Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

The distribution of the lynx appears tied to that of the snowshoe hare. Both species are found in spruce,
subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine forests. Lynx primarily prey on snowshoe hare but they also eat mice,
squirrels, grouse, and ptarmigan. Breeding occurs in March or April with kittens being born in late May
(Koehler, 1990 in Koehler and Aubry, 1994).
Po~ulations in Vicinity of the Site
Lynx habitat is found at higher elevations in the Railroad Creek drainage. The USFS has a record of lynx
near a ridge south of Dumbell Mountain (T3 IN R16E S27).
Federal Species of Concern
Table 4.6-12 lists the Federal Species of Concern whose ranges encompass the Site vicinity. A discussion
follows, detailing which of these species may occur within the vicinity of the Site.
Many of the wildlife species of federal concern are at least partially dependent upon streams and riparian
habitats. Railroad Creek and its associated wetlands and riparian habitats may provide habitat for these
amphibians and mammals throughout the year, and for Harlequin ducks and little willow flycatchers in
summer.
The existing literature and historic photographs do not document the habitat present in the Railroad Creek
drainage prior to the construction of the tailings piles. However, based on the habitat observed immediately
downstream of tailings pile 3, it appears possible that riparian habitat existed that may have included areas
of scrub-shrub, emergent, and open-water wetlands, and mixed forest; this area could have provided habitat
for one or more species of concern. New roosting habitat for bats may have been created by the
underground mining activities.
The forested areas along Railroad Creek and on the mountain slopes provide potential breeding habitat for
northern goshawks and olive-sided flycatchers. Northern goshawks have been sighted near Railroad Creek
according to USFS database records. Northern goshawks inhabit forested areas with high canopy closure,
sparse understory, and small forest openings. They prefer to nest in areas with permanent water within 0.5
mile of their nest. Goshawks build large stick nests in large mature trees. Three eggs are normally laid from
April to early June, with eggs hatching around mid-May (Marshall, 1992). Hatchlings stay in the nest for
about 45 days and continue to rely on adults for food until late summer.
Potential habitat exists for California wolverines and Pacific fishers. They have been observed near the
highest reaches of the Railroad Creek drainage according to the USFS database.
Suitable habitat including mature trees and rock caves and crevices is available for the western big-eared bat
and the myotis bats. Bats have been observed flying near the main mine portal and at the ballfield area near
Holden Mine. Bats may use cave-like mine portals for day or night roosting, maternity colonies, or
hibernacula.
Habitat for the fermginous hawk, western burrowing owl, western sage grouse, whited milk-vetch, and
Thompson's clover is not found near the Site. The current range of the Columbia sharp-tailed grouse does
not extend into Chelan County (Smith et al., 1997). Black terns are not likely to be found in the Railroad
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17693-005-019Wuly 19. 1999:4:51 PM;DRAFT FINAL RI REPORT