Chapter Three: Habitat, Fish and Wildlife

Chapter Three: Habitat, Fish and Wildlife

Table of Contents

Chapter Three: Habitat, Fish and Wildlife ..............................................................................................3-1 A. Habitat................................................................................................................................3-1

1. Vegetation.................................................................................................................3-1 2. Wetlands and Aquatic Plants ....................................................................................3-5

B. Fish and Wildlife Populations.............................................................................................3-7 1. Fish ...........................................................................................................................3-7 2. Birds........................................................................................................................3-10 3. Terrestrial Mammals ...............................................................................................3-15 4. Threatened and Endangered Species. ...................................................................3-19


Preliminary Best Interest Finding, Healy Basin 3-1


A. Habitat 1. Vegetation

The Healy basin falls between two ecoregions: the Alaska Range, dominated by shrub communities and alpine tundra; and the Tanana-Kuskokwim Lowlands, which are dominated by boreal forests (Nowacki et al. 2000). Land cover data was obtained from Landsat imagery (Winterberger 1984). The original raster received was modified to create a map of the habitat types and included as Figure 3.1. The pixel resolution of the original raster was 30 meters by 30 meters, which made it difficult to discern the general habitat types in the proposed license area. A filter was performed on the raster which replaced individual cell values when half of the contiguous eight cells had the same value. The filter was performed once to produce a map that displayed the general distribution of the habitat types. The unmodified raster (Winterberger 1984) was used to divide the vegetation into categories based on the Alaska Vegetation Classification (Viereck et al. 1992; Table 3.1).

Table 3.1: Vegetation Types and Amounts in the Proposed License Area Vegetation Type Acres

Needleleaf Forest 8,800Needleleaf Woodland 45,047Broadleaf Forest 52,814Broadleaf Shrub - Closed 3,553Broadleaf Shrub - Open 106,626Herbaceous - Wet 3,926Sparse vegetation 12,273Rock and Gravel 304Other (including no data) 12,672Source: Winterberger 1984

Helm (1985) performed a detailed investigation of plant communities in the Healy area, in the Poker Flats permit area of Usibelli Coal Mine. The study area encompassed Poker Flats, areas north of Hoseanna (Lignite) Creek, and within the Lignite Creek floodplain. Major vegetation types are described below, though local species composition may vary.

Open black spruce forest types were found in several types of sites, covering a range of drainage classes and successional status. Total vascular vegetation cover for open black spruce forests was 86 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 36 percent, tall shrubs 5 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 67 percent, forbs 3 percent, graminoids 8 percent, and the ground layer 97 percent cover. Dominant vascular species included black spruce (Picea mariana), bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum).

Open mixed paper birch – spruce forest occupied a variety of sites. Total vascular vegetation cover for open mixed paper birch - spruce forests was 89 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 40 percent, tall shrubs 10 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 64 percent, forbs 9 percent, graminoids 1 percent, and the ground layer 96 percent cover. Dominant tree species in this vegetation type were paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and white spruce (Picea glauca), though black spruce (Picea mariana) were observed in most stands. Dominant shrubs include bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum).



Closed birch forest types occurred within the study area along Runaway Ridge, either intermixed with closed alder shrubland or at a slightly higher elevation. Total vascular vegetation cover for closed birch forests was 98 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 67 percent, tall shrubs 36 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 29 percent, forbs 20 percent, graminoids 24 percent, and the ground layer 100 percent cover. Dominant species were paper birch (Betula nana), Sitka alder (Alnus sinuate) bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), and bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis).

Closed aspen forest types had a total vascular vegetation cover of 94 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 60 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 74 percent, forbs 31 percent, and the ground layer 100 percent cover. Dominant species in this vegetation type were quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), and bunchberry (Cornus canadensis).

Closed alder shrubland types had a total vascular vegetation cover of 99 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 5 percent, tall shrubs 94 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 10 percent, forbs 11 percent, graminoids 53 percent, and the ground layer 100 percent cover. Dominant species were Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata) and bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis).

Open alder shrubland types had a total vascular vegetation cover of 98 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 8 percent, tall shrubs 20 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 74 percent, forbs 8 percent, graminoids 31 percent, and the ground layer 100 percent. Dominant species in this vegetation type were Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata), resin birch (Betula glandulosa), bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), and bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis).

