biological evaluation - south fowl lake snowmobile access...

Prepared by wruss_ 6_05

Common and

Scientific Name

Habitat Summary ²Suitable

Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding

Cummulative Effects

Federally

Threatened

Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3 Alt. 4 Alt. 5

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus

leucocephalus

Large, fishbearing lakes

and rivers with large

trees for nesting

Yes

However, the

proposed

landings are

not near

super

canopy

trees.

Yes

Nest active

in 2005

occurs on

the west side

of South

Fowl Lake.

This territory

has been

active for

decades

even with

the

possibility of

human use

on the

existing

trails.

SNF records

and 2005

survey

No Effect

The current east-west

leg of trail between

McFarland and So.

Fowl Lks. would not be

used.

Direct effects - none

expected.

Indirect effects - If in

fact use of the trail past

Royal Lk is stopped

the eagles now

occupying the territory

between Royal and So.

Fowl Lks. may benefit.

But, since the territory

has been active and

successful with the trail

as is, it would be

difficult to assume a

benefit. Most likely

snowmobile use on

this trail ceases before

nesting activity begins.

May affect but not

likely to adversely

affect.

Direct effects - none.

Trail would be

constructed between

nesting seasons.

Indirect effects - late

winter conditions may

afford snowmobile use

when eagles are

setting up territories

and affect nesting

behavior. This would

seem unlikely. Current

nest habitat is about a

half mile north of the

approach to So. Fowl

and disturbance is not

likely. Also, the

conditions for

snowmobile use in the

critical time have

usually deteriorated.

No Effect

The action would not

change any human

relationship with

eagle habitat. The

east end of the trail

is the same as

current, and is at

least a half mile from

any potential nest

site. Changes on

the west end would

not be in eagle

habitat.

No Effect


change any human

relationship with

eagle habitat. The


is the same as

current, and is at


any potential nest

site. Changes on

the west end would

not be in eagle

habitat.

No Effect


change any human

relationship with

eagle habitat. The


is the same as

current, and is at


any potential nest

site. The west end

is not in eagle

habitat.

Increasing human population seems emanate,

and settlement in the area is likely leading to

more potential for human wildlife contact with

negative effects. However, except for Alt 2, most

of the trails are proposed on existing rds and trls.

Crosscountry snowmobile travel is allowed on the

Superior NF. But, most snowmobile use occurs

on groomed and/or designated routes. The intent

of this proposal is to provided a route to travel

between two lakes. Except for the currently illegal

route into the BWCAW, there is no advantage to

traveling off the designated route. No matter

which alternative is chosen, these trails would

continue to channel snowmobile travel as it has

been for many years.

The condition of the fishery in South Fowl Lake

could be affected by overexploitation and/or from

pollution. This effect is difficult to judge; other

lakes in the surrounding NF can maintain heavy

visitation and successful eagle nesting. It seems

very unlikely the trails could foreseeably increase

human visitation to the decidedly increased levels

to actually alter the lake.

Determination of Effects

Biological Evaluation - South Fowl Lake Snowmobile Access Project

Determination of Effect by Alternative for Federally listed Threatened Species and Sensitive Species ¹ Occuring in the Project Area

Gunflint Ranger District, Superior National Forest

KEY:

¹ U.S. Forest Service - Region 9 Forester's (list of October 20, 2003)

Page 1 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding

Cummulative Effects Determination of Effects

Gray Wolf

Canis lupus

Large tracts of wild land

with adequate prey

(moose, deer, beaver),

a variety of habitats, low

human disturbance.

Deer do not winter in

the area. Moose may

number 2 to 3 per sq.

mi.

Yes

In Zone 1 of

Recovery

Plan. No

specific

population

goals.

Current

density of

OML 3, 4,

and 5 and

equivalent is

0.42

mi/sq.mi.

Yes

Historic

range; all of

northeast

Minnesota

Deer/moose

populations

MNDNR data

(Ingebrigtsen,

pers.comm)

May affect, not likely to

adversely affect.

The current east-west leg

of trail between

McFarland and So. Fowl

Lks. would not be used.


expected Indirect

effects - snowmobile use

on existing roads has

potential for human

chasing and/or shooting

of wolves. Chase

potential is very limited -

the snowmobiles are

more restricted to the

existing roads (CC 16 and

SFR 328) and wolves

could run off the roads.

Shooting is unlikely - it

would be rare for a

snowmobile rider to carry

a firearm. If in

fact the Royal Lk route is

not used, potential

wolf/human contact could

be reduced in about a 3

sq. mi. area. Moose and

wolves may move more

freely in this area. These

are only assumptions

since we have no

evidence of behavior

changes due to the

current use of

snowmobiles. No change

in the current 0.42

mi/sq.mi road density.

May affect but not

likely to adversely

affect.

Direct effects -

None. Late winter

would be the time for

denning. Mitigation

to construct trail from

August to mid winter

would likely avoid

direct effects during

the breeding season.

Poor exposure to

sun, relatively low

availability of prey

are reasons to

believe this trail

corridor would not be

favorable as denning

habitat.

Indirect effects -

as with Alt 1

shooting and

chasing are possible,

but very unlikely.

Road density would

not change (0.42

mi/sq. mi.).

May affect but not

likely to adversely

affect.

Direct effects - Late

winter would be the

time for denning.

Mitigation to

construct trail from

August to mid winter

would likely avoid

direct effects during

the breeding season.

Wolves probably do

not den in the

proposed new trail

route. The relatively

close proximity to

CC 16 reduces this

potential.

Indirect effects -

as with Alt 1

shooting and

chasing are possible,

but very unlikely.

Road density would

not change. Moose

and wolves could be

less stressed and

move more freely in

the Royal Lk

drainage.

May affect but not

likely to adversely

affect.

Direct effects -

none. The 0.4 mi. of

new trail

construction

between McFarland

Lk. and CC 16 is the

only part not on an

existing road. That

section is close to

human habitation

and activities and is

not likely denning or

rendezvous habitat.

Indirect effects - as

with Alt 1 shooting

and chasing are

possible, but very

unlikely. Road

density (0.42

mi./sq.mi.) would not

change. Moose and

wolves could be less

stressed and move

more freely in the

Royal Lk drainage.

May affect but not

likely to adversely

affect.

Direct effects -

none. Proposed trail

follows existing road

and trail.

Indirect effects - as

with Alt 1 shooting

and chasing are

possible, but very

unlikely. Road

density (0.42

mi./sq.mi.) would not

change. Moose and

wolves could be less

stressed and move

more freely in the

Royal Lk drainage.

Increasing human population and

housing in the area is likely to bring

more potential for human/wolf contact

with negative effects. However, except

for Alt 2, most of the trails are proposed

on existing rds/trs. Crosscountry travel

is allowed on the Superior NF with

snowmobiles. But, most snowmobile

use occurs on designated routes.

Except for the currently illegal route,

there is no advantage to traveling off the

designated route. Any of these trails

would continue to channel snowmobile

travel. Wolves are likely to den away

them. These trails would increase the

potential for ATVs. Wolves may avoid

these trails during daylight and use them

at night, but continue to use the area.

