before the ferc, application - Alaska Resources Library

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1.2 - Susitna Basin
1.2.6 - Wildlife
Big gcrne in the upper basin include caribou, moose, brown bear,
black bear, wolf, and Dall sheep. Caribou migrate through much
of the open country in the upper basin, and important calving
grounds are present outs ide the impoundment zone. Moose are
fairly cornmon in the vicinity of the proposed project, but high
qual ity habitat is rather 1imited. Moose al so frequent the
floodplain of the lower river, especially in winter. Brown bear
occur throughout the project vicinity, while black bear are
1argely confined to the forested habitat along the river; popul ations
of both species are healthy and productive. Several wolf
packs have been noted using the area. Dall sheep generally inhabit
areas higher than 3000 feet (910 meters) in elevation.
Furbearer species of the upper basin include red fox, wolverine,
pine marten, mink, river otter, short-tail ed weasel, 1east
weasel, lynx, muskrat, and beaver. Beavers becomeincreas'ingly
more evident farther downstream. Sixteen species of small mcrnmal
s that are characteristic of interior Al aska are known to
occur in the upper basin.
Bird popul ations of the upper basin are typical of interior
Al aska but sparse in comparison to those of more temperate
regions. Generally, the forest and woodland habitats support
higher densities of birds than do other habitats. In regional
perspective, ponds and lakes in the vicinity of the proposed impoundments
support rel ativel y few waterbirds. Ravens and raptors,
including bald and golden eagles, are conspicuous in the
upper basin. Bald eagles also nest along the lower river. No
known peregrine falcon nests ex ist in or near the reservoir area,
although one nest exists near the northern leg of the transmission
corridor. This nest has not been known to be active since
the early 1960s.
1.2.7-Fish
Fi shery resources in the Susitna River comprise a major portion
of the Cook Inlet commercial salmon harvest and provide sport
fishing for Anchorage and the surrounding areas.
Anadromous fish in the Susitna basin include all five species of
P·acific salmon: pink (humpback); chum (dog); coho (silver);
sockeye (red); and chinook (king) salmon. The Susitna River is a
migrational corridor, spawning area, and juvenile rearing area
for the five species of salmon from its point of discharge into
Cook Inlet to Devil Canyon, where salmon appear to be prevented
from moving upstream by the water velocity at high flow. Spawning
occurs primarily in the tributaries, sloughs, and side
channels; limited spawning occurs in the mainstem. Preliminary
E-1-7