o rock vole locations - maine.gov · golden eagles (see section 7.4.1.2 and appendix 7-f). since...
TRANSCRIPT
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
55
44
33
22
11
Kib
byTw
p
Jim
Pon
dTw
p
Kin
g&
Bar
tlett
Twp
Cha
inof
Pon
dsTw
p
T5R
6B
KP
WKR
Ski
nner
Twp
Flag
staf
fTw
p
Mer
rillS
trip
Twp
RockVoleLocations
Kib
byW
ind
Pow
erPr
ojec
t
O 400
Met
ers
Notes:LocationscourtesyofMaine
DepartmentofInlandFisheries
andWildlifeandtheUnited
StatesFishandWildlifeService
INFO
RMAT
ION
DEPI
CTED
HERE
ONIS
FOR
REFE
RENC
EPU
RPOS
ESON
LYAN
DIS
COMP
ILED
FROM
BEST
AVAI
LABL
ESO
URCE
S.TR
CAS
SUME
SNO
RESP
ONSI
BILIT
YFO
RER
RORS
ARIS
ING
FROM
MISU
SEOF
THIS
MAP.
S:\Projects\10654-Kibby\MXD\Reports\Section7\Figure_7-23_Rock_Vole_Loc_010207.mxd-1/2/2007@7:41:21AM
Figu
re7-
23
A
A
B
B
C
C
D
D
E
E
F
F
G
G
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
Kibby Twp
Skinner Twp
Jim Pond Twp N. Bog Lemming Habitat
O500
Feet
INFORMATION DEPICTED HEREON IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY AND IS COMPILED FROM BEST AVAILABLE SOURCES.TRC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS ARISING FROM MISUSE OF THIS MAP.
Notes:Kibby Wind Power Project
Figure 7-24
LegendStream Identified in 2006 Field Survey
N. Bog Lemming Habitat
Wetland Boundary Identified in 2006 Field Survey
Watershed of Bog Lemming Habitat: 26 acres
Proposed Kibby Wind Power Project Area December 2006
Proposed Kibby Wind Power Project Area March 2006
2005 Orthophotography produced by James W. Sewall Company
Figure 7-25: Photograph of Northern Bog Lemming Habitat
Figure 7-26: Photograph of Bog Lemming Runway
Figure 7-27: Photograph of Bog Lemming Runway and Feces
typically moist, wet meadows or boggy areas, found in conjunction with alpine tundra and spruce-fir forest. In Maine, they have been associated with deep, moist sphagnum, in both low- and high-elevation settings (MDIFW 2003).
Locations of proposed roadways and wind turbines have been adjusted to avoid impact to this habitat area. This will provide a habitat buffer and protect the wetland complex watershed (see Figure 7-24). Project disturbance has been designed to stay at least 250 feet (76 m) from the wetland boundaries and no clearing, soil disturbance or construction is proposed in the wetland complex watershed. Coordination is ongoing with MDIFW to ensure that appropriate protective measures are included in the final project design.
7.5.2 Potential Impacts to Rare, Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species
7.5.2.1 Federally Listed Species
TransCanada has determined through extensive agency consultation with USFWS that no federally listed or proposed threatened or endangered species or their critical habitats will be affected by the proposed Kibby Wind Power Project. Federally listed species that may occur in the project area include the bald eagle and the Canada lynx.
Bald Eagles
Bald eagles have been observed during fall migration surveys in the project area in 1993 and 2005. However, as discussed in Section 7.4.1.2, bald eagles may nest on large waterbodies near the project area, but no active nests were observed within at least 5 miles (8 km) of any proposed project development areas (see Section 7.4.1.2 and Appendix 7-F). It is also unlikely that these birds would frequent the ridges during the breeding season (C. Todd, personal communication 2006).
Canada Lynx
Canada lynx may also be found in the project area, however, track surveys in the area in 2005 did not reveal their presence, indicating that their occurrence may only be infrequent. Although Canada lynx tracks have not been recorded in the project area (Skinner and Kibby Townships), they have been identified by MDIFW in the abutting Merrill Strip and Beattie Townships.
7.5.2.2 State-Listed Threatened or Endangered Species
Species listed as threatened or endangered by MDIFW have been identified in the vicinity of the project area. These include the bald eagle, golden eagle, peregrine falcon and northern bog lemming. All three of the raptors have been seen in the project area during fall migration surveys in at least two of the years surveys were performed, including 1992, 1993, and 2005 (see Table 7-2).
Natural Resources Page 7-45 Kibby Wind Power Project
Bald Eagles
As discussed in the above, bald eagles are not likely to be found in the project area, except during migration (See Section 7.4.1.2 and Appendix 7-F).