The Minnesota DNR has, is, and will

probably continue to schedule timber

sales on their property in the analysis

area. The temporary roads constructed

to access these sales would be off

SFR328 and possibly off of the Stump

River Road. These could provide more

corridors for snowmobile and ATV riders

to use. More likely use would be with

ATV’s by hunters, resulting in some risk

of wolf shooting. Some snowmobile

riders could consider these temporary

roads good to explore. These impacts

are not assured depending on if and

how the state managers close these

Page 2 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Canada lynx

Felis

canadensis

Variety of habitats,

particularly boreal, with

good hare populations.

The Forest Plan (2004)

guidance for lynx habitat

mgmt includes road and

trail direction to:

-Allow no net increase

in designated over-snow

trail routes unless

designation effectively

consolidates use and

improves lynx habitat

through a net reduction

of compacted snow

areas. -

Designate a snow

compacting trail to

move use away from

better lynx habitat, and

concentrate use within

existing areas.

-Seek ways to maintain

road and snow

compacting trail density

below 2 mi. per square

mile.

-Effective close trails

and low class roads that

intersect new snow-

compacting trails.

Yes

Project occurs

in Lynx

Analysis Unit

(LAU) 42.

Current 0.58

mi/sq.mi. road

and compact

snow trail. No

Critical habitat

has yet been

designated.

But, the SNF

is considered

important

habitat, and

follows the

Lynx

Conserva-tion

Assess-

ment and

Strategy

whereby

LAU's are

defacto critical

habitat.

(Forest Plan

BA, 2004)

No particular

records, but

the Superior

NF is

considered

important

habitat

(Forest Plan

BA,2004)

Lynx presence

has been

verified on the

SNF (MNDNR,

2004) The

SNF operates

under the

Forest Service

Lynx Conser-

vation

Agreement

with the Fish

and Wildlife

Service (2000)

to conserve

and manage

lynx and lynx

habitat (Forest

Plan BA,2004)


adversely affect.

Assuming snowmobiling

Royal R. route between

McFarland and So. Fowl

L. would stop, there would

be 2.4 less miles of

road/snow-compacting

trail. Rd/tr density from

0.68 to 0.62 mi/sq mi. in

LAU. No trail loop

allowed between the

lakes.


Indirect effects -

snowmobile use on CC

16 and SFR 328 may lead

to human chasing and/or

shooting of lynxes.

Chasing unlikely;

snowmobiles are fairly

well restricted to the

existing roads, and lynxes

aren't. Shooting unlikely;

rare for a snowmobile

rider to carry a firearm.

General habitat and prey

would not be affected.

Use concentrated on

existing road corridors.

Assuring the Royal R.

route is not used, it would

help assure security for

lynx in an area with good

hare potential.


adversely affect.

The new trail is 0.2 mi.

shorter than current link;

LAU rd/tr density would

not change. A loop could

be made on new and

existing rd/tr. between

McFarland and S. Fowl

Lks. as it does now.

Direct effects - the

proposed route could

intersect a den site, but

this route doesn' t

traverse habitat like that

used for denning

elsewhere on the SNF.

Also, mitigation measures

should prevent direct

destruction.

Indirect effects - Most of

the old route is in

potential hare hab. About

half the proposed tr.

would be likely hare hab.

Use of CC 16 and the

SFR 328 is likely to

continue for loop travel.

The effect would be

similar to current. Lynx

are approachable; but

shooting less likely than

chasing.


adversely affect. New

construction (1.32 mi); the

remainder (4.1mi.) on

current corridors. The

new trail (west side CC16)

about the same length as

the illegal route. The rd/tr

density would remain 0.65

mi/sq.mi. Direct

effects - Mitigation

measures should prevent

the remote possibility of

interfering with a den.

Indirect effects - About

half the proposed

additional tr. in Alt 3

would be in likely hare

hab; about 1.9 ac loss.

But the current illegal

route in the Royal R.

drainage affects approx.

2.9 ac. of hare hab.

Removing disturbance in

the Royal R. drainage not

only provides more hab,

but it is a better area for

lynx being further from

human settlement. The

value of the hab. gained

by closing the original

route is more than that

lost in Alt 3.


adversely affect. New

construction on about 0.4

mi.; the remainder on

current road coridors.

Without the old route the

rd/tr density would

decrease from 0.58 to

0..63 mi./sq.mi.


Indirect effects -

snowmobile use on CC

16 and SFR 328 could

allow human chasing

and/or shooting of lynxes.

Chasing unlikely since the

snowmobiles fairly well

restricted to the existing

roads, and lynxes aren't.

Shooting unlikely because

snowmobile riders rarely

carry firearms. General

habitat and prey would

not be affected along

current roads. Assuring

the Royal R. route is not

used would help assure

security for lynx in an area

with good hare potential.

Almost total use of

existing coridors would

have least impact of all

alts.


adversely affect. Rd/tr

density would decrease

from 0.58 to 0.54 mi.

sq.mi. No loop of

existing roads and trails

would be available

between the lakes.


Indirect effects -

snowmobile use on SFR

328 could allow human

chasing and/or shooting

of lynxes. Chasing

unlikely since the

snowmobiles fairly well

restricted to the existing

roads, and lynxes aren't.

Shooting unlikely because

snowmobile riders rarely

carry firearms. General

habitat and prey would

not be affected along

current roads. Assuring

the Royal R. route is not

used would help assure

security for lynx in an area

with good hare potential.

Illegal use of CC 16 likely

to continue, but with

negligible effect to lynx.

29.2 total mi of existing rd/tr in this LAU.

Miles decrease in all alts, compacted snow

decrease - lynx benefit, ATV use may

increase- lynx probably not affected. Recent

research shows they are aware of rds/trs,

but seem not to avoid them or the vehicles

using them. Increasing human development

will likely increase negative human/wildlife

contact. But, except for Alt 2 and 3,

proposed routes mostly on existing rds and

trs. Crosscountry snowmobile travel allowed

on the SNF, but most snowmobilers use

designated routes. Except for the currently

illegal route, there is no advantage to

traveling off a designated route. Lynxes

likely to den away from these corridors.

Page 3 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Superior

National Forest

Sensitive

Species

MAMMALS

Heather vole

Phenacomys

intermedius

Forest, brushland or

clearcuts with

Vaccinium spp. and

rocks.

Presumably.

Some

localities in

the project

area are

somewhat

like other

place where

this species

is found. But,

the locations

for the

proposed

trails do not

appear to be

in favorable

habitat.

No

No searches

have been

made here.

Jannett 2002 No impact - route

follows existing

roads.

May impact individuals

but not likely to cause

a trend toward Federal

listing or loss of

viability. Habitat of new

trail location does not

match that of known

sites. The species is

not likely to be here.

But if that is wrong, the

trail could be a loss of

habitat and may affect

a band of habitat of

varying width bordering

the trail.




listing or loss of

viability. Habitat of new

trail location does not

match that of known

sites. The species is

not likely to be here.

But if that is wrong, the

trail could be a loss of

habitat and may affect

a band of habitat of

varying width bordering

the trail.

No impact - route

follows existing

roads.

No impact - route

follows existing

roads.

Page 4 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


BIRDS

Northern

goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

Large patch of older

trees with closed

canopy and open

understory

Yes

No nesting

records in

the area.

