Botany and Wetlands Study Report - McMillen, LLC

Botany and Wetlands Study ReportSoutheast Alaska Power AgencyThe project would have no effects to known populations of Alaska rein orchid. Althoughpotential habitat is present, this plant is not known to occur in the analysis area and was notlocated during field surveys conducted for this project. Inundation, dam construction andassociated activities under the proposed action could affect potential habitat for this species andthus potentially affect undetected populations. Direct effects could occur through inundation,damage by machinery, placement of fill materials, road widening or improvements, orvegetation clearing activities. Indirect effects are also possible, potentially occurring as a resultof light level changes or soil moisture changes as a result of inundation. Because this plant maygrow in a variety of habitats, much of the proposed disturbance that would result from theproject has the potential to disturb habitat and undetected individuals.4.1.7 Lesser Round‐Leaved Orchid (Platanthera orbiculata (Pursh) Lindl.)Lesser round‐leaved orchid may be found in a variety of habitats on the Tongass NF, although it ismost commonly in forested habitats and along the edges of forested muskeg. It has been foundin both old and young growth forests. The lesser round‐leaved orchid is documented in theKetchikan‐Misty Fiords Ranger District; however, this plant was not observed during fieldsurveys. Potential habitat for lesser round‐leaved orchid is present in the analysis area.The project would have no effects to known populations of Alaska rein orchid. Althoughpotential habitat is present, this plant is not known to occur in the analysis area and was notlocated during field surveys conducted for this project. Inundation, dam construction andassociated activities under the proposed action could affect potential habitat for this species andthus potentially affect undetected populations. Direct effects could occur through inundation,damage by machinery, placement of fill materials, road widening or improvements, orvegetation clearing activities. Indirect effects are also possible, potentially occurring as a resultof light level changes or soil moisture changes as a result of inundation. Because this plant maygrow in a variety of habitats, much of the proposed disturbance that would result from theproject has the potential to disturb habitat and undetected individuals.4.1.8 Kruckeberg’s swordfern (Polystichum kruckebergii W.H. Wagner)On the Tongass National Forest, Kruckeberg’s swordfern grows on talus slopes and rock outcropsin ultramafic areas (Forest Service 2009). Although Kruckeberg’s swordfern is documented onthe Ketchikan‐Misty Fiords Ranger District, it was not observed during field surveys conductedfor the proposed project. The analysis area does not have ultramafic areas, thus potentialhabitat is not present within the analysis area.The project would have no direct or indirect effects to known populations or habitat ofKruckeberg’s swordfern. The risk of adverse effects to this plant is low, as impacts to potentialhabitat are not likely to result from the project.Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project January 2013FERC Project No. 2911 Page 20 Version: Agency Review