Golden Eagles
Three historic golden eagle nests occur within a ten-mile (16-km) radius of the Kibby Wind Power Project area (Todd 2005); the closest of these sites is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from Kibby Range. None of these sites are known to have been occupied by golden eagles in recent years, and surveys of these sites performed in 2005 and 2006 did not identify use by golden eagles (see Section 7.4.1.2 and Appendix 7-F). Since these sites are not in the area of or potentially impacted by the project, it is unlikely that construction of the project will result in loss of this habitat.
Peregrine Falcons
The historic golden eagle sites are also suitable nest sites for peregrine falcons. Peregrine falcons have not been observed at these sites during these recent surveys. Since these sites are not in the area of or potentially impacted by the project, it is unlikely that construction of the project will result in loss of this habitat.
Northern Bog Lemming
The northern bog lemming, a threatened state species, may occur in the project area. An area of suitable habitat has been identified on Kibby Range. This lemming species is known to occur in the Mt. Katahdin area of northern Maine (i.e., the Nesowadnehunk and Table Land areas), and has been found in at least one location in the nearby Longfellow mountains on Redington Mountain. Sphagum bogs, damp weedy meadows, and mossy spruce, hemlock, and beech forests make up the habitat for this species. The suitable habitat identified on Kibby Range will be avoided to the extent possible, and project design has taken this habitat into consideration. When first identified as potential habitat, wetland delineation efforts were expanded in this area to survey and identify the entire extent of this habitat. As a result, one road segment that bisected the area and two turbine sites were abandoned in favor of avoiding impacts to the wetland and upland habitat within this subwatershed (see Figure 7-24). By avoiding construction activities within the watershed of this habitat, TransCanada is insuring that wetland hydrology and associated habitats will not be adversely impacted. This approach will help to maintain a significant area of both upland and wetland habitats. Consultation with MDIFW regarding this habitat has included a site visit and several discussions. MDIFW is satisfied with TransCanada’s approach of avoiding the habitat (Cordes 2006).
7.5.2.3 State-Listed Special Concern Species
Several Maine “Special Concern Species” are known to occur in the project area. These include the Bicknell’s thrush, rusty blackbird, rock vole (also known as the yellow-nosed vole).
Natural Resources Page 7-46 Kibby Wind Power Project
Bicknell’s Thrush
Bicknell’s thrush breeds in high elevation, high density, complex, small diameter fir-spruce habitats that are somewhat disturbed. Dead standing snags, blown-down trees, and dense regeneration are typical components of this habitat (personal communication with Chris Rimmer, August 24, 2006). It is a montane forest specialist, and considered one the most rare and range-restricted species of the Northeast (Rimmer and Faccio 2004). Breeding bird surveys in the project area detected a few occurrences of Bicknell’s thrush in both 1992 and 2006. During 2006, Bicknell’s thrush was observed along one of seven breeding bird survey transects during the first week of June. During several subsequent surveys, it was not observed within the project area again. Several individuals were observed in two separate areas outside of the project area during 2006 (see Section 7.5.3.5). It has been determined that suitable habitat for this species does not exist in the project area, and therefore, Bicknell’s thrush habitat will not be impacted by the project (Cordes 2006).
Rusty Blackbird
The rusty blackbird has been observed along project access roads (Gold Brook Road, Wahl Road, etc.) during both migration and breeding season. It has also been observed at a fen on Kibby Range. The preferred habitat for this bird is forested wetlands, bogs, beaver ponds, and shrub thickets along streams. It is known to occupy a large territory during breeding season. The project will impact only a small area of forested wetland (see Section 8.5), and is unlikely to impact this species.
Rock Vole and Rock Shrew
The rock vole is known to inhabit coniferous and mixed forests at higher elevations, and MDIFW has two recent records of the rock vole on the lower slopes of Kibby Range (MDIFW 2005). These voles favor damp moss-covered rocks and talus slopes in the vicinity of streams (DeGraaf and Rudis1986). Another small mammal that has similar habitat preferences is in the rock shrew. Habitat for the rock shrew includes wet, moss-covered rocks or boulders along streams, among talus; rock slides; in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests. Based upon the surveys completed, no characteristic habitat areas for the rock vole or rock shrew were noted within the proposed project work areas. MDIFW has indicated that habitat avoidance is a good strategy to minimize impact to these species.