No

No searches

have been

made here.

MNDNR and

FS records

No impact - route

follows existing

roads.


but not likely to cause a

trend toward Federal

listing or loss of viability.

Habitat of new trail

location is mature forest,

well connected canopy,

minimal shrub layer. This

could be nesting hab.

Direct effects - None;

the trail construction

would be timed outside

nesting period.

Indirect effects - no

decline in prey expected.

Fragmentation of this

canopy is not likely to

widen because of the trail

corridor. The mitigation to

maintain trees and

provide only a narrow

corridor isn't likely to alter

the current canopy.

Snowmobile riders have

only slight possibility to

affect courting pairs in

early March.




listing or loss of

viability. Direct

effects - None; the

trail construction would

be timed outside

nesting period.

Indirect effects - no

significant effects on

prey. Fragmentation of

this canopy is likely to

widen due to the

altered soil, water flow,

and light. That could

decrease its value for

goshawk. Over time

trees could mature at

trail edges, the canopy

could cover much of

the trail, and negative

effects could decrease.

Use by snowmobile

riders only slight

possibility to affect

courting pairs in early

March.

No impact - except

for a short segment

route follows existing

roads.

No impact - route

follows existing road.

In Alt 2 and 3 new trail segments are

made. Other trails like these are

possible in the analysis area. If

goshawks attempted nesting near one

of these trails, late spring and early

summer ATV use could stress the pair

and the young. We know of so few

nests and many times they fail. There

must be a significant landscape factor

such as mustelid predation that

discourages occupation of the habitat by

goshawks. These trail effects would

represent a limited form of forest

fragmentation. Since goshawks use the

forest interior, fragmentation may have

reduced goshawk habitat Forest-wide.

However, it appears available habitat is

going unused across the Forest. These

trail corridors would be relatively minor

in the overall landscape view.

Boreal owl

Aegolius

funereus

Secondary cavity

nester. Old boreal

forest (inc. aspen) next

to lowland conifer

foraging areas.

No

Not good

combination

of favorable

habitat

features.

No Lane; 18 years

of survey

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 5 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


LeConte's

sparrow

Ammodramus

leconteii

Uplands and lowlands

with dense, tall,

grass/sedge vegetation

and thick ground litter

No

Not good

combination

of favorable

habitat

features.

No Sauer et al.

2003; MN

NHP Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

Floating aquatic

vegetation mat around

lakes

No No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Olive-sided

flycatcher

Contopus

cooperi

Snags, low density

conifer lowlands,

riverine/riparian areas.

Yes

All of SNF is

in range;

conditions

are present

unknown Janssen 1995 No impact

Existing roads used

No impact

New trail may

traverse marginal

Olive-sided habitat.

No impact

Existing roads used

and new trail would

not be in Olive-sided

hab.

No impact

Existing roads used

and new trail may

pass near Olive-

sided hab. Effects

not anticipated

No impact

Existing roads used

Yellow rail

Coturnicops

noveboracensis

Lowland sedge

meadows with specific

characteristics such as

overhead mat of dead

sedge.

No

Not in range

No Janssen 1995

MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 6 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Black-throated

blue warbler

Dendroica

caerulescens

Large contiguous

mature forests, probably

associated with small

canopy gaps and a well-

developed shrub

understory

Yes Yes SNF records

and Janssen

1995

No impact

Existing roads used





Direct effects - the trail

construction is not

expected to directly affect

the species due to timing

mitigation. Indirect

effects - The proposed

trail is not likely to affect

enough of the mature

forest to affect BTBW use

here. The effects of

changing the water flow

down the hillside and

opening to sun would

open the corridor to more

than initial, narrow,

avenue. This could kill

trees and increase lower

forest structure. The

BTBW could benefit, but

there may be a trade-off

between overstory canopy

loss and the probable

gain in shrubs and small

trees. This bird seems to

favor canopy along with

lower stand structure.

Species is not expected

to be affected by trail

users.




listing or loss of

viability.through

habitat.

Direct effects - the

trail construction is not

expected to directly

affect the species

because of timing

mitigation.

Indirect effects -

mature forest with

relatively rich,

substrate would be

changed along the

trail. Changes in

water flow and sun

exposure would

effect the vegetation.

The initial corridor

width could open

more. This could

increase edge

effects and increase

shrubs. This may

provide structure for

these birds. Since

they favor some

forest canopy with

the understory

structure, the trail

may be a trade-off. If

No impact

Existing roads used;

only short distance

of new trail not in

ideal habitat.

No impact

Existing roads used

Bay-breasted

warbler

Dendroica

castanea

Mature upland and

lowland spruce/fir

forests.

Yes

less than

optimal

habitat in

project area.

unknown/

likely

Janssen 1995 No impact

Existing roads used

No impact

New trail would

create a corridor

through an area

unlikely to be used

by this species. It is

not expected to be

affected by trail

users.

No impact

New trail would

create a corridor

through habitat

unlikely to be used

by this species..

Species is not

expected to be

affected by trail

users.

No impact

New trail would

create a short

corridor through

marginal habitat.

Species is not

expected to be

affected by trail

users.

No impact

Existing roads used

Page 7 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Peregrine

falcon

Falco

peregrinus

Nest: cliff/ledges; Hunt:

forest openings, lakes,

wetlands

Yes

project would

not affect

habitat

No

The cliffs

above the

route for Alt

2 could offer

nesting

potential.

MN NHP

Database

2003 (lack of

records)

No impact - existing

roads used.


but is not likely to

cause a trend toward

federal listing or a loss

of viability.

Direct Effects - None

expected with

construction occurring

after breeding season.

Indirect Effects -

Summer (human) use

of the trail could stress

adults if they were to

nest on the cliffs. If

rock climbers,

encouraged to use the

cliff because of this

trail, were to climb the

cliff near a nest it could

lead to nest

abandonment early in

the nesting season.

Human presence

doesn't necessarily

lead to stress or

abandonment as

shown by experiences

from the peregrine

reintroduction project.

No impact - habitat

changes not in

nesting habitat.


roads used.


roads used.

More human recreation in the area

below and above cliffs could result from

more trails and other recreational

facilities luring more humans into the

analysis area. The Border Route Tr. is

located above potential habitat. A trail

below isn't necessary for climbers to use

the cliffs, but it makes it more

convenient. Human presence in a

nesting territory isn't as detrimental as

once thought. But it would be better

avoided.

Connecticut

warbler

Oporornis agilis

Jack pine or lowland

conifer with a thick

ericaceous understory.

Area sensitive species

No

Marginal/

very limited

Not in

proposed

routes

unknown MN NHP

Database

2003 (lack of

records)

No impact

Existing roads used

No impact

New trail would

create a corridor

through an area

unlikely to be used


not expected to be

affected by trail

users.

No impact

New trail would

create a corridor

through an area

unlikely to be used


not expected to be

affected by trail

users.

