Final Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
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Vestal <strong>Final</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong> <strong>Statement</strong> Chapter 3<br />
In the Black Hills, this species’ current distribution is considered high where suitable<br />
habitat is available (USDA Forest Service 2004). This species is vulnerable to habitat<br />
alteration/loss, introduced predaceous fish, susceptible to overgrazing, low water quality<br />
and wetland loss (Smith & Keinath 2007).<br />
Suitable habitat exists in the Vestal project area. This species has been observed along<br />
streams and at one pond.<br />
Black Hills Redbelly Snake (R2 Sensitive Species)<br />
The Black Hills subspecies is an isolated population; the next nearest population is<br />
located in the eastern part of South Dakota, some 300 miles away. Suitable habitat may<br />
be broadly distributed or abundant in the Black Hills. The snake is not rare in good<br />
habitat and is considered quite common in the Black Hills (USDA Forest Service 2000,<br />
SDGFP 2011c). The biggest threat appears to be removal of large, downed woody<br />
material and logging in wet areas. Predation, wildfire and road use can impact this<br />
species.<br />
Suitable habitat exists in the Vestal project area. Observations have occurred within the<br />
project area.<br />
Fringed Myotis (R2 Sensitive Species)<br />
This subspecies only occurs in the Black Hills and possibly northwest Nebraska. This<br />
species is considered a rare to uncommon year-round resident. Known locations are<br />
found in Lawrence, Meade, Pennington and Custer Counties of South Dakota and<br />
possibly Crook and Weston Counties in Wyoming (Luce et al. 1997, Tigner & Stukel<br />
2003). Factors that affect this species are human disturbance of roosting and hibernation<br />
sites, low reproductive rate and habitat loss. Disturbance by humans, especially in<br />
hibernacula and maternity roosts, can be a threat to survival of these animals (Keinath<br />
2004).<br />
No known caves that serve as bat hibernacula were identified in the project area;<br />
however, there are abandoned mine sites (Ventling) adjacent to and within the project<br />
area where this species has been detected hibernating (B. Phillips, District Wildlife<br />
Biologist, Black Hills National Forest, 2011). This site most likely serves as a day/night<br />
roost site for this species. The entire project area contains many rock outcrops, as well as<br />
snags and large trees that may be used as roost sites for many species of bats. There are<br />
other mine sites in and around the Project Area that could have potential bat habitat.<br />
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (R2 Sensitive Species)<br />
Within the Black Hills, the species has been recorded in Fall River, Meade, Pennington,<br />
Custer and Lawrence counties (Higgins et al. 2000). Population trends appear to be<br />
declining in the Black Hills as well as throughout their range. Loss of habitat is the main<br />
contributor to lower numbers, which is attributed to the loss of large caves and<br />
dilapidation of mines. These bats are extremely sensitive to disturbances in the vicinity<br />
of their roosts, including loud noises such as those produced by motorized off-road<br />
vehicles, discharging of firearms, and other such activities (Gruver & Keinath 2006).<br />
There are abandoned mine sites within and around the Project Area. There are also manmade<br />
structures, rock outcrops, and cliff-face crevices and fissures. This species was<br />
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