Botany and Wetlands Study Report - McMillen, LLC

Botany and Wetlands Study ReportSoutheast Alaska Power Agencyhas been or is being raised as an issue because of rarity or conservation concerns(through the NEPA process).The list of rare plants is dynamic; plants may be dropped when they are found to be moreabundant than previously thought, or added if they are newly found in the state or Forest.Plants may also be added or dropped as their taxonomic status changes. Generally, the Tongasslist is based on the AKNHP rare plant tracking list. The Forest Service and other agenciescontribute rare plant occurrence information to the AKNHP for database inclusion. The plantsconsidered sensitive on the Tongass are also on the AKNHP rare plant tracking list. SeeAppendix B for the updated 2012 AKNHP rare plant list.Each rare plant in the AKNHP tracking list has a state ranking (S1 to S5) as well as a global ranking(G1 to G5). An S1 (G1) rank is defined as the most critically imperiled plants in the state (andworld), while an S5 (G5) is secure in the state (and world) (AKNHP 2012). AKNHP rankings areshown at the end of Appendix B. The AKNHP plant tracking list changes as previously unknownpopulations of rare plants are discovered or when taxa new to Alaska are discovered.1.4.1.2 Wetland ResourcesForest‐wide Standards and Guidelines for wetlands that apply and provide for resourceprotection across the Forest (Forest Service 2008, Chapter 4). Forest‐wide standards andguidelines for wetlands include the following (Forest Service 2008, p. 4‐88):Wetlands: WETIII.Land Use ActivitiesA. The discharge of dredged or fill material onto wetlands is regulated under Section 404of the Clean Water Act, which is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Certain categories of activities areexempt from regulation, while others may be permitted (refer to 33 Code of FederalRegulations [CFR] 323.4 Part 330 Appendix A 325). Consult with the Corps early in theplanning process to determine whether a 404 permit is required. For non‐exemptactivities, permit requirements may include compensation or replacement of any lostaquatic function.B. Consistent with the Clean Water Act, as amended, use Best Management Practices(BMPs) in all management activities that could affect water quality of wetlands. BMPs areintended to ensure that flow and circulation patterns, as well as chemical and biologicalcharacteristics of water are not impaired. (Forest Service Handbook [FSH] 2509.22, BMP12.5)C. Before issuing authorizations, leases, easements, rights‐of‐way, or exchanging landscontaining wetlands, identify uses that are restricted under identified Federal, state, orlocal wetlands regulations. Incorporate appropriate restrictions, where necessary, toprotect or minimize wetland impacts, or withhold such properties from exchange.Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project January 2013FERC Project No. 2911 Page 4 Version: Agency Review