No impact

New trail would

create a short

corridor through an

area unlikely to be

used by this species

No impact

Existing roads used

Habitat not affected; less than optmal

habitat in project area

Page 8 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Wilson's

phalarope

Phalaropus

tricolor

Large open wet

meadows

No No Janssen 1995 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Three-toed

woodpecker

Picoides

tridactylus

Coniferous forests with

numerous snags

No Records in

general area

Janssen 1995 No impact

Existing roads used

No impact

New trail would

create a corridor

through an area

unlikely to be used

by this species

No impact

New trail would

create a corridor

through an area

unlikely to be used

by this species

No impact

New trail would

create a short

corridor through an

area unlikely to be


No impact

Existing roads used

Great gray owl

Strix nebulosa

Nesting habitat of

mature trees on wet soil

with >60% canopy

closure near open

foraging areas.

No

Not in

proposed

routes

No Lane; 18 years

of survey

No impact

Existing roads used

No impact

New trail in an area

unlikely to be used

by this species

No impact

New trail in an area

unlikely to be used

by this species

No impact

New, short trail in an

area unlikely to be


No impact

Existing roads used

Sharp-tailed

grouse

Tympanuchus

phasianellus

Brushland complexes

(>5,000 acres) with

open areas, brush and

small trees. Also large,

open agricultural hay or

pasture with associated

brush habitat.

No

Not within

range

No MN DNR data

2005

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

REPTILES

Wood turtle

Clemmys

insculpta

(Glyptemys)

Upland and lowland

habitats with suitable

shade and insects for

forage. Riparian

habitats with open

sandy areas for nesting.

No

Not within

range

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Oldfield

and Moriarty

1994

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

FISH

Lake sturgeon

Acipenser

fulvescens

On SNF: Large lakes

and rivers in the

Hudson Bay drainage

No

Not within

range; no

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Shortjaw cisco

Coregonus

zenithicus

Lake Superior,

Saganaga and Gunflint

Lakes, possibly others.

No

Not within

range; no

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 9 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Northern brook

lamprey

Ichthyomyzon

fossor

Warm, medium-sized,

low-gradient streams

with sections of higher

gradient reaches

suitable for spawning.

Ammocoete's require

organically enriched,

sandy substrate until

metamorphosis.

No

closest

records in St.

Louis County

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

MOLLUSKS

Creek

heelsplitter

Lasmigona

compressa

Headwaters of larger

rivers. St. Louis river

and tributaries. Lake of

the Woods tributaries.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Black sandshell

Ligumia recta

Medium to large rivers. No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

INSECTS

Tiger beetle

Cicindela

denikei

Sandy or rocky

openings in northern

hardwood forest

communities. Northern

hardwoods or

coniferous stands with

jackpine, birch, willows

and poplar and sandy-

silty-stony soils. Rock

outcrops, sandy-silty-

gravelly areas with

rocks and stones.

No No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Mancinus

alpine Erebia

disa mancinus

Shady black spruce

swamp

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Red-disked

alpine Erebia

discoidalis

discoiddis

Black spruce areas No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 10 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Nabokov's (or

Northern) blue

Lycaeides idas

nabokovi

Vaccinium cespitosum

host in open sandy jack

pine areas. On SNF:

McNair management

area and Grand Marais

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Jutta arctic

Oeneis jutta

ascerta

Moderately forested

black spruce bogs with

sedges

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Freija's grizzled

skipper

Pyrgus

centaureae

freija

Known only from the

McNair special

management area.

Upland acidic meadow.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

VASCULAR

PLANTS

Moschatel

Adoxa

moschatellina

Shaded damp cliffs and

slopes in upland mature

northern hardwood

forest

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 11 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Long-leaved

arnica

Arnica

lonchophylla

Perennial herb; Has

been collected on cool

& moist cliffs and ledges

on North Shore and

BWCAW border. Arctic

disjunct. This plant is

very rare in Minnesota

and it only occurs in

Minnesota in the US.

Yes

This species

could have

become

extirpated

from all but

the Border

Lakes site. It

still exists

where first

collected in

1932.

No

Potential

exists for the

plant to be

here, but

recent

searches did

not find it.

MN NHP

Database

2003; Ownbey

and Morley

1992; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988; Gerdes

1998, 2001

No impact

Not in habitat





Direct effects -

Constructing the trail is

not likely to affect the

cliffs on which this plant

could occur. If the sp.

existed here most likely it

would be on or at the

base of the cliff south of

the trail.

Indirect effects -

Opening this corridor

would change the

microclimate near it.

Those changes could

affect habitat on adjacent

cliffs. Effective

mitigations for narrow trail

corridor, and restricted

summer use should

reduce these potential

negative effects. The

determination statement

above relies on the

assumption that no

individuals would be

affected based on the

likely separation between

users and the species in

time (winter) and space

(slight buffer between trail

and cliff).

No impact.

The apparent cliffs

needed do not occur

near this route.

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

This species is one of the rarest plants

in N. America. It is one of several

disjunct species in the immediate area,

most of which are associated with the

unique cliffs, and all of which probably

should have national significance. The

potential effects of Alt. 2 on the unique

cliffs is the most difficult question of this

analysis. If we knew the species

occurred in the project area, there would

be questions about the likelihood of

effects. This species is so rare the effect

would be significant. Other trails in the

analysis area are not likely to affect this

species unless Alt 2 were in place. Then

additional trails may lead to more use of

the Alt 2 trail and the adjacent cliffs by

recreationists. This species seems

worthy of national listing.

Page 12 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Maidenhair

spleenwort

Asplenium

trichomanes

Perennial fern; In

crevices of moist,

mostly east facing cliffs,

ledges and talus, Rove

formation. Disjunct.

Specialized cliff hab,

only near one proposed

trail in the project

corridors.

Yes Yes MN NHP

Database

2003; Ownbey

and Morley

1992; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988

No impact

Not in habitat

With effective

mitigation may impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a trend

toward Federal listing

or loss of viability.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail could

possibly affect some

rock formation on

which this may occur.

It is very unlikely since

the known locations

are on the cliffs above

the proposed trail

route.

Indirect effects - the

trail corridor would

affect microclimate

(light, wind, moisture)

for some variable

distance from the

edges. This could have

negative effects on the

plant. The plant grows

on cliffs, where it is

already austere, so

effects are difficult to

predict.

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

New trails in Alts 2, 3, and 4, and in

other locations in the analysis area

would probably increase summer ATV

use. The trail of Alt 2 would be unlike

potential trails elsewhere in the analysis

area. It lies in a botanically unique area.

Recreationists exploring there, could

endanger sensitive plants. This plant is

not likely to occur in other locations in

the analysis area. Most of the known

sensitive plants are in a relatively

inaccessible area and are not potentially

threatened except by Alt. 2. If Alt 2

were in place, more recreation

opportunities from trails and other

developments in the analysis area may

increase potential for use in all seasons

on the Alt. 2 trail.

Page 13 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Alpine milkvetch

Astragalus

alpinus

Sandy, gravelly

fluctuating shorelines

with sparse vegetation.

Inland strand beach -

sparse veg

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Swamp beggar-

ticks

Bidens

discoidea

Wet habitats: silty

shores, hummocks in

floating mats and

swamps, partly

submerged logs

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Ownbey

and Morley

1992

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Pointed

moonwort

Botrychium

acuminatum

Perennial fern; Open

habitats such as old log

landings, old dirt roads,

borrow pits

Possibly No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Very slight

possibility species

could be found along

state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

could destroy plants.

Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

Would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat

Very slight potential for immediate direct

impacts to this species and habitat

along CC 16, but in long term the

widened shoulder (Alt.4) would create

habitat for this species. It would create

more habitat for invasive species, too.

Increases in these invasives would

threaten native species, esp. the rare,

sensitive ones. Trail construction can

create habitat throughout the analysis

area. New habitat created by trail

construction could be reduced by ATV

use, but this plant could also occur at

the rd/tr edge where the ATV's weren't

used.

Page 14 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Triangle grape-

fern

Botrychium

lanceolatum

Mostly northern

hardwood forests, also

oldfields, old logging

roads, trails

Possibly No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Page 15 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Lance-leaf grape-

fern

Botrychium

lanceolatum var

augustisegment

um

Mostly northern

hardwood forests, also

oldfields, old logging

roads, trails

Possibly No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Probably not in

habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Page 16 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Moonwort grape-

fern

Botrychium

lunaria

Open habitats such as

old log landings, sawmill

sites, old building sites

Possibly No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Page 17 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Michigan

moonwort

Botrychium

michiganense

(hesperium)

Open habitats such as

old log landing, old dirt

roads, gravel pits,

powerline corridors,

borrow pits. Also beach

ridges, old fields, trails,

and dredge spoil dumps

Unknown No MN NHP

Database;

Forest Service

data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Goblin fern

Botrychium

mormo

Mesic deciduous forest

with thick leaf layer,

open understory

No

Not in range

or habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 18 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Pale moonwort

Botrychium

pallidum

Open, disturbed

habitats, log landings,

roadsides, dunes,

sandy gravel pits.

Unknown No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Ternate grape-

fern

Botrychium

rugulosum

(=ternatum)

Generally open habitats,

such as old log landings

and edges of trails.

Unknown No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and

destroy plants. It is

very unlikely since

favorable habitat is

discontinuous.

Indirect effects -

not expected.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Page 19 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Least moonwort

Botrychium

simpl ex

Generally open habitats,

such as old log

landings, roadside ditch,

trails, open fields, base

of cliff, railroad rights of

way

Unknown No MN NHP

Database

2003; Forest

Service data

No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


state's Stump River

Rd.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail


Indirect effects -

not expected from

use of snowmobiles.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


possibility species


edge of CC 16.

However, habitat is

discontinuous.

Direct effects -

Constructing trail

would reconstruct

road shoulder and


Indirect effects -

some habitat may be

created next to the

new trail along CC

16.

No impact

Not in habitat















used.

Floating marsh-

marigold

Caltha natans

Perennial herb; shallow

water of pools, ditches,

sheltered lake margins,

slow moving creeks,

sloughs and oxbows,

pools in shrub swamps

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 20 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Fairy slipper

Calypso bulbosa

Hummocks in northern

white cedar swamps,

moist to wet lowland

conifer swamps, and to

lesser extent in upland

coniferous forests

Yes

Particularly

north of the

Border Route

Trail

No Smith 1993,

USDA Forest

Service 2003a,

Gerdes 1998,

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Species is

possible esp. on

west half of

proposed trail.

Direct effects - trail

construction is most

likely to be done in

summer or fall when

it could destroy

plants directly.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect

microclimate (light,

wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

would probably not

survive changes in

water flow and

overhead canopy in

these affected areas.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Species

may occur, esp. in

the north half of

proposed trail.




summer or fall when

it could destroy

plants directly.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

would probably not

survive changes in

water flow and

overhead canopy in


No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

This plant could occur in favorable habitat

throughout the analysis area. New trails would

probably increase summer ATV use. People and

machines unintentionally carry seeds bringing

invasive, nonnative plants into an area. Purple

loosestrife occurs at the entry point at Little John

Lk. Leafy spurge occurs in a BWCAW campsite

on the west side of McFarland LK. Spotted

knapweed occurs in other areas of the Rove Slate

region. Hawkweed, lupine, tansy, and many other

non-natives are common along the roads and

trails of Cook County. The spread of foreign

worms is another likely result where angling is

probably the major recreation in the area. Alien

plants and worms bring changes in flora/fauna

that are usually detrimental to rare/sensitive,

native spp.

Katahdin sedge

Carex

katahdinensis

In seasonally moist,

gravelly/sandy soil;

along shores of large

and small lakes;

margins of ephemeral

pools; associated with

seasonal flooding;

disjunct species.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988; Gerdes

1998, 2001;

Ownbey and

Morley 1992

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 21 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


New England

sedge

Carex novae-

angliae

Moist woods with sugar

maple, also with birch,

aspen, tall shrubs;

yellow birch and white

spruce dominated forest

No No USDA Forest

Service 2002a,

L. Gerdes

1998

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Short sedge

Carex rossii

Perennial graminoid;

Rocky summits, dry

exposed cliff faces,

rocky slopes, in east

Border Lakes

subsection; disjunct

species from main

areas of occurrence in

western North America.

Yes

Habitat is in

the analysis

area, but is

not in one of

the proposed

corridors.

Yes

Recently

rediscovered

in the state.

Although is

found in only

one site, it is

not currently

listed in

Minnesota.

MN NHP

Database

2003; Gerdes

1998, 2001

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -

the effects could be

described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

No impact May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

To the degree the trail improvements

encourage use, increasing human

presence and exploration in the area,

the plants may be affected by Forest

users. Increased ATV use could

increase use of the Border Route hiking

trail which crosses the current approach

to S. Fowl Lk (SFR328). The Border Rt

Tr. is located close to the habitat of this

plant. The proposed trail corridors would

not directly affect this species. But they

are loosely connected with other forms

of recreation in the area. Hiking traffic

on the Border Route Trail is not well

connected with these proposed

snowmobile routes. With more

demonstrable connection, this project

and others like it could lead to a concern

over viability. The Minnesota population

is a disjunct and at one site. As such the

FWS could list this population segment

as threatened or endangered. Listing

this plant seems warranted.

Douglas's

hawthorn

Crataegus

douglasii

North Shore rocky,

gravelly

streambeds/banks and

open areas; rocky

borders of woods

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 22 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Ram's-head

lady's slipper

Cypripedium

arietinum

Wide variety of forests,

both upland and

lowland, but in MN

predominantly in white

cedar swamps; also in

forests dominated by

jack pine, red pine, or

white pine

Yes No MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988; Gerdes

1998, 2001;

Ownbey and

Morley 1992

No impact

Not in habitat

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Species

quite possible esp.

on west half of

proposed trail.




summer or fall when

it could destroy

plants directly.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

would probably not

survive changes in

water flow and

overhead canopy in


May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Species

quite possible esp.

on north half of

proposed trail.




summer or fall when

it could destroy

plants directly.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

would probably not

survive changes in

water flow and

overhead canopy in


No impact

Not in habitat

No impact

Not in habitat

New trails in the analysis area would probably

increase summer ATV use. The trail of Alt 2

would be unlike potential trails elsewhere in the

analysis area. It lies in a botanically unique area.

