Botany and Wetlands Study Report - McMillen, LLC

Botany and Wetlands Study ReportSoutheast Alaska Power Agencychanges, soil moisture changes resulting from inundation, or introduction of invasive plantspecies.4.1.4 Large Yellow Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium parviflorum Salisb. var.pubescens (Willdenow) O. W. Knight)On the Tongass NF, large yellow lady’s slipper orchid grows in peat lands and open areas onlimestone substrates (Forest Service 2009). There are no known populations of this plant on theKetchikan‐Misty Fiords Ranger District; however, it is suspectd to occur. This species was notobserved during field surveys conducted for the proposed project.The project would have no direct or indirect effects to known populations of large yellow lady’sslipper. This plant is not known on the Ketchikan‐Misty Fiords Ranger District.The project would have no direct or indirect effects to potential habitat of large yellow lady’sslipper orchid because very little potential habitat for this species (peatlands on calcareoussubstrates) occurs within the analysis area. In addition, all (noncalcareous) peatlands habitat inthe analysis area were searched during field surveys. It is therefore, unlikely that undetectedpopulations would be affected. The risk of adverse effects to this plant is low, as no suitablehabitat is present in the analysis area.4.1.5 Calder’s lovage (Ligusticum calderi Math. & Const.)Calder’s lovage typically grows on forest edges and dry and wet meadows in the subalpine andalpine zones on the Tongass NF (Forest Service 2009). Calder’s loveage is suspected to occur onthe Ketchikan‐Misty Fiords Ranger District but was not observed during field surveys conductedfor the proposed project. The analysis area does not have calcareous substrates and is wellbelow the alpine and subalpine zones, thus potential habitat is not present within the analysisarea.The project would have no direct or indirect effects to known populations or habitat of Calder’slovage. The risk of adverse effects to this plant is low, as impacts to potential habitat are notlikely to result from the project.4.1.6 Alaska Rein Orchid (Piperia unalascensis (Spreng.) Rydb.)On the Tongass NF, this orchid grows in dry, open sites, under tall shrubs in the riparian zone,mesic meadows and drier areas in coniferous and mixed evergreen forests from low to subalpineelevations (Forest Service 2009). Alaska rein orchid is suspected on the Ketchikan‐Misty FiordsRanger District. Although it was not observed during field surveys conducted for the proposedproject, potential habitat is present within the analysis area.Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project January 2013FERC Project No. 2911 Page 19 Version: Agency Review