T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationStudy Area Biotic CommunitiesThe major biotic communities within the Study Area (Figure 4-28) can be broadly classified based on thevegetation structure as Grasslands, Shrub, Forest, and Disturbed Areas. Each of these communities is commonwithin the region. Important factors that affect the species composition of the plant associations found in thesecommunities include the physical environment (e.g., wetland or upland) and history of disturbance. Table 4-34lists the Study Area biotic communities by cover type, typical wildlife using each community, and theapproximate acreage encompassed by each.Table 4-34Summary of Study Area Cover TypesCover Type Wildlife Utilizing Cover Type Approximate Area (acres)Forested Upland Small mammal, songbird nesting habitat 222Shrubland (Upland) Songbird foraging and nesting habitat 194Grassland Small mammal, songbird foraging habitat 63Agricultural Land Mammal and songbird foraging habitat 65Forested Wetland Small mammals, songbird nesting/foraging habitat 174Scrub Shrub Wetland Songbird nesting/foraging habitat 48Emergent Wetland Songbird, waterfowl, muskrat 18Emergent Wetland (Phragmites dominated) Poor quality habitat 25Open Water Fish, shellfish, waterfowl 311Tidal Habitats Waterfowl, wading birds, fish and shellfish 23Total Habitat Area 1,143Project Area Biotic CommunitiesThe Project Area includes T.F. Green Airport and some adjacent areas north and south of the Airport(Figure 4-29). This area includes some forested habitats, shrub habitats, and grasslands. No tidal habitats occurwithin the Project Area. Table 4-35 lists the Project Area biotic communities by cover type, typical wildlife usingeach community, and the approximate acreage encompassed by each.The Airport provides limited habitat for wildlife species because most wildlife (birds and large mammals) areincompatible with safe operations of an airport. The Airport is a large facility with high levels of activity nearthe terminal, aircraft hangars, and runways. Natural habitats are associated with the land between the runwaysand the runway protection zones. Farther from the runways, closely mown grasslands transition to taller, lessintensely maintained grassland, then shrub land and low tree, and finally forested zones in the northern,southern, and eastern sides of the Airport property. The management of these areas is governed by the Airport’sVegetation Management Program 232 and the Wildlife Hazard Management Program 233 described inSection 4.11.2.2, Existing Wildlife and Vegetation Management Plans.232 Vegetation Management Program, Warwick, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Airport Corporation, revised August 2004.233 Wildlife Hazard Management Plan. Rhode Island Airport Corporation, revised February 4, 2005.Chapter 4 – Affected Environment 4-63 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH04_Affected_Env_JUL_2011.doc