Recreationists exploring there, could endanger

sensitive plants. People and machines

unintentionally carry seeds bringing invasive,

nonnative plants into an area. Purple loosestrife

occurs at the entry point at Little John Lk. Leafy

spurge occurs in a BWCAW campsite on the west

side of McFarland LK. Spotted knapweed occurs

in other areas of the Rove Slate region.

Hawkweed, lupine, tansy, and many other non-

natives are common along the roads and trails of

Cook County. The spread of foreign worms is

another likely result where angling is probably the

major recreation in the area. Alien plants and

worms bring changes in flora/fauna that are

usually detrimental to rare/sensitive, native spp.

This species should be relatively safe except in or

immediate to a trail. Most of the known sensitive

plants are in a relatively inaccessible area and are

not likely to be threatened by potential trails.

Page 23 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Rough-fruited

fairy bells

Disporum

trachycarpum

Semi-open jack pine

forest, with aspen,

birch, shallow rocky

soils, in east Border

Lakes subsection; new

to Minnesota.

Yes

Habitat is in

the analysis

area, but is

not in one of

the proposed

corridors.

Yes MN NHP

Database

2003; Gerdes

1998, 2001

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. No impact

Proposal not in the

habitat. Considering

some possible

cumulative effects

from human

population, a weak

link may be made

between this species

and the proposed

trail.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).


encourage human presence and

exploration in the area, the plants may

be affected by Forest users. A fairly

slight possibility exists that increased

ATV use could be very loosely

connected to an increase use of the

Border Route hiking trail which crosses

the current approach to S. Fowl Lk

(SFR328). The Border Rt Tr. is located

close to the site of this plant. It seems

more likely that any increased use of the

Border Route Tr. would be a function of

more hikers coming into the area. The

proposed trail corridors themselves

would seem to make a weak link with

affects to this species.

Neat spike-rush

Eleocharis nitida

Mineral soil of wetlands,

often w/ open canopy

and disturbance, such

as logging roads/ditches

through wetlands

Unknown,

Remotely

possible

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988; Gerdes

1998, 2001;

Ownbey and

Morley 1992

No impact No impact No impact No impact No impact

Moor rush

Juncus stygius

Shallow pools in non-

forested peatlands,

often in a sedge-

dominated community

No

Not very

likely, favors

weakly acidic

peatlands.

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988; Gerdes

1998, 2001

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Creeping rush

Juncus subtilis

Sandy lakeshore – only

known occurrence is in

BWCAW; one location

in Minnesota.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Gerdes

1998, 2001

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 24 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Vasey's rush

Juncus vaseyi

Seasonally wet soil of

wetlands, often w/ open

canopy and

disturbance, such as

roadside ditch, trail,

gravel pit, often with

sedges and grasses

No No Walton 1999,

Walton 2000c;

Gerdes 1998,

2001; Ownbey

and Morley

1992

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Auricled

twayblade

Listera

auriculata

On alluvial or lake-

deposited sands or

gravels, with occasional

seasonal flooding,

associated with riparian

alder or spruce/fir forest

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

American shore-

grass

Littorella uniflora

Shallow margins of

nutrient-poor lakes,

seepage lakes, sandy

substrate, may have

fine gravel/organic soil.

Fluctuating water up to

about 1 meter.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 25 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Large-leaved

sandwort

Arenaria

(Moehringia)

macrophylla

Cliffs/rock outcrops,

talus, conifer sites on

shallow soils, pine

plantation with rocky

outcrops; usually semi-

open shrub or tree

canopy; disjunct

Yes

Two

locations in

the project

area, one

shaded,

somewhat

moist, the

other dry

Yes MN NHP

Database

2003; Gerdes

1998, 2001

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).




listing or loss of

viability as long as

mitigations are

effective.

Direct effects -

potential disruption to

plants as the trail is

constructed. It

depends on extent of

known site.

Indirect effects -the

possible microsite

effects of this trail (e.g.

drying, increased light,

air currents) have a

slight potential to

provide more favorable

habitat. On the other

hand different

microclimates could

support different

competitors. So, the

trail could reduce

favorable habitat, but it

would be mitigated to

avoid significant

microsite effects.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability.

Direct effects -

none expected.

Indirect effects -


described mostly as

cumulative effects

(see last column).


encourage human presence and

exploration in the area, the plants may

be affected by Forest users. Increased

ATV use on these snowmobile trails

could increase hiking on the Border

Route hiking trail which crosses the

current approach to S. Fowl Lk

(SFR328). The Border Rt Tr. is located

close to one of the known sites of this

plant. Alternatives 1, 3, 4, and 5 use the

existing trail corridor from SFR328 to S.

Fowl Lk. An improved trail here could

result in more hiking on the Border

Route Tr., and higher risk of disturbance

to this and other sensitive species. It

seems more likely that any increased

use of the Border Route Tr. would be a

function of more hikers coming into the

area. The above alternatives would

seem to make a weak link with affects to

this species. Otherwise, the known

sensitive plants are relatively

inaccessible.

Fall dropseed

muhly

Muhlenbergia

uniflora

Wet sandy beaches,

floating peat mats

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Dwarf water-lily

Nymphaea

leibergii

Slow moving streams,

rivers, beaver

impoundments 1-2 m

deep. Occurs at outer

margin of emergent

vegetation.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 26 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Chilean sweet

cicely

Osmorhiza

berteroi

Northern hardwood

forest dominated by

sugar maple on North

Shore.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Sticky locoweed

Oxytropis

borealis var

viscida

(=Oxytropis

viscida var

viscida)

Perennial herb; Slate

cliff and talus slopes in

east Border Lakes

subsection. Only one of

three arctic/alpine

disjunct populations in

US and Canada.

Yes Yes

One

location.

Shrinking

population?

MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988; Gerdes

1998, 2001;

Ownbey and

Morley 1992

No impact

Alternatives 1, 3, 4,

and 5 use the

existing trail corridor

from SFR328 to So.

Fowl Lk. This

corridor does not

threaten the cliff, the

only known site in

Minnesota, where

these disjuncts

survive.

No impact

Apparently the cliffs

to the west of this

location, beside

which this alternative

would create a trail,

do not have this

species.

No impact


and 5 use the


from SFR328 to So.

Fowl Lk. This

corridor does not


only known site in

Minnesota, where

these disjuncts

survive.

No impact


and 5 use the


from SFR328 to So.

Fowl Lk. This

corridor does not


only known site in

Minnesota, where

these disjuncts

survive.

No impact


and 5 use the


from SFR328 to So.

Fowl Lk. This

corridor does not


only known site in

Minnesota, where

these disjuncts

survive.

The population seems to be declining,

but it doesn't appear to be related to

human presence or activities in the

area. Whether or not human caused

climatic changes have had an effect is

unknown. Presumeably with global

warming will come losses of disjunct

populations and shifts in species'

occurrence and range. It would seem

this species would qualify for federal

listing with concern for population

segments. Concern for impacts would

be more related to the behavior of hikers

using the Border Route Trail.

Club-spur orchid

Platanthera

clavellata

Floating bog mats,

sphagnum, stunted

conifer swamp, mixed

spruce tamarack,

borrow pits, winter

logging roads

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Western Jacob's

ladder

Polemonium

occidentale ssp.

lacustre

Primarily white cedar

swamps, also mixed

conifer swamps; thrives

in openings

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003, Carlson

and Sather

2001

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Braun's holly-

fern

Polystichum

braunii

Perennial fern; Cool

shady cliffs & slopes in

northern hardwoods.

