Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

the San Juan Islands. northern Washington, and the western Olympic Peninsula. The continental subspecies
has been reintroduced at various locations east of the Cascade Mountains (Smith et al. 1997).
Populations in Vicinitv of the Site
The steep, rugged mountainous terrain and open forests of this area provide habitat for peregrine falcons.
Birds, the falcon's prey, are abundant, and potential nest sites like rock cliffs and large trees are plentiful in
the Railroad Creek drainage basin. Peregrine falcons have been observed in the Railroad Creek watershed
basin according to USFS database records. The records include sightings in the vicinity of Dumbell
Mountain (T31N R16E S16), Hart Lake (T3 IN R16E S10,3, and 4) (T32N R16E S34), and Copper Creek
(T3 IN R17E S17). Two other records in the area are north of the basin on Lucerne Mountain (T3 1N R17E
Sl), and south near Lake Chelan (T31N R18E S14). All of these sightings were made in June 1989, with
the exception of the Dumbell Mountain observation in August 1980.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Status
The bald eagle is federally listed in Washington State by the USFWS as threatened.
Backmound Information
The bald eagle is found breeding from central Alaska south through Canada and in the United States from
coast to coast south to the Florida Keys, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and into Baja California (AOU,
1983). Bald eagles occur in Washington as residents near large waters west of the Cascade Mountains, with
fewer breeding birds found in eastern Washington (Rodrick and Milner, 1991). Birds wintering in
Washington are found on the Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands, the major tributaries of the Puget Sound,
the Cowlitz and Columbia Rivers, and Hood Canal.
Po~ulations in Vicinitv of the Site
The lower part of Railroad Creek and the area around Domke Lake are designated as Bald Eagle Recovery
Territory. The most suitable habitat for bald eagles in the vicinity of the Site is found along Lake Chelan as
the lake provides a year-round prey base of fish and waterfowl. In addition, mature trees for nesting and
roosting are located in places within one-half mile of the lake. Although the USFS has no records of bald
eagles in the Railroad Creek drainage, bald eagles have been observed north of Railroad Creek on the west
side of Lake Chelan (T32N R18E S19) and on the east side (T3 1N R18E S2).
Grizzly Bear (Ursus horribilis)
- Status
The grizzly bear is listed by the USFWS as threatened and by the State of Washington as endangered. The
FS considers the grizzly bear a sensitive species.
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17693-005419Uuly 19. 1999:4:51 Ph4;DRAR FINAL RI REPORT