Special Concern Bat Species
Several Maine Special Concern Species of bats have the potential to occur in the project area. These include the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctiuagans), eastern red bat (Lasiurusborealis), hoary bat (L. cinereus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus), little brown myotis (M.lucifugus), and the eastern small-footed myotis (M. leibii). Silver-haired bats inhabit forested areas near lakes and streams. These bats are frequently found in mountain coniferous forests
Natural Resources Page 7-47 Kibby Wind Power Project
(DeGraaf and Rudis 1986). The big brown bat frequents forested areas near human habitation (DeGraaf and Rudis 1986). The little brown bat inhabits caves, quarries, hollow trees and buildings, frequently near streams (DeGraaf and Rudis 1986). The potential for the project to impact both roosting and foraging habitat exists for these bat species. Bat surveys were conducted in the project area by placing bat detectors on three met towers in the project area. Three detectors were placed at approximately 148 to 164 feet (45 to 50 m) above the ground and one was placed at approximately 49 to 66 feet (15 to 20 m) above the ground. The detectors were in place from May 4 to June 7 and June 20 to October 25, 2006. Survey results indicated the presence of myotids and bats of the “big brown guild” (which includes both big brown, silver-haired, and hoary bats) during the spring and myotids, big brown guild bats, and red bat/eastern pipistrelle guild bats during the fall period. During the spring, between May 4 and June 7, a total of 31 bat call sequences were recorded, all at the 49 to 66 feet (15 to 20 m) height detector. The mean detector rate for the spring period was 0.3 calls/detector night. This is generally similar to other spring bat detector surveys conducted recently using similar techniques. Other spring studies ranged from 0.07 calls/detector night in Searsburg, Vermont, to 0.72 calls/detector night in Cohocton, New York. During the remainder of the survey period, from June 20 through October 25, 22 call sequences were recorded, and the mean detection rate was 0.1 calls/detector night. For comparison purposes, the detection rate between August 1 and October 25, the mean detector rate for the fall period was 0.22 calls/detector night. This is lower than any other comparable studies, which range from 0.52 calls/detector night for Searsburg, Vermont, to 34.92 calls/detector night in Sheldon, New York. Given the relatively low incidence of bat occurrence and the abundant available habitat, it is unlikely that the project will have a significant impact on these bat species (see Appendix 7-I)
Special Concern Amphibians
Two salamander species, the spring salamander and four-toed salamander are listed as Species of Special Concern in Maine. These species are discussed in Section 7.5.2.2.
7.6 Resident and Migratory Wildlife
TransCanada has developed a species matrix, listing all species potentially occurring within the project area adapted from Degraaf and Rudis (1986) and DeGraaf et al. (1992) (see Table 7-3) A description of these species by order follows.
Natural Resources Page 7-48 Kibby Wind Power Project
Tabl
e 7-
3: H
abita
t Mat
rix a
nd L
ist o
f Pot
entia
l Wild
life
Spec
ies
– H
abita
t
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
nH
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Am
phib
ians
Bl
ue-s
potte
d sa
lam
ande
r A
mby
stom
a la
tera
le
