SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 3 ⎯ Affected EnvironmentAlaska. FRA is not within the range of this species. However, the former candidate species fleshydandelion (Taraxacum carneocoloratum) is found in alpine areas of the Chugach Mountains. Thisplant has been discovered at an increasing number of sites in Alaska, and its candidate status may bereevaluated.FRA’s alpine and wetland areas support plant species that are considered rare in Alaska or globallyimperiled (Lichvar and Sprecher 1998). The alpine ecosystem is the most sensitive in terms of plantspecies and the most vulnerable to effects of military training. A rare plant, the luminous moss (Schistostegapennata), has been found on FRA. This is the first documented occurrence of this cryptogamoutside of southeast Alaska.Three types of vascular plants are listed as species of concern by USARAK. Selkirk’s violet (Violaselkirkii) is rare in Alaska. Fleshy dandelion is rare globally and in Alaska, and this plant is taxonomicallyquestionable. Although the status of small saxifrage (Saxifraga adscendens oregonensis) issecure globally, it is considered to be rare and imperiled in Alaska.Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. Federal designations for animal species follow the same rankingsas the plant species: endangered, threatened, proposed, candidate, and delisted. Listed species aremanaged and monitored by the USFWS. There are no known federally threatened or endangered specieson Army lands in Alaska. If a species is ever found on Army lands, or if an already identifiedspecies is listed, USAG-AK will follow the procedures listed in the U.S. Army Garrison 2007–2011INRMP (USARAK 2007).Several species have the potential to be near the ROI. Beluga whales have been seen swimming in theEagle River, approximately 1 mile from the Cook Inlet (Quirk 1994). The Cook Inlet population ofbeluga whales has been determined to be a distinct population segment in danger of extinctionthroughout its range. It has been proposed to be listed as endangered under the ESA (NOAA 2007).Harbor seals are sighted occasionally. Brown bears have also been seen on the post, and the populationof brown bears on the Kenai Peninsula has been listed as being a species of concern.Sightings of several avian species of concern and sensitive species have been reported at FRA(Andres et al. 1997). Trumpeter swans are fall and spring migrants through ERF, and a pair has successfullynested for several years near Otter Lake. American ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are occasionallysighted on the post, although breeding sites are not confirmed. Olive-sided flycatchers (Contopuscooperi) are probable breeders in the vicinity, but nest sites have not been confirmed. Theblackpoll warbler is a migrant and possibly breeds on the post. Although the primary habitat for theTownsend’s warbler (Dendroica townsendi) (mature white spruce forests) has been altered due tospruce bark beetle outbreaks (Andres et al. 1997).The olive-sided flycatcher, gray-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus) (found on-site, but not a PrioritySpecies in Region), Townsend’s warbler, blackpoll warbler, American osprey, and American peregrinefalcon (Falco peregrinus) are sensitive species and species of concern, as identified by the Stateof Alaska.3.2.9.2 Donnelly Training AreaVegetation Community DescriptionsThe ecological survey of DTA by Jorgensen et al. (2001) reported an aerial cover profile of the post,which included areas of forest (29.0 percent), scrublands (58.1 percent), tundra (4.4 percent), barrenlands/partially vegetated (3.6 percent), human disturbed (0.6 percent), and water (4.3 percent).February 2008 3–126 2/25th SBCT Final EIS