Ericaceous shrub tundra types had a total vascular vegetation cover of 82 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 3 percent, tall shrubs 2 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 75 percent, forbs 3 percent, graminoids 8 percent, and the ground layer 94 percent. Dominant species in this vegetation type were bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum).

Bluejoint meadow types had a total vascular vegetation cover of 85 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: low and dwarf shrubs 2 percent, forbs 10 percent, graminoids 84 percent, and the ground layer 97 percent. The dominant species in this vegetation type was bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis).

Woodland white spruce types had a total vascular vegetation cover of 99 percent, with the following percent cover by layer: trees 14 percent, tall shrubs 1 percent, low and dwarf shrubs 97 percent, forbs 2 percent, and the ground layer 99 percent. Dominant species in this vegetation type were white spruce (Picea glauca), bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), and resin birch (Betula glandulosa).

The species list generated from this study (Helm 1985) is provided in Table 3.2.



Table 3.2: Plant Species Within or Adjacent to the Proposed License Area Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Equisetum arvense Meadow horsetail Oxycoccus microcarpus Swamp cranberry Equisetum pratense Meadow horsetail Vaccinium uliginosum Bog blueberry Lycopodium annontinum Stiff clubmoss Vaccinium vitis-idaea Mountain cranberry Lycopodium selago Fir clubmoss Corydalis sempervirens Pink corydalis Picea glauca White spruce Gentiana propinqua Gentian Picea mariana Black spruce Lupinus arcticus Arctic lupine Carex spp. Sedges Epilobium angustifolium Fireweed Eriophorum vaginatum Tussock cottongrass Boschniakia rossica Poque Eriophorum spp. Cottongrass Polemonium acutiflorum Jacob's ladder Agrostis scabra Hair grass Polygonum alaskanum Wild rhubarb Calamagrostis canadensis Bluejoint Trientalis europaea Arctic starflower Festuca altaica Fescue grass Pyrola asarifolia Liverleaf wintergreen Hierochloe alpina Alpine holygrass Aconitum delphinifolium Monkshood Iris setosa Wild iris Rosa acicularis Prickly rose Tofieldia coccinea Northern asphodel Rubus arcticus Nagoon berry Alnus sinuata Sitka alder Rubus chamaemorus Cloudberry Betula glandulosa Resin birch Rubus idaeus Raspberry Betula papyrifera Paper birch Sanguisorba stipulata Sitka burnet Mertensia paniculata Tall bluebell Spirea beauverdiana Beauverd spirea Linnaea borealis Twin flower Populus balsamifera Balsam poplar Viburnum edule High-bush cranberry Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen Artemisia tilesii Wormwood Salix alaxensis Feltleaf willow Petastites alaskanus Coltsfoot Salix monticola Bebb Park's willow Solidago multiradiata Goldenrod Salix planifolia Diamondleaf willow Cornus canadensis Bunchberry Salix spp. Willow Empetrum nigrum Crowberry Geocaulon lividum Sandalwood Andromeda polifolia Bog rosemary Parnasia spp. Grass-of-parnassus Arctostaphylos alpina Alpine bearberry Ribes triste American red currant Ledum groenlandicum Labrador tea Pedicularis labradorica Labrador lousewort Source: Helm 1985



Figure 3.1: Vegetation Types in the License Area

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2. Wetlands and Aquatic Plants Wetlands are defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as “those areas that are inundated or saturated

by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions” (33 C.F.R. part 328.3(b)).

Plants require special adaptations to survive life under the saturated or anaerobic conditions found in wetlands. The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has published a list of plant species for Alaska (USFWS 1988), which assigns an indicator status indicating the relative probability of the occurrence of each species in wetlands. The wetland status for plant species observed at field sites within or adjacent to the proposed license area is included in Table 3.2. Plants are categorized as obligate (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW), facultative (FAC), facultative upland (FACU), upland (UPL), drawdown (DRA), are not listed (NL), or have not yet been assigned an indicator status (NI).

Definitions for each indicator status are:

OBL - Always found in wetlands under natural (not planted) conditions (frequency greater than 99 percent), but may persist in non-wetlands if planted there by man or in wetlands that have been drained, filled, or otherwise transformed into non-wetlands.