Y
XX
XS
potte
d sa
lam
ande
r A
mby
stom
a m
acul
atum
Y
X
XX
XX
XR
ed-s
potte
d (E
aste
rn)
new
t N
otop
htha
lmus
viri
desc
ens
NX
XX
XX
X
Nor
ther
n du
sky
sala
man
der
Des
mog
nath
us fu
scus
N
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n re
dbac
k sa
lam
ande
r P
leth
odon
cin
ereu
s Y
X
XX
XX
X
Four
-toed
sal
aman
der
Hem
idac
tyliu
m s
cuta
tum
N
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n sp
ring
sala
man
der
Gyr
inop
hilu
s p.
po
rphy
ritic
us
NX
XX
XX
X
Nor
ther
n tw
o-lin
ed
sala
man
der
Eur
ycea
b. b
islin
eata
Y
X
XX
XX
X
Am
eric
an to
ad
Buf
o am
eric
anus
Y
X
XX
XX
XSp
ring
peep
er
Pse
udac
ris c
ruci
fer
Y
XX
XX
XX
Gra
y tre
efro
g H
yla
vers
icol
or
Y
XX
XB
ullfr
og
Ran
a ca
tesb
iana
Y
X
XX
XG
reen
frog
R
ana
clam
itans
Y
X M
ink
frog
Ran
a se
pten
trion
alis
N
X W
ood
frog
Ran
a sy
lvat
ica
Y
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n le
opar
d fro
g R
ana
pipi
ens
NX
X P
icke
rel f
rog
Ran
a pa
lust
ris
Y
XX
XX
XX
Rep
tiles
S
napp
ing
turtl
e C
hely
dra
serp
entin
a N
X W
ood
turtl
e C
lem
mys
insc
ulpt
a Y
X
XX
XX
XE
aste
rn p
aint
ed tu
rtle
Chr
ysem
ys p
icta
N
X
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
49
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Nor
ther
n w
ater
sna
ke
Ner
odia
sip
edon
N
X B
row
n sn
ake
Sto
reria
dek
ayi
NX
XR
edbe
lly s
nake
S
tore
ria o
ccip
itom
acul
ata
Y
XX
XE
aste
rn g
arte
r sna
ke
Tham
noph
is s
irtal
is
Y
XX
XR
ingn
eck
snak
e D
iado
phis
pun
ctat
us
NX
XX
XX
Sm
ooth
gre
en s
nake
O
pheo
drys
ver
nalis
N
XX
XM
ilk s
nake
La
mpr
opel
tis tr
iang
ulum
N
XX
Bird
sC
omm
on L
oon
Gav
ia im
mer
Y
X Pi
ed-b
illed
Gre
be
Pod
ilym
bus
podi
ceps
N
X D
oubl
e-cr
este
d C
orm
oran
tP
hala
croc
orax
aur
itus
YX
Gre
at B
lue
Her
on
Ard
ea h
erod
ias
YX
Gre
en H
eron
B
utor
ides
vire
scen
s N
X A
mer
ican
Bitt
ern
Bot
auru
s le
ntig
inos
us
NX
Can
ada
Goo
se
Bra
nta
cana
dens
is
YX
Woo
d D
uck
Aix
spo
nsa
NX
Gre
en-w
inge
d Te
al
Ana
s ca
rolin
ensi
s N
X M
alla
rd
Ana
s pl
atyr
hync
hos
NX
Am
eric
an B
lack
Duc
k A
nas
rubr
ipes
Y
X N
orth
ern
Pint
ail
Ana
s ac
uta
NX
Blue
-win
ged
Teal
A
nas
disc
ors
NX
Rin
g-ne
cked
Duc
k A
ythy
a co
llaris
N
X C
omm
on G
olde
neye
B
ucep
hala
cla
ngul
a Y
X B
uffle
head
B
ucep
hala
alb
eola
N
X H
oode
d M
erga
nser
Lo
phod
ytes
cuc
ulla
tus
NX
Red
-bre
aste
d M
erga
nser
M
ergu
s se
rrat
or
NX
Com
mon
Mer
gans
er
Mer
gus
mer
gans
er
NX
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
50
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Turk
ey V
ultu
re
Cat
harte
s au
ra
Y
XX
Osp
rey
Pan
dion
hal
iaet
us
YX
Bal
d E
agle
H
alia
eetu
s le
ucoc
epha
lus
YX
Nor
ther
n H
arrie
r C
ircus
cya
neus
Y
X Sh
arp-
shin
ned
Haw
k A
ccip
iter s
triat
us
Y
XX
XX
XX
Coo
per's
Haw
k A
ccip
iter c
oope
rii
Y
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n G
osha
wk
Acc
ipite
r gen
tilis
Y
X
XX
XX
Red
-sho
ulde
red
Haw
k B
uteo
line
atus
N
XX
XX
Bro
ad-w
inge
d H
awk
But
eo p
laty
pter
us
Y
XX
XX
Red
-taile
d H
awk
But
eo ja
mai
cens
is
Y
XX
XG
olde
n E
agle
A
quila
chr
ysae
tos
Y
XX
XX
XX
Am
eric
an K
estre
l Fa
lco
spar
veriu
s Y
X X
Mer
linFa
lco
colu
mba
rius
Y
XX
XX
Pere
grin
e Fa
lcon
Fa
lco
pere
grin
us
Y
XX
XX
XX
Spr
uce
Gro
use
Falc
ipen
nis
cana
dens
is
Y
XX
XR
uffe
d G
rous
e B
onas
a um
bellu
s Y
X
XX
XX
Wild
Tur
key
Mel
eagr
is g
allo
pavo
Y
X
XA
mer
ican
Woo
dcoc
k S
colo
pax
min
or
Y
XX
XX
XC
omm
on S
nipe
G
allin
ago
galli
nago
Y
X So
litar
y Sa
ndpi
per
Trin
ga s
olita
ria
YX
Spo
tted
San
dpip
er
Act
itis
mac
ular
ia
YX
Rin
g-bi
lled
Gul
l La
rus
dela
war
ensi
s Y
Mou
rnin
g D
ove
Zena
ida
mac
rour
a Y
X
XBl
ack-
bille
d C
ucko
o C
occy
zus
eryt
hrop
thal
mus
N
XX
XX
XG
reat
Hor
ned
Ow
l B
ubo
virg
inia
nus
Y
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n H
awk
Ow
l S
urni
a ul
ula
NX
XX
Barre
d O
wl
Stri
x va
ria
Y
XX
XX
XX
Gre
at G
ray
Ow
l S
trix
nebu
losa
N
XX
XX
XX
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
51
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Long
-ear
ed O
wl
Asi
o ot
us
NX
XX
XX
XB
orea
l Ow
l A
egol
ius
fune
reus
N
XX
XN
orth
ern
Saw
-whe
t Ow
l A
egol
ius
acad
icus
N
XX
XX
XX
Com
mon
Nig
htha
wk
Cho
rdei
les
min
or
NX
XX
XX
XW
hip-
poor
-will
C
aprim
ulgu
s vo
cife
rus
NX
XR
uby-
thro
ated
H
umm
ingb
irdA
rchi
loch
us c
olub
ris
Y
XX
XX
XX
Yel
low
-bel
lied
Sap
suck
er
Sph
yrap
icus
var
ius
Y
XX
XX
XX
Dow
ny W
oodp
ecke
r P
icoi
des
pube
scen
s Y
X
XX
XX
XH
airy
Woo
dpec
ker
Pic
oide
s vi
llosu
s Y
X
XX
XX
XA
mer
ican
Thr
ee-to
ed
Woo
dpec
ker
Pic
oide
s do
rsal
is
NX
XX
Bla
ck-b
acke
dW
oodp
ecke
r P
icoi
des
arct
icus
Y
X
XX
Nor
ther
n Fl
icke
r C
olap
tes
aura
tus
Y
XX
XX
XP
ileat
ed W
oodp
ecke
r D
ryoc
opus
pile
atus
Y
X
XX
XX
Oliv
e-si
ded
Flyc
atch
er
Con
topu
s co
oper
i Y
X
XX
XEa
ster
n W
ood-
Pew
ee
Con
topu
s vi
rens
Y
X
XX
XX
Yel
low
-bel
lied
Flyc
atch
er
Em
pido
nax
flavi
vent
ris
Y
XX
XX
Ald
er F
lyca
tche
r E
mpi
dona
x al
noru
m
Y
XX
XX
XW
illow
Fly
catc
her
Em
pido
nax
traill
ii N
XX
Leas
t Fly
catc
her
Em
pido
nax
min
imus
Y
X
XX
XX
Eas
tern
Pho
ebe
Say
orni
s ph
oebe
N
XX
XX
XX
Gre
at C
rest
ed F
lyca
tche
r M
yiar
chus
crin
itus
NX
XX
XX
Eas
tern
Kin
gbird
Ty
rann
us ty
rann
us
NX
XX
Pur
ple
Mar
tin
Pro
gne
subi
s N
XX
XX
XX
Tree
Sw
allo
w
Tach
ycin
eta
bico
lor
Y
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n R
ough
-win
ged
Sw
allo
w
Ste
lgid
opte
ryx
serr
ipen
nis
NX
XX
XX
X
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
52
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Ban
k S
wal
low
R
ipar
ia ri
paria
N
XX
XX
XX
Clif
f Sw
allo
w
Pet
roch
elid
on p
yrrh
onot
a N
XX
XX
XX
Bar
n S
wal
low
H
irund
o ru
stic
a N
XX
XX
XX
Gra
y Ja
y P
eris
oreu
s ca
nade
nsis
Y
X
XX
XX
Blue
Jay
C
yano
citta
cris
tata
Y
X
XX
XX
Am
eric
an C
row
C
orvu
s br
achy
rhyn
chos
Y
X
XX
XX
Com
mon
Rav
en
Cor
vus
cora
x Y
X
XX
XX
Bla
ck-c
appe
d C
hick
adee
P
oeci
le a
trica
pilla
Y
X
XX
XX
Bor
eal C
hick
adee
P
oeci
le h
udso
nica
Y
X
XX
XX
Red
-bre
aste
d N
utha
tch
Sitt
a ca
nade
nsis
Y
X
XX
XX
Whi
te-b
reas
ted
Nut
hatc
h S
itta
caro
linen
sis
Y
XX
Brow
n C
reep
er
Cer
thia
am
eric
ana
Y
XX
XX
XW
inte
r Wre
n Tr
oglo
dyte
s tro
glod
ytes
Y
X
XX
XX
XG
olde
n-cr
owne
d K
ingl
et
Reg
ulus
sat
rapa
Y
X
XX
XX
XR
uby-
crow
ned
Kin
glet
R
egul
us c
alen
dula
Y
X
XX
Eas
tern
Blu
ebird
S
ialia
sia
lis
NX
XVe
ery
Cat
haru
s fu
sces
cens
Y
X
XX
XX
XG
ray-
chee
ked
Thru
sh
Cat
haru
s m
inim
us
?X
XX
Bic
knel
l's T
hrus
h C
atha
rus
bick
nelli
Y
X
XX
Sw
ains
on's
Thr
ush
Cat
haru
s us
tula
tus
Y
XX
XX
XH
erm
it Th
rush
C
atha
rus
gutta
tus
Y
XX
XX
XW
ood
Thru
sh
Hyl
ocic
hla
mus
telin
a Y
X
XX
XX
XA
mer
ican
Rob
in
Turd
us m
igra
toriu
s Y
X
XX
XX
Gra
y C
atbi
rd
Dum
etel
la c
arol
inen
sis
Y
XX
XN
orth
ern
Moc
king
bird
M
imus
pol
yglo
ttos
NB
row
n Th
rash
er
Toxo
stom
a ru
fum
N
XX
XBo
hem
ian
Wax
win
g B
omby
cilla
gar
rulu
s N
XX
XX
XC
edar
Wax
win
g B
omby
cilla
ced
roru
m
Y
XX
XX
X
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
53
