Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
• Flammulated owl
• Cooper’s mountain snail
• Regal fritillary butterfly
These sensitive species were analyzed in the Vestal Wildlife BA/BE due to the species
presence and/or presence of potential habitat in the project area. Two of the species
listed, the black-backed woodpecker and mountain sucker, are also designated as MIS
species.
Bald Eagle (R2 Sensitive Species)
Bald Eagles have been documented in all counties in the Black Hills. In South Dakota,
approximately 300 bald eagles winter in the Black Hills and along the Missouri River
(USFWS 2011d). This species population is a rare breeder in South Dakota, although the
nesting population is slowly expanding (South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks [SDGFP]
2011a). South Dakota trends based on mid-winter surveys are reported by the SDGFP
(2011b). One eagle successfully fledged in 2008 (USDA Forest Service 2010) and again
in 2011 (Patti Lynch, 2011, BHNF, Mystic RD, personal communication).
Bald eagles may roost near Bismarck Lake. This species has been observed within the
project area.
Northern Goshawk (R2 Sensitive Species)
In the Black Hills, this species is usually found in ponderosa pine, especially in more
closed canopy with multiple vegetation structure. Goshawks typically nest in relatively
dense (dependent on forest type) forest areas and use a mosaic of structural stages for
foraging within their home range (Kennedy 2003).
In the Black Hills, this species is considered a rare permanent resident and has been
found nesting in all the counties in the Black Hills (Tallman et al. 2002).
There are two known goshawk territories that are monitored within the project area.
Each has been active within five years. There is potential over-wintering habitat in the
Vestal project area. Goshawk surveys were conducted June-July of 2006 through 2011
within the area. In 2011, only one goshawk territory was active; however, sightings of
goshawks have occurred within the project area.
Black-backed Woodpecker (R2 Sensitive Species, MIS)
This species existing condition is discussed under MIS, earlier in this document.
Northern Leopard Frog (R2 Sensitive Species)
This species requires three types of habitat. Winter habitat, usually lakes, streams or
ponds, is needed for winter torpor. High oxygen saturation is best in the winter waters.
Summer habitat for this insectivorous frog is considered upland forage ground often near
the breeding ponds. The third habitat is breeding/tadpole habitat. This is usually shallow
bodies of water with little to no current, aquatic vegetation, good water quality, and little
overhead canopy. Warmth from the sun is needed for proper development of the
tadpoles. Larval development becomes an issue if water is too cold. This could explain
why frogs are not breeding at springs in the Black Hills (Smith & Keinath 2007).
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