Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619 Revised Study Plan

Transcription

1 Revised Study Plan RTE-S2 STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVE STUDY DESCRIPTION RTE-S2 BALD EAGLE & OSPREY September 2014 (Revised February 2015) The Bucks Creek Project (Project) Pre-Application Document (PAD) (November 2013) reviewed the existing, relevant, and reasonably available information associated with rare, threatened, endangered, or special-status species and identified the following issues: RTE-1 Effects of Project operations on special-status amphibian and aquatic reptile species RTE-2 Effects of Project operations on valley elderberry longhorn beetle RTE-3 Effects of Project operations on bald eagle RTE-4 Effects of Project operations on willow flycatcher RTE-5 Effects of Project operations on special-status bat species RTE-6 Effects of the Project on special-status plant species The goal of this study is to develop the essential additional information necessary to supplement the existing information to address issue RTE-3, and to additionally collect osprey information that can be collected using the bald eagle survey protocol. Information required to address issues RTE-1, RTE-2, RTE-4, RTE-5, and RTE-6 will be collected in studies RTE-S1, RTE-S5, RTE-S3, RTE-S4, and RTE-S5, respectively. This study will continue ongoing annual bald eagle breeding/productivity surveys by surveying all bald eagle nesting territories, searching for new nests, and identifying potential conflicts with human uses within the Project Affected Area (PAA) (as defined below). The study will also continue annual monitoring of known bald eagle nest sites to determine annual breeding success/productivity for bald eagles, thereby addressing questions concerning effects of Project operations, recreational use, and prey base. The collected breeding information will include: nest locations, the distance of nest locations to human recreational activity and bald eagle breeding productivity or success. Where possible, incidental foraging information along Project reservoirs will be collected during breeding surveys and may include: hunting perch locations, foraging locations, the distance of foraging locations to human activity, and the type of prey taken by bald eagle (i.e., through direct observation or observation of prey remaining below feeding perches). Osprey information will be collected during bald eagle surveys. Osprey nest locations will be recorded when observed; however, a separate breeding/productivity survey for osprey will not be , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

2 RTE-S2 Revised Study Plan conducted. If observed, incidental information on osprey foraging habitat at Project reservoirs will be collected. 1 Incidental sightings of other birds and wildlife species observed during the surveys will be documented on survey forms. Where possible, additional information (e.g., species, behavior, age, sex etc.) of birds incidentally observed during bald eagle and osprey surveys will be recorded. However, collection of additional information on incidental birds will not be undertaken when it detracts from and/or hinders bald eagle survey goals and objectives. EXISTING INFORMATION Bald eagle surveys were conducted around Bucks Lake, Lower Bucks Lake, and Grizzly Forebay in 2002 in compliance with License Article 103 for the Project (PG&E 2002) and bald eagle nest sites have been monitored annually since 2005 to assess productivity. 2 In the PAA, bald eagles have been documented nesting in two territories: the Bucks Lake territory and the Grizzly Forebay territory. Surveys specifically for osprey have not been conducted within the Project vicinity; therefore, it is not known how and to what extent ospreys utilize the PAA and surrounding habitat. NEXUS BETWEEN PROJECT AND RESOURCE TO BE STUDIED AND HOW THE RESULTS WILL BE USED Bald eagle has been federally delisted; however, it is federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The bald eagle is also State Endangered and a State Fully Protected species. The osprey is designated as a State Taxa to Watch and listed by the California Board of Forestry as a Listed Species and Sensitive Species. Project operations that create loud disturbances (e.g., sirens, machinery, maintenance work, or motorboats), Projectrelated recreation, and other human activities in the area may affect nesting bald eagles and/or osprey. Project operations could disturb bald eagle and osprey nesting pairs during the breeding season (late February through July, and March through August, respectively), which could result in egg endangerment, nest failure, premature fledging of young, and territory abandonment. Information produced by this study will allow Relicensing Participants to assess the potential influences of the Project on nesting bald eagles and ospreys, assess the adequacy of existing protection, mitigation, and enhancement (PM&E) measures, and identify whether additional measures are needed to address specific impacts. 1 Osprey is not listed under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and is not designated as a CDFW Species of Special Concern (CDFW 2014); therefore, additional detailed information collection for the species is not warranted. 2 PG&E has been monitoring bald eagle nesting in this area during most years since , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