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Nor
ther
n Sh
rike
Lani
us e
xcub
itor
NX
XX
XX
Logg
erhe
ad S
hrik
e La
nius
ludo
vici
anus
N
Eur
opea
n S
tarli
ng
Stu
rnus
vul
garis
Y
X
XBl
ue-h
eade
d (S
olita
ry)
Vire
oV
ireo
solit
ariu
s Y
X
XX
XX
Yel
low
-thro
ated
Vire
o V
ireo
flavi
frons
N
XX
War
blin
g V
ireo
Vire
o gi
lvus
N
XX
Phila
delp
hia
Vire
o V
ireo
phila
delp
hicu
s Y
X
XR
ed-e
yed
Vire
o V
ireo
oliv
aceu
s Y
X
XX
XX
Gol
den-
win
ged
War
bler
V
erm
ivor
a ch
ryso
pter
a Y
X
XTe
nnes
see
War
bler
V
erm
ivor
a pe
regr
ina
Y
XX
XX
XN
ashv
ille
War
bler
V
erm
ivor
a ru
ficap
illa
Y
XX
XX
XN
orth
ern
Paru
la
Par
ula
amer
ican
a Y
X
XX
XX
Yel
low
War
bler
D
endr
oica
pet
echi
a Y
X
XX
XX
XC
hest
nut-s
ided
War
bler
D
endr
oica
pen
sylv
anic
a Y
X
XX
Mag
nolia
War
bler
D
endr
oica
mag
nolia
Y
X
XX
Cap
e M
ay W
arbl
er
Den
droi
ca ti
grin
a Y
X
XX
Bla
ck-th
roat
ed B
lue
War
bler
Den
droi
ca c
aeru
lesc
ens
Y
XX
XX
X
Yel
low
-rum
ped
War
bler
D
endr
oica
cor
onat
a Y
X
XX
XX
Bla
ck-th
roat
ed G
reen
W
arbl
erD
endr
oica
vire
ns
Y
XX
XX
X
Bla
ckbu
rnia
n W
arbl
er
Den
droi
ca fu
sca
Y
XX
XX
XP
ine
War
bler
D
endr
oica
pin
us
YX
Pal
m W
arbl
er
Den
droi
ca p
alm
arum
Y
X
XX
XB
ay-b
reas
ted
War
bler
D
endr
oica
cas
tane
a Y
X
XX
Bla
ckpo
ll W
arbl
er
Den
droi
ca s
triat
a Y
X
XX
XX
Bla
ck-a
nd-w
hite
War
bler
M
niot
ilta
varia
Y
X
XX
XX
Am
eric
an R
edst
art
Set
opha
ga ru
ticill
a Y
X
XX
XX
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
54
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Ove
nbird
S
eiur
us a
uroc
apill
a Y
X
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n W
ater
thru
sh
Sei
urus
nov
ebor
acen
sis
Y
XX
XX
XX
Mou
rnin
g W
arbl
er
Opo
rorn
is p
hila
delp
hia
Y
XX
XX
XC
onne
ctic
ut W
arbl
er
Opo
rorn
is a
gilis
Y
X
XX
Com
mon
Yel
low
thro
at
Geo
thly
pis
trich
as
Y
XX
XX
XW
ilson
's W
arbl
er
Wils
onia
pus
illa
NX
XX
XX
XC
anad
a W
arbl
er
Wils
onia
can
aden
sis
Y
XX
XX
XS
carle
t Tan
ager
P
irang
a ol
ivac
ea
NX
XN
orth
ern
Car
dina
l C
ardi
nalis
car
dina
lis
Y
XX
Ros
e-br
east
ed G
rosb
eak
Phe
uctic
us lu
dovi
cian
us
Y
XX
XX
XIn
digo
Bun
ting
Pas
serin
a cy
anea
N
XX
XR
ufou
s-si
ded
(Eas
tern
) To
whe
e P
ipilo
ery
thro
phth
alm
us
NX
XX
Am
eric
an T
ree
Spa
rrow
S
pize
lla a
rbor
ea
Y
XX
XX
XC
hipp
ing
Spar
row
S
pize
lla p
asse
rina
Y
XX
XX
XFi
eld
Spa
rrow
S
pize
lla p
usill
a N
XX
XFo
x S
parr
ow
Pas
sere
lla il
iaca
Y
X
XX
Son
g S
parro
w
Mel
ospi
za m
elod
ia
Y
XX
XX
XLi
ncol
n's
Spa
rrow
M
elos
piza
linc
olni
i Y
X
XX
XX
Sw
amp
Spa
rrow
M
elos
piza
geo
rgia
na
NX
Whi
te-th
roat
ed S
parr
ow
Zono
trich
ia a
lbic
ollis
Y
X
XX
XX
Dar
k-ey
ed J
unco
Ju
nco
hyem
alis
Y
X
XX
XX
Red
-win
ged
Blac
kbird
A
gela
ius
phoe
nice
us
YX
Rus
ty B
lack
bird
E
upha
gus
caro
linus
Y
X
XX
XC
omm
on G
rack
le
Qui
scal
us q
uisc
ula
Y
XX
XBr
own-
head
ed C
owbi
rd
Mol
othr
us a
ter
NX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n (B
altim
ore)
O
riole
Icte
rus
galb
ula
NX
X
Pin
e G
rosb
eak
Pin
icol
a en
ucle
ator
Y
X
XX
XX
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
55
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
n H
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Com
mon
Nam
e B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
eR
egen
erat
ing
Fore
st
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Pur
ple
Finc
h C
arpo
dacu
s pu
rpur
eus
Y
XX
XX
XH
ouse
Fin
ch
Car
poda
cus
mex
ican
us
NR
ed C
ross
bill
Loxi
a cu
rviro
stra
Y
X
XX
XX
Whi
te-w
inge
d C
ross
bill
Loxi
a le
ucop
tera
Y
X
XX
XX
Com
mon
Red
poll
Car
duel
is fl
amm
ea
Y
XX
XX
XH
oary
Red
poll
Car
duel
is h
orne
man
ni
NX
XX
XX
Pine
Sis
kin
Car
duel
is p
inus
Y
X
XX
XX
Am
eric
an G
oldf
inch
C
ardu
elis
tris
tis
Y
XX
XX
XE
veni
ng G
rosb
eak
Coc
coth
raus
tes
vesp
ertin
usY
X
XX
XX
Mam
mal
s M
aske
d Sh
rew
S
orex
cin
ereu
s N
XX
XX
XX
Wat
er S
hrew
S
orex
pal
ustri
s N
XX
XX
XX
Sm
oky
Shr
ew
Sor
ex fu
meu
s N
XX
XX
XX
Long
-taile
d Sh
rew
S
orex
dis
par
NX
XX
XX
Pyg
my
Shr
ew
Sor
ex h
oyi
Y
XX
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n S
hort-
taile
d S
hrew
B
larin
a br
evic
auda
N
XX
XX
XX
Hai
ry-ta
iled
Mol
e P
aras
calo
ps b
rew
eri
NX
XX
XX
XS
tar-n
osed
Mol
e C
ondy
lura
cris
tata
N
X X
Myo
tis B
ats
YLi
ttle
Bro
wn
Bat
M
yotis
luci
fugu
s ?
XX
XX
XX
Eas
tern
Sm
all-f
oote
d B
at
Myo
tis le
ibii
?X
XX
XN
orth
ern
Long
-ear
ed B
at
Myo
tis s
epte
ntrio
nalis
?
XX
XX
Big
Bro
wn
Gui
ld
YB
ig B
row
n B
at
Ept
esic
us fu
scus
?
XX
XX
XX
Hoa
ry B
at
Lasi
urus
cin
ereu
s Y
X
XX
XX
XS
ilver
-hai
red
Bat
La
sion
ycte
ris n
octiv
agan
s Y
X
XX
XX
XE
aste
rn P
ipis
trelle
P
ipis
trellu
s su
bfla
vus
NX
XX
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
56
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
nH
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Reg
ener
atin
g Fo
rest
B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e C
omm
on N
ame
Eas
tern
Red
Bat
La
siur
us b
orea
lis
Y
XX
XX
XX
Snow
shoe
Har
e Le
pus
amer
ican
us
Y
XX
XX
XE
aste
rn C
hipm
unk
Tam
ias
stria
tus
Y
XX
XX
XW
oodc
huck
M
arm
ota
mon
ax
Y
XX
XX
XE
aste
rn G
ray
Squ
irrel
S
ciur
us c
arol
inen
sis
Y
XX
Red
Squ
irrel
Ta
mia
sciu
rus
huds
onic
us
Y
XX
XX
XN
orth
ern
Flyi
ng S
quirr
el
Gla
ucom
ys s
abrin
us
NX
XX
XX
Am
eric
an B
eave
r C
asto
r can
aden
sis
Y
XX
XX
XX
Dee
r Mou
se
Per
omys
cus
man
icul
atus
Y
X
XX
XX
Whi
te-fo
oted
Mou
se
Per
omys
cus
leuc
opus
N
XX
XX
XSo
uthe
rn R
ed-b
acke
d Vo
leC
leth
riono
mys
gap
peri
Y
XX
XX
XX
Mea
dow
Vol
e M
icro
tus
penn
sylv
anic
us
Y
XX
XX
XR
ock
Vol
e M
icro
tus
chro
torr
hinu
s N
XX
XX
XX
Com
mon
Mus
krat
O
ndat
ra z
ibet
hicu
s N
X So
uthe
rn B
og L
emm
ing
Syn
apto
mys
coo
peri
NX
XX
XX
XN
orth
ern
Bog
Lem
min
g S
ynap
tom
ys b
orea
lis
NX
XX
XM
eado
w J
umpi
ng M
ouse
Za
pus
huds
oniu
s N
XX
XX
XX
Woo
dlan
d Ju
mpi
ng
Mou
seN
apae
ozap
us in
sign
is
Y
XX
XX
X
Com
mon
Por
cupi
ne
Ere
thiz
on d
orsa
tum
Y
X
XX
XX
Coy
ote
Can
is la
trans
Y
X
XX
XX
Red
Fox
V
ulpe
s vu
lpes
Y
X
XX
XX
Bla
ck B
ear
Urs
us a
mer
ican
us
Y
XX
XX
XX
Com
mon
Rac
coon
P
rocy
on lo
tor
Y
XX
XX
XX
Am
eric
an M
arte
n M
arte
s am
eric
ana
Y
XX
XX
XFi
sher
M
arte
s pe
nnan
ti Y
X
XX
XX
Erm
ine
Mus
tela
erm
inea
Y
X
XX
XX
Long
-taile
d W
ease
l M
uste
la fr
enat
a Y
X
XX
XX
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
57
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
Spec
ies
Nor
ther
nH
ardw
ood
Red
Spr
uce-
Bal
sam
Fir
Bal
sam
Fir
Fir-
Hea
rtle
aved
B
irch
Suba
lpin
e
Obs
erve
d in
Pr
ojec
tVi
cini
ty (Y
/N)
Wet
land
s an
dW
ater
bodi
es
Bee
ch-
Birc
h-M
aple
Spru
ce-
Nor
ther
nha
rdw
oods
Spru
ce-F
ir-W
ood
Sorr
el-
Feat
herm
oss
Reg
ener
atin
g Fo
rest
B
inom
ial
Nom
encl
atur
e C
omm
on N
ame
Am
eric
an M
ink
Mus
tela
vis
on
Y
XX
XX
XX
Stri
ped
Sku
nk
Mep
hitis
mep
hitis
Y
X
XX
XX
Nor
ther
n R
iver
Otte
r Lu
tra c
anad
ensi
s Y
X C
anad
a Ly
nx
Lynx
can
aden
sis
NX
XX
XX
Bob
cat
Lynx
rufu
s Y
X
XX
XX
XW
hite
-taile
d D
eer
Odo
coile
us v
irgin
ianu
s Y
X
XX
XX
XM
oose
Alc
es a
lces
Y
X
XX
XX
X
Nat
ural
Res
ourc
es
Pag
e 7-
58
Kib
by W
ind
Pow
er P
roje
ct
7.6.1 Mammals
7.6.1.1 Existing Resources
There are 49 mammal species that potentially occur in the project area. Of these species, 30 were identified in the project area by tracks, sign, calls, or direct observation while traveling in the project area (see Table 7-3). Most of the potential species are relatively common, with the exception of Canada lynx, and several of the small mammals, as discussed in the previous section (Section 7.4). TransCanada performed track surveys (as described in Section 7.4.1) and surveys for rare small mammal habitat in the project area. Additionally, while performing other natural resource surveys, incidental observations of wildlife and wildlife sign were noted. Similar surveys were also performed by Kenetech in 1992 and 1993, and TransCanada’s findings are consistent with the results of these previous surveys.
The large mammals observed during summer field investigations are typical of the northwest mountain region of the state. Moose (Alces alces) were the most commonly seen large mammal. Every part of the project area had some form of moose sign occurring in it. Habitats used by moose included roadways, regenerating forest, streams and ponds low in the valleys, mid-slope hardwood forests, and high-elevation softwood dominated ridgelines. Evidence of winter moose activity was seen on the ridgelines as intense browsing of balsam fir saplings and de-barking of mountain ash (see Figure 7-28). All other observations or sign of other mammals were much less abundant than that of moose.
Use of the ridgelines by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and black bear (Ursusamericanus) seems to be limited to summer use only. This is obvious for bear, which hibernate during winter, though bear tracks were seen in the snow both during early spring and late fall. Deer may use the ridgelines in early winter, when snow depths are not too deep to hinder travel. As snow depths increase, however, deer move to traditional winter yards lower in the valleys. Deer yards in the project vicinity were noted by MDIFW during consultation, and the project will not impact any of these areas. Deer yards are discussed in greater detail in Section 7.2. Deer use of the lower elevations in the project area (e.g., collector lines, proposed 115 kV transmission line) is higher than that of the ridgelines due to more suitable habitats associated with those locations.
Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) were also a common species, and were observed in all areas of the project. Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were common on side slopes and in the valleys. Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) sign was present in much of the project area, but was patchy in distribution, with abundance variable. Coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), and marten (Martes americana) also appear to be common and present throughout much of the project area in Kibby and Skinner Townships. Sightings or sign of bobcat (Lynx rufus), skunk (Mephitis mephitis), mink (Mustela vison), fisher (Martes pennanti), long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), river otter (Lutra canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and woodchuck (Marmota monax) occurred in the vicinity of the project but were observed much less frequently than other species.
Natural Resources Page 7-59 Kibby Wind Power Project
Figure 7-28: Moose debarking