North Shore is extreme

western edge of range.

No

Project not in

habitat.

No MN NHP

Database

2003, Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988, Gerdes

1998

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 27 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Lesser

wintergreen or

Small shinleaf

Pyrola minor

Black spruce swamps,

and ecotone between

uplands and lowland

alder/conifer swamp,

prefers closed canopy

Yes Yes

Known

location

about a mile

north of

project area.

MN NHP

Database

2003; Walton

1997, Gerdes

1998, 2001

No impact

Existing routes used

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Favorable

habitat on west half

of proposed route.

That area is also

closest to the known

location of this

species.

Direct effects -

potential disruption

to plants as the trail

is constructed.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

could be negatively

affected by changes

in water flow and

overhead canopy in


Mitigation should

restrict these effects.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Possibility

this plant could exist

in the section

between Wooley's

Bluff and the Stump

R.

Direct effects -



is constructed.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

would probably not

survive changes in

water flow and

overhead canopy in


May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


chance this species

could exist in the

section between

Wooley's Bluff and

CC16.

Direct effects -



is constructed.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

would probably not

survive changes in

water flow and

overhead canopy in


No impact

Existing roads and

trails used.

New trails in Alts 2, 3, and 4 would probably


would be unlike potential trails elsewhere in the

analysis area. It lies in a botanically unique area.


sensitive plants. People and machines

unintentionally carry seeds bringing invasive,

nonnative plants into an area. Purple loosestrife

occurs at the entry point at Little John Lk. Leafy

spurge occurs in a BWCAW campsite on the west

side of McFarland LK. Spotted knapweed occurs

in other areas of the Rove Slate region.

Hawkweed, lupine, tansy, and many other non-

natives are common along the roads and trails of

Cook County. The spread of foreign worms is

another likely result where angling is probably the

major recreation in the area. Alien plants and

worms bring changes in flora/fauna that are

usually detrimental to rare/sensitive, native spp.

Most of the known sensitive plants are in a

relatively inaccessible area and are not likely to

be threatened except by Alt. 2.

Cloudberry

Rubus

chamaemorus

Black spruce/sphagnum

forest, acidic. Superior

NF at southern edge of

species range

No

Project not in

habitat. A

disjunct

species

No

Known in

only one

location in

Minnesota

MN NHP

Database

2003, Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 28 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Nodding

saxifrage

Saxifraga

cernua

Cliffs, ledges, diabase

cliff (calcium based

feldspars). One

location in MN in open

cliff. An arctic/alpine

disjunct.

No

Project not in

habitat as it

is known.

No

The only

known

location in

the state is

to the west

of the project

area. It is a

cliff dwelling

species but

the rock

substrate is

apparently

different.

MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988, Gerdes

1998, 2001

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 29 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Encrusted

(Livelong)

saxifrage

Saxifraga

paniculata

(=aizoon)

spp.Neogaea

Cliffs, sheltered

crevices, and ledges of

north-facing cliffs;

Arctic/alpine disjunct.

Yes Yes MN NHP

Database

2003, Gerdes

1998, 2001

No impact

Alternative 1 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten

the cliffs on either

side of the corridor

where these

disjuncts survive.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


habitat on west two

thirds of proposed

route, the area

closest to the known

locations on cliffs.

Direct effects -



is constructed.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This could

have negative

effects on the plant.

The plant grows on

cliffs, where it is

already austere, so

effects are difficult to

predict. Mitigations

should protect many

individuals and

No impact

Alternative 3 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

This corridor does

not threaten the cliffs

on either side of the

corridor where these

disjuncts survive.

The section of trail

between McFarland

Lk. and Stump R. is

also adjacent to

steep tography. The

species probably

doesn't occur here.

The changes

brought on by the

trail probably would

not prove fatal to any

of this species if

located there.

No impact

Alternative 4 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten



where these

disjuncts survive.

No impact

Alternative 5 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten



where these

disjuncts survive.

New trails in in the analysis area would probably

increase summer ATV use. The cliffs should be

unaffected by other trail alternatives elsewhere.

Exploring recreationists could endanger sensitive

plants. Mitigation measures should reduce

potential. Sensitive plants on the cliffs should

remain unthreatened by other recreational and

management activities in the area. Perhaps listing

should be considered for this species, occurring

at nine sites in Minnesota and some in northern

New England. Fate of rare species seems to rest

with public interest.

Northern bur-

reed

Sparganium

glomeratum

Floating muck mats in

emergent wetland

habitat such as moats,

pond margins, road

ditches

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 30 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Awlwort

Subularia

aquatica

Beach zone of sandy

nutrient-poor lakes.

Shallow lake margins.

Submerged or emerged,

or stranded. 15-45 cm

deep water, but can

occur deeper. Can

flower while stranded,

or under other

conditions.

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Canada yew

Taxus

canadensis

Wide variety of uplands

and lowlands, including

cedar/ash swamps,

talus and cliffs, northern

hardwoods, aspen/birch

forest

Yes Yes Walton 2001,

Schmoller

2001, USDA

Forest Service

2003a, Forest

Service

records;

Gerdes 2001

No impact

Current roads would

be used.




listing or loss of


habitat esp. in west

two thirds of proposed

route.

Direct effects -

potential disruption to

plants as the trail is

constructed.


trail corridor would

affect microclimate

(light, wind, moisture)

for some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant may

not be affected by

these changes

because it grows in a

wide variety of

habitats. But because

the genome of these

plants may be adapted

to moister, cooler

conditions, the

changes could destroy

some plants.

Mitigations should

protect individuals if

not in or directly

adjacent to the trail.

No impact

Alternative 3 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This species is

less likely in the

section of trail

between McFarland

Lk. and Stump R.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

This corridor near

So. Fowl Lk. does

not threaten the

habitat on either side

of the corridor where

these plants exist.

The section of trail

between McFarland

Lk. and Stump R. is

also adjacent to

steep tography and

the changes brought

on by the trail could

destroy yew, but the

chances of this are

low. Mitigations

should protect many

individuals if present.

No impact

Alternative 4 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten

the habitat on either


where these plants

exist. The other

segments are not

likely to affect this

species.

No impact

Alternative 5 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten

the habitat on either


where these plants

exist.

New trails in Alts 2, 3, and 4 would

probably increase summer ATV use.

The trail of Alt 2 would lie close to

botanically unique cliffs. Recreationists

exploring there, could endanger

sensitive plants. Edge effect along the

trail will vary. Effects on the plants

would depend on trail orientation,

plant/water assoc. and position above or

below trail, effects to tree canopy, etc.

The trail should be constructed to

withstand ATV's; snowmobile trails often

become ATV trails. People and

machines can accidently carry seeds

bringing invasive, nonnative plants into

an area. Purple loosestrife occurs at the

entry point at Little John Lk. Leafy

spurge occurs in a BWCAW campsite

on the west side of McFarland LK.