3 Revised Study Plan RTE-S2 STUDY AREA AND SITES The PAA for the study encompasses areas near active Project helipad locations and Project reservoirs. Specifically, surveys for bald eagle and osprey will be conducted within a 0.25-mile radius of all active Project helipad locations (see Figure 1). Surveys for new nests will be conducted within a one-mile radius of the Project reservoirs (Bucks Lake, Lower Bucks Lake, Grizzly Forebay, and Three Lakes). In addition, boat surveys will be conducted on Bucks Lake to document recreation use of the bald eagle nesting territory at Bucks Lake. Osprey information will also be collected during the bald eagle surveys; as the same study area as those surveyed for bald eagle. METHODS Productivity surveys Productivity surveys will be conducted in 2015 and 2016 during time periods as Jackman and Jenkins (2004) suggest, initial bald eagle nest searches be conducted when eagles are most likely to be found at nest sites and as early in the breeding season as possible, and that the initial survey window extends from late February through March. The survey periods will be: (1) between late February and early March to determine nest site occupancy; (2) between late April and early May to confirm nesting activity; and (3) between mid-june and July to determine success and nestlings fledged or near fledging. All observations will be recorded and reported on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Bald Eagle Nesting Territory Survey Form (CDFW 2010). A brief description of the survey protocol is provided below: Aerial photos, topographic maps, and photographs will be reviewed to determine and identify potentially suitable bald eagle and osprey nesting habitat within the PAA. Surveys will be conducted within a 0.25-mi radius of all active Project helipad locations. Surveys for new nests will be conducted within a one-mile radius of suitable habitat at the Project reservoirs (Bucks Lake, Lower Bucks Lake, Grizzly Forebay, and Three Lakes). Surveys will be conducted when bald eagle and osprey are most likely to be found at nest territories and nest sites and as early in the breeding season as possible to avoid missing activity prior to potential nest failure. As recommended by the CDFW (CDFW 2010), surveys will be conducted at least three times during the nesting season with an emphasis of surveys performed during late February to early March and late April to early May. Depending on the local topography, road access, and aquatic conditions, surveys will be conducted by ground (i.e., on foot or vehicle), by boat, or by aircraft (i.e., helicopter). To effectively search for nests or nesting territories, more than one pass through the survey area may be performed to maximize coverage of potential nesting habitat. Aerial searches will be conducted above 500-foot elevation to avoid disturbing nesting adults , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

4 RTE-S2 Revised Study Plan In addition to surveying for nest structures, surveyors will observe the behavior of adult eagles and ospreys. Repeated sightings of adults in a particular area during the breeding season are an indication of potential nesting activity. Other clues may include, but are not limited to, flights toward nesting substrate with captured prey, perching in prominent locations away from foraging habitat, and territorial vocalizations toward perceived threats. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be used to observe adult bald eagles and osprey and to search for large dark stick masses near the crown of trees. Surveys will be conducted during the time of day when adults are most active; however, because of conspicuous plumage and large nests, eagle and ospreys nests could be searched for throughout the day. Surveys during inclement weather (i.e., heavy rain, snow, high winds, etc.) will be avoided. All nesting activity will be recorded on the California Bald Eagle Nesting Territory Survey Form (CDFW 2010), including nest repair or construction, incubation posture, and number and approximate age of young. Concurrent with nest surveys, human use will be monitored within and adjacent to the Nest Management Zones 3 to identify potential interactions between humans and eagles and/or osprey. If nesting attempt(s) fail, surveyors will search for evidence of intrusions into nesting territories. Shoreline camping restrictions around the Bucks Lake Nest Management Zone and possible impacts of the Mill Creek and proposed Rainbow Point trails will be evaluated. Winter Use surveys A bald eagle winter use survey will be conducted by helicopter in January 2015 and 2016 in conjunction with the National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey. Surveys will be conducted at Project reservoirs and will include all existing nest site locations. Survey modes for winter surveys for bald eagle and/or osprey will duplicate those used during the productivity surveys, with the appropriate logistical and safety consideration for winter weather. Winter surveys will cover ice-free aquatic habitats where breeding raptors may be found. 3 Nest Management Zones provide up to a one-half mile buffer around existing nesting tree stands, less if sheltered by topography, to protect the site from human disturbance and development and provide suitable habitat for future nesting opportunities , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

5 Milk Ranch Creek Three Lakes Helipad! f ( Three Lakes Rodgers Flat Helipad! f ( Milk Ranch Conduit Bucks Lake Wilderness Area Bucks Creek Milk Ranch Conduit Road Helipad! f ( Bucks Creek Powerhouse #* Bucks Penstock Helipad! f ( Grizzly Forebay Tunnel! f ( 115 KV Line Grizzly Forebay Helipad Grizzly Forebay Grizzly Powerhouse!( f #* Grizzly Penstock Helipad!( f Helipad!( f Grizzly PH Helipad Grizzly Powerhouse Tunnel Bucks Comm Tower Helipad! f ( Grizzly Penstock Road Helipad Lower Bucks Lake Tunnel! f ( Lower Bucks Dam Helipad Lower Bucks Lake Upper Bucks Lake Dam Helipad! f ( Bucks Lake Grizzly Creek! f ( Haskins Valley Helipad Miles Kilometers Map Location UV36 UV70 UV89 Plumas County Legend #* Powerhouse FERC Boundary!( f Helipad BU CKS CR EEK RELIC ENSING PROJECT Figure 1 Active Helipads within the Buck's Creek Project Area UV49 Bucks Lake Wilderness Area

6

7 Revised Study Plan RTE-S2 Methodology Detailed productivity survey methodology will follow that of the 2002 surveys (see attached Bald Eagle Survey Report, PG&E 2002) and survey time periods are consistent with CDFW s Bald Eagle Breeding Survey Instructions (CDFW 2010). Detailed winter survey methodology will follow that of the 2004 Jackman and Jenkins Protocol for Evaluating Bald Eagle Habitat and Populations in California Section Surveying Bald Eagle in Winter. Incidental sightings of other birds and wildlife observed during bald eagle and osprey surveys will be documented on survey forms. Results of nest surveys will be recorded on the California Bald Eagle Nesting Territory Survey Form (CDFW 2010) and the form will be submitted to the Department office listed on the survey form by September 1 of each survey year. Additionally while conducting field studies, field personnel will document incidental observations of non-native invasive species, to the extent practicable, focusing on large concentrations or difficult to control species. To minimize the spread of non-native invasive plant species during field activities, applicable measures, including inspection and cleaning of clothing and vehicles, will be conducted to reduce the potential for the spread of these plants. ANALYSIS The analysis will follow that of the 2002 surveys (see attached Bald Eagle Survey Report, PG&E 2002), and will also include a descriptive and graphical summary of the information collected. Graphical presentation of results may include, but is not limited to, scatterplots and bar graphs. Following survey visits, field data forms will be assembled and reviewed for inconsistencies or incomplete data by the survey crew leader. Following review, the biological lead will input the data, map observations, and survey results (i.e., detection of bald eagle, osprey, their signs etc.) will be evaluated with specific criteria for determining the status of a territory or survey area. A technical memo will be prepared documenting the 2015 results following data analysis and will include the extent and intensity of survey efforts, and the criteria used to determine status. It will be updated in 2016 with the 2016 results. The technical memo will also include a summary of bald eagle and osprey reproductive status based on information collected from existing Project information (i.e., license compliance surveys) relative to Project operations and recreational use at Project reservoirs. If bald eagle productivity or site fidelity is impacted by recreational or other human use in the nesting territory, Licensees will discuss the management of those activities with the USDA, Forest Service (USFS) and the CDFW , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

8 RTE-S2 Revised Study Plan STUDY-SPECIFIC CONSULTATION Study-specific consultation for this study includes the following: Notification of dates for field surveys and an invitation to participate; resource agencies will be provided at least 14 days' notice via the project website calendar of the proposed field schedule, subject to change due to staffing, weather, or other field conditions. Review of study results CONSISTENCY WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE The methodology is consistent with the generally accepted scientific techniques used to determine the presence of bald eagle nesting and wintering activity. PRODUCTS A summary of the information and findings will be included in the Application for New License, Exhibit E (both Draft and Final). A stand-alone Technical Memo will be produced with the methods and results of the study and will be appended to the Exhibit E in both the Draft and Final License Application. Licensees will provide relevant data as appendices to the Technical Memo, and in electronic format upon request. Inventory forms will be provided to the appropriate resource agency. Study results will be provided to the Relicensing Participants as soon as possible after the data are collected, tabulated, summarized, and checked for quality (i.e., Quality Assurance/Quality Control). The Licensee intends to have study results, to the degree complete, available in sufficient time to allow collaborative development of possible PM&E measures for inclusion in its Draft License Application. Study products may include a presentation to resource agency personnel and other relicensing participants. Standard GIS shapefiles produced and electronic data files will be provided upon request; any custom formats or ancillary GIS data manipulation will be the responsibility of the party receiving the data. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER STUDIES This study, in addition to studies RTE-S1, RTE-S3, and RTE-S4, will provide data on incidental sightings of other wildlife species. SCHEDULE Productivity surveys will begin in late March/April 2015 and 2016 and end in late summer. Analysis of data will occur in the fall of each year. Nest survey forms will be submitted to CDFW by September 1 of each survey year. Final reporting on the productivity surveys will take place in fall The winter use survey will be conducted in January 2015 and 2016 to coincide with National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey with analysis occurring in spring of each year. Final reporting on the winter use surveys will take place in fall , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

9 Revised Study Plan RTE-S2 LEVEL OF EFFORT AND COST The preliminary estimated cost (2014 dollars) for the study subtotaled by major tasks is as follows: Office Work...$ 10,000 Field Work...$ 60,000 Analysis...$ 30,000 Reporting...$ 30,000 Total (2014 dollars)...$ 125,000 REFERENCES CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) Bald Eagle Breeding Survey Instructions and California Bald Eagle Nesting Territory Survey Form. April 6. CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) Natural Diversity Database. Special Animals List. Periodic publication. 52 pp. September. Jackman, R.E. and Jenkins, J.M. (Jackman and Jenkins) Protocol for Evaluating Bald Eagle Habitat and Populations in California. June. PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) Bald Eagle Surveys. Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

10 RTE-S2 Revised Study Plan This Page Intentionally Left Blank , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

11 Revised Study Plan RTE-S2 ATTACHMENT A BALD EAGLE SURVEYS , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

12 RTE-S2 Revised Study Plan This Page Intentionally Left Blank , Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28