FACW - Usually found in wetlands (34 percent - 66 percent frequency), but occasionally found in non-wetlands.

FAC - Sometimes found in wetlands (34 percent - 66 percent frequency), but also occurs in non-wetlands.

FACU - Seldom found in wetlands (1 percent - 33 percent frequency), and usually occurs in non-wetlands.

UPL - Occurs in wetlands in another region, but not found (<1 percent frequency) in wetlands in the region specified (Alaska). If a species does not occur in wetlands in any region, it is not on the list.

DRA - Typically associated with the drier stages of wetlands, such as mud flats, vernal pools, and playa lakes.

Species with indicator status of OBL, FACW, or FAC are considered adapted for life in saturated or anaerobic soil conditions. Such species are referred to as "hydrophytic" vegetation, or "hydrophytes."

Wetlands within the Healy basin have been mapped by the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), which provides classification based upon ecological characteristics (Cowardin et al. 1979). Wetland types within the Healy basin include both palustrine and riverine wetlands. Palustrine wetlands are freshwater wetlands dominated by either woody or emergent vegetation, as well as ponds less than 20 acres in size. Riverine wetlands are contained within river or stream channels. No marine, estuarine, or lacustrine wetlands, deep water habitats greater than 20 acres in size or 7 feet in depth, are present within the proposed lease area.

The Cowardin classification is a hierarchical system. Wetlands are first split into systems, or groups with common hydrologic, geomorphologic, chemical, or geologic factors (e.g. Marine, Estuarine, Riverine, Lacustrine and Palustrine Systems). With the exception of Palustrine Systems, each system is then broken down into a more specific subsystem (e.g. Estuarine Subtidal, Riverine Lower Perennial). Wetlands are then broken down to class, subclass, and dominance type. Class describes the general appearance of the habitat, either in terms of vegetation or physiography and composition of the substrate (e.g. Palustrine Scrub Shrub, Estuarine Subtidal Rock Bottom). Subclass provides greater detail for the vegetation or substrate described in Class. For example, a Palustrine (system) Scrub-Shrub (class) wetland can be further broken down into the subclasses broad-leaved deciduous,



needle-leaved deciduous, broad-leaved evergreen, needle-leaved evergreen, or dead. The dominance type details the dominant species in the habitat.

A small portion of the lease area has been delineated following the procedures described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987) (Roth et al., 1997). The most common wetland type delineated in the Healy area was a scrub-shrub lowland, corresponding to Cowardin types PSS4B/PEM1B, PSS1B/PEM1B, PSS1B, PSS1E, PSS4B, PSSS4/1B, and PSS4/2B. Table 3.3 provides definitions for the Cowardin types present in the proposed license area.

This wetland type was found in depressions on hilltops, on gentle slopes, valley bottoms, and flatlands. Vegetation typically consisted of open and closed stands of shrub birch (Betula spp., FACU-FAC), black spruce (Picea mariana, FACW), and tamaracks (Larix larcina, FACW) with diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra, FACW), bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum, FAC), mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea, FAC), Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum, FACW), and cottongrass tussocks (Eriophorum vaginatum, OBL). Small bogs and fens were observed within these shrub communities, dominated by sedges (Carex spp. FACU-OBL), marsh five-finger (Potentilla palustris, OBL), and sphagnum mosses.

Table 3.3: Definitions for Cowardin Wetland Types Present in the Proposed License Area System P Palustrine Class SS Scrub-Shrub Class EM Emergent Subclass 1 Broad-leaved Deciduous– dominated by woody angiosperms with relatively wide,

flat leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season (e.g. Salix spp, Betula spp, Vaccinium uliginosum)

Subclass 2 Needle-leaved Deciduous – woody gymnosperms with green, needle-shaped or scale-like leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season (e.g. Larix larcina)

Subclass 4 Needle-leaved Evergreen – woody gymnosperms with green, needle-shaped, or scale-like leaves that are retained throughout the year (e.g. Picea marianna, Empetrum nigrum)

Hydrology modifier

B Substrate is saturated

Hydrology modifier

E Substrate is seasonally flooded saturated



B. Fish and Wildlife Populations 1. Fish

The study area is crossed by rivers and streams that provide habitat for anadromous and resident fish species. The Nenana River, Lignite Creek, Unnamed Creek (Lignite Springs), K-Dog Creek, Panguingue Creek, Little Panguingue Creek, June Creek, and Bear Creek are designated as waters important for anadromous fish per AS 41.14.840. As shown in Figure 3.2, Portions of these waters provide migratory, spawning, and summer and winter rearing habitat for coho salmon, chinook salmon, and chum salmon (ADF&G 1998). Resident fish species use streams and lakes within the study area for the same life stages and for overwintering, varying with species and location. Waters that provide anadromous fish habitat also provide resident fish habitat, and several areas within the study area provide high quality habitat for resident fish only. Resident fish species are not extensively used by humans but are valuable as forage species for piscivorous species of fish (e.g. sculpin and suckers), birds, and mammals. Table 3.4 lists anadromous and resident fish in the proposed license area. Table 3.5 lists the anadromous fish-bearing waters in the proposed license area (ADF&G 2002, 1996).

The central portion of the Healy basin contains the Nenana River. While the main channel of the Nenana River is glacially turbid during most of the ice-free period, it has numerous clear side channels and tributaries. Stocks of Arctic grayling and round whitefish also spawn and rear in this area, and burbot, are seasonally present. Tarbox et al. (1979) evaluated aquatic habitat in the Nenana River and several of its tributaries in the Healy area. Fish abundance was observed to be relatively low in the Nenana River. Lignite Creek was determined to have marginal aquatic habitat, while Panguingue Creek, Little Panguingue Creek, and Lignite Springs provided excellent habitat for coho salmon, round whitefish, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Grayling. June Creek, Bear Creek, and K-Dog Creek were not included in the study.

Otto Lake, also within the lease boundaries, is stocked by ADF&G with rainbow trout, and Eightmile Lake contains Arctic grayling.

Table 3.4: Anadromous and Resident Fish in the Proposed License Area Group Scientific Name Common Name

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch Coho salmon Salmon Oncorhynchus keta Chum salmon Salvelinus malma Dolly Varden Char Thymallus arcticus Arctic grayling Lota lota Burbot Prosopium cylindraceum Round whitefish Cottus cognatus Slimy sculpin

Other resident species

Catosomus catasomus Longnose sucker Sources: ADFG 2002, Tarbox et al. 1979



Table 3.5: Catalogued Anadromous Fish Streams Within the Proposed License Area

Catalog No. Stream Name Fish Species

334-40-11000-2490-3200 Nenana River CH, CO, K 1

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4086 Lignite Creek CO, K, CH

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4086-5010 K-Dog Creek COs 1

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4079 Unnamed Creek (Lignite Springs) COrs 1

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4075 Panguingue Creek AG, WF, COrs 1

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4071 Little Panguingue Creek AG, COs 1

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4220 June Creek COs, CHs

334-40-11000-2490-3200-4220-5016 Bear Creek COs, CHs *K=chinook salmon, CO=coho salmon, S=sockeye salmon, P=pink salmon, CH=chum salmon, AG=Arctic grayling, NP=Northern pike, WF=whitefish, SF=sheefish s=spawning, p=passage and r=rearing. Source: ADFG 2002, 1996 1 McLean 2003



Figure 3.2: Anadromous Fish Bearing Streams and rivers in the License Area!

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2. Birds Ongoing surveys of avian populations in and around the Healy basin have been conducted by several

programs: the North American Breeding Bird Survey, a cooperative effort between the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the Canadian Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Research Center; various National Park Service programs carried out in Denali National Park; and surveys conducted by private firms related to potential development.

Table 3.6 presents a list of birds known to occur within the Healy basin, as well as an indication of breeding status and seasonal presence in the area.