Spotted knapweed occurs in other areas

of the Rove Slate region. Hawkweed,

lupine, tansy, and many other non-

natives are common along the roads

and trails of Cook County. Changes in

flora/fauna created by worms and alien

spps are usually detrimental to

rare/sensitive, native spp Mitigations

should help protect individuals if

present.

Page 31 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


False-asphodel

Tofieldia pusilla

Sedge mats at edges of

shoreline rock pools

along Lake Superior.

Arctic disjunct.

No No MN NHP

Database

2003

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Lance-leaved

violet

Viola lanceolata

Sandy to peaty

lakeshores; borders of

marshes and bogs,

damp sand ditches

No

Project not in

habitat

No MN NHP

Database

2003; Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988, Gerdes

1998

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Barren

strawberry

Waldsteinia

fragarioides

Upland coniferous and

deciduous forests, in

recently harvested

areas, established

plantations, and areas

with no recent harvest

Not likely No MN NHP

Database

2003, Gerdes

1998

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 32 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Smooth woodsia

Woodsia

glabella

Perennial fern; Moist,

north-facing cliffs along

Lake Superior. Also has

been found on slate

cliffs near Grand

Portage. Arctic

disjunct.

Very limited

chance it

would be

found here.

No MN NHP

Database

2003, Coffin

and

Pfannmuller

1988, Gerdes

1998, 2001

No impact

Alternative 1 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten



where these

disjuncts could be

found.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of


habitat on west two

thirds of proposed

route.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. This plant

may be affected by

these changes if the

trail comes close to

the cliffs and

changes the

microclimate.

Mitigations should

protect many

individuals if present.

No impact

Alternative 3 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

This corridor does



corridor where these

disjuncts could be

found. This species

is not expected on

the other segments

of the proposed trail.

No impact

Alternative 4 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten



where these

disjuncts could be

found.

No impact

Alternative 5 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. This corridor

does not threaten



where these

disjuncts could be

found.

New trails in Alts 2, 3, and 4 would probably


would lie close to botanically unique cliffs.


sensitive plants. Trail edge effect along the trail

will vary depending on trail orientation, plant/water

assoc. and position above or below trail, effects to

tree canopy, etc. The trail should be constructed

to withstand ATV's. People and machines

unintentionally carry seeds of invasive, nonnative

plants into an area. Purple loosestrife, leafy

spurge, and spotted knapweed occur in or near

the project area. Hawkweed, lupine, tansy, and

many other non-natives are common along the

roads and trails of Cook County. Alien

earthworms have also affected our ecosystem

consuming duff and destroying plants. These

alien species usually bring changes to native

flora/fauna, they are often detrimental to

rare/sensitive, native spp. This plant may not be

in the project area to be affected, however.

Page 33 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


NONVASCULAR

PLANTS

a lichen sp.

Arctoparmelia

centrifuga

Sunny rocks and open

talus slopes

Yes Yes Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002b

No impact

existing roads used

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Proposed

trail is close to

favorable habitat on

the cliffs about half

way along the

proposed route.

Direct effects -



is constructed.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. Apparently

grows in open and

shade so effects,

especially with

mitigations, are

uncertain.

No impact

Alternative 3 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. near where this

lichen occurs.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

This corridor does



corridor where this

lichen could be

found. This species

is not expected on

the other segments


No impact

Alternative 4 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. near where this

lichen occurs.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

This corridor does



corridor where this

lichen could be

found. This species

is not expected on

the other segments


No impact

Alternative 5 uses

the existing trail

corridor from

SFR328 to So. Fowl

Lk. near where this

lichen occurs.

Direct effects -

none expected

Indirect effects -

This corridor does



corridor where this

lichen could be

found. This species

is not expected on

the other segments


a lichen sp.

Arctoparmelia

subcentrifuga

Sunny rocks and open

talus slopes

No No USDA Forest

Service 2000a,

and Wetmore

2000, 2001

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

a lichen sp.

Caloplaca

parvula

Smooth bark of young

black ash in moist,

humid old growth black

ash stand

No No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002c

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 34 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


Yellow ribbon

lichen

Cetraria

(=ahtiana)

aurescens

Conifer bark in lowland

conifer swamps (old

cedar/black spruce)

No No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002d

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

a lichen sp.

Cladonia wainoi

On rock outcrops and

thin soil – exposed sites

with lots of light

unknown No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002e

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

No impact

Proposed trail would

be at least a quarter

of a mile from

potential habitat near

cliffs where species

is most likely.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

Port-hole lichen

Menegazzia

terebrata

Cedar swamps,

especially old growth;

base of cedar trees

No No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002f

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 35 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


a Dog lichen

Peltigera

venosa

Soil and moist cliffs,

exposed root wads.

unknown No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002g

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

May impact

individuals but not

likely to cause a


listing or loss of

viability. Proposed

trail is close to

favorable habitat on

the cliffs about half

way along the

proposed route.

Direct effects -



is constructed.

Indirect effects -

the trail corridor

would affect


wind, moisture) for

some variable

distance from the

edges. Apparently

grows in open and

shade, so effects,

especially with

mitigations, are

uncertain.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used and not

directly associated

with cliffs where

species is most

likely.

Yellow

specklebelly

lichen

Pseudocyphellar

ia crocata

Mossy rocks, trees in

partially shaded, moist,

frequently foggy

habitats

No No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002h

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 36 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


a lichen sp.

Ramalina

thrausta

Cedar swamps,

especially old growth

unknown No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002i

No impact

existing roads and

trails used.





Proposed trail goes

through old forest many

cedars esp. on the west

two thirds of trail.

Direct effects - potential

disruption to plants as the

trail is constructed.


trail corridor would affect

microclimate (light, wind,

moisture) for some

variable distance from the

edges. This species

needs shade and

moisture. If this species is

present, individuals could

be affected, and the

population would probably

decline where the

microclimate becomes

drier and includes more

light. Mitigations should

protect many individuals if

present.

No impact

existing roads and

trails used. Species

not expected in the

other trail segments.

No impact

existing roads and


not expected in the


No impact

existing roads and

trails used.

Page 37 of 38


Common and

Scientific Name


Habitat

Known

Occurrence

Reasoning or

Source used

for Area

Occurrence

Finding


a lichen sp.

Sticta fuliginosa

On hardwoods in humid,

old growth cedar or ash

bogs

unknown No Wetmore

2000, 2001

USDA Forest

Service 2002j

No impact

existing roads and

trails used.





Proposed trail goes

through old forest; many

cedars and old birch esp.

on the west two thirds of

trail. Direct

effects - potential

disruption to plants as the

trail is constructed.


trail corridor would affect

microclimate (light, wind,

moisture) for some

variable distance from the

edges. This species

apparently needs tree

overstory and moisture. If

this species is present,

individuals could be

affected, and the

population would probably

decline where the

microclimate becomes

drier and includes more

light. Mitigations should

protect many individuals if

present.

No impact

existing roads and


not expected in the


No impact

existing roads and


not expected in the


No impact

existing roads and

trails used.

a lichen sp.

Usnea

longissima

On old conifers in moist

situations, often in or

near a conifer or

hardwood swamp

No

Subspecies

not likely in

this setting

No Wetmore

2000, 2001,

USDA Forest

Service 2002k

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Page 38 of 38

biological evaluation - south fowl lake snowmobile access...

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