceous shrubs, and graminoids. Subspecies exhibit different habitat
preferences that include conifer forests, shrublands, alpine meadows, and dry
sagebrush hillsides (Banfield 1974; Foresman 2001). In Minnesota, northern bog
lemmings have been found in open bog, shrub carr, and black spruce swamp (Nordquist
1992).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Study Area
The northern bog lemming is distributed widely across boreal North America. It can be found between
Alaska, Washington, Montana, Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, and Maine. Minnesota is on the extreme
southern fringe of this species range. It is only known to occur in appropriate habitat areas of Itasca,
Koochiching, and Roseau counties (DNR, 2009).
Within the Study Area, one observation of the northern bog lemming has been made by the USFS.
Appropriate habitat likely exists although the Study Area is on the extreme southern edge of this species
range.
Risk Factors
Risks to northern bog lemmings include habitat loss due to filling, peat mining and drainage. Logging for
pulp and Christmas trees also threatens habitats in Minnesota (DNR, 2009; NatureServe, 2009).
4.2.3 Reptile Species
4.2.3.1 Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Snapping turtles are listed as DNR Special Concern and as DRM Sensitive.
Species Description
The DNR Rare Species Guide (2009) contains the following species description for snapping turtles:
The common snapping turtle is Minnesota's largest turtle. As an adult, its upper shell
(carapace) averages 20‐36 cm (8‐14 in.) in length and its weight ranges from 4.5‐16.0 kg
(10‐35 lbs.). The largest known Minnesota individual weighed 29.5 kg (65 lbs.) and had a
carapace that was 49.5 cm (19.5 in.) long. The common snapping turtle's carapace is
variably colored from green to brown to black, and often has moss covering it. In young
turtles, raised crests form three longitudinal keels along the carapace. These crests
gradually disappear as the turtles mature. The back edge of the carapace in all sized
turtles is strongly toothed. The lower shell (plastron) is considerably reduced in size
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐36