Appendix F Detailed Cover Type Tables - USDA Rural Development

Bemidji – Grand Rapids
Biological Assessment and Evaluation
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Project Area
The red‐backed salamander is widely distributed across the northeastern United States, generally within
the Great Lakes States and New England, Virginia and North Carolina, as well as in southern Ontario and
Quebec (USGS, 2008; NatureServ, 2009). Within Minnesota, the red‐backed salamander is restricted to
the northeast portion of the state and is on the western periphery of its range (DNR, 2009c).
Within the Study Area, observations of red‐backed salamanders have not been documented; however
appropriate habitat is likely present. According to the National Amphibian Atlas, this species is present in
Cass and Itasca Counties (USGS, 2008).
Risk Factors
While relatively tolerant of human disturbance in forests, this species can be sensitive to the removal of
key habitat factors such as leaf litter, fallen logs or disturbance of underground sanctuaries. This species
would also be sensitive to the conversion of forest cover to open habitats (Harding, 1997).
4.2.4.3 Green Frog (Rana clamitans)
The green frog is listed as DRM Sensitive.
Species Description
Green frogs are known to occur in a range of colors varying from green, yellowish green, olive, grey and
in rare cases, even blue. Black spotting on the back and legs is common. A ridge of skin runs from each
eye and extends approximately two‐thirds down the back. The belly is white, sometimes with grey
speckles. Mature males have bright yellow throats while the female’s throat is light yellow or cream
colored. Each sex has a large tympanum, which is typically of equal or greater size than the eye.
Breeding takes place in spring and summer when males can be heard calling their distinctive “clung” (or
loose banjo string sound).
Species Habitat
Green frogs inhibit a wide range of aquatic environments including lakes, sloughs, swamps, slow moving
streams and impoundments, although they seem to prefer habitat with permanent standing water. This
species typically prefers riparian habitats but may disperse beyond these areas during warm, rainy
evenings. Winters are spent in dormancy, buried in bottom mud or debris, between early November and
early April (Harding, 1997).
Species Distribution and Occurrences within the Project Area
The green frog is widely distributed across the eastern United States. It range stretches between
northwest Minnesota, eastern Texas, northern Florida, New England, New Brunswick, Quebec and
Ontario (Harding, 1997). In Minnesota, this species is on the northwest fringe of its range, where it
occurs across the eastern half of the state (DNR, 2009c).
Within the study area, observations of green frog have not been documented; appropriate habitat is
present. According to the National Amphibian Atlas, this species is present in Cass, Itasca, and Hubbard
counties (USGS, 2008).
Risk Factors
Risk factors include loss of appropriate wetland habitat due to drainage or filling (NatureServ 2009).
July 2010 Species and Associated Habitat Page 4‐41