Table 3.6: Birds Known to Occur in the Proposed License Area

Scientific Name Win

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Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata migrant X XPacific Loon Gavia pacifica migrant X XCommon Loon Gavia immer migrant X XHorned Grebe Podiceps auritus breeder X X XRed-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena breeder X X XGreater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons migrant X XCanada Goose Branta canadensis migrant X XTrumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator migrant X XTundra Swan Cygnus columbianus migrant X XGadwall Anas strepera migrant X XAmerican Widgeon Anas americana breeder X X XMallard Anas platyrhynchos breeder X X XNorthern Shoveler Anas clypeata breeder X X XNorthern Pintail Anas acuta breeder X X XGreen-winged Teal Anas crecca breeder X X XCanvasback Aythya valisineria migrant X XRedhead Aythya americana migrant X XRing-necked Duck Aythya collaris migrant X XGreater Scaup Aythya marila potential breeder X X XLesser Scaup Aythya affinis breeder X X XHarlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus potential breeder X X XSurf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata migrant X XWhite-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca migrant X XBlack Scoter Melanitta nigra migrant X XLong-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis potential breeder X X XBufflehead Bucephala albeola potential breeder X X XCommon Goldeneye Bucephala clangula migrant X XBarrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica potential breeder X X XRed-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator potential breeder X X XCommon Merganser Mergus merganser migrant X XOsprey Pandion haliaetus migrant X X XBald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus breeder X X XNorthern Harrier Circus cyaneus breeder X X XSharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus breeder X X XNorthern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis breeder X X X XRed-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis breeder X X XRough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus migrant X XGolden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos breeder X X XAmerican Kestrel Falco sparverius breeder X X XMerlin Falco columbarius breeder X X XPeregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus potential breeder X X XGyrfalcon Falco rusticolus breeder X X X XRuffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus breeder X X X XSpruce Grouse Falcipennis canadensis breeder X X X XWillow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus breeder X X X XRock Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus breeder X X X XWhite-tailed Ptarmigan Lagopus leucurus breeder X X X XSandhill Crane Grus canadensis migrant X XBlack-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola migrant X XAmerican Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica breeder X X XSemipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus breeder X X X

Seasonal Occurrence

Common Name Status



Table 3.6: Birds Known to Occur in the Proposed License Area (Continued)

Scientific Name Win

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Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes breeder X X XSolitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria breeder X X XWandering Tattler Heteroscelus icanus breeder X X XSpotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia breeder X X XUpland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda breeder X X XWhimbrel Numenius phaeopus breeder X X XSurfbird Aphriza virgata potential breeder X X XSanderling Calidris alba migrant X XSemipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla migrant X XWestern Sandpiper Calidris mauri migrant X XLeast Sandpiper Calidris minutilla migrant X XBaird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii potential breeder X X XPectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos migrant X XWilson's Snipe Gallinago gallinago delicata breeder X X XRed-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus potential breeder X X XLong-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus breeder X X XBonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia breeder X X XMew Gull Larus canus breeder X X XHerring Gull Larus argentatus potential breeder X X XGlaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens migrant/vagrant X XArctic Tern Sterna paradisaea breeder X X XGreat-horned Owl Bubo virginianus breeder X X X XSnowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca vagrant X X XNorthern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula breeder X X X XGreat Gray Owl Strix nebulosa potential breeder X X X XShort-eared Owl Asio flammeus breeder X X XBoreal Owl Aegolius funereus breeder X X X XBelted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon breeder X X XDowny Woodpecker Picoides pubescens potential breeder X X X XHairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus breeder X X X XThree-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus breeder X X X XBlack-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus potential breeder X X X XNorthern Flicker Colaptes auratus breeder X X XOlive-sided Flycatcher Contopus borealis breeder X X XYellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris potential breeder X X XWestern Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus breeder X X XAlder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum breeder X X XHammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii breeder X X XSay's Phoebe Sayornis saya potential breeder X X XNorthern Shrike Lanius excubitor breeder X X X XGray Jay Perisoreus canadensis breeder X X X XBlack-billed Magpie Pica pica breeder X X X XCommon Raven Corvus corax breeder X X X XHorned Lark Eremophila alpestris breeder X X XTree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor breeder X X XViolet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina breeder X X XBank Swallow Riparia riparia potential breeder X X XCliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota potential breeder X X XBlack-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus breeder X X X XBoreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonicus breeder X X X XRed-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis potential breeder X X X X

Common Name Status

Seasonal Occurrence



Table 3.6: Birds Known to Occur in the Proposed License Area (Continued)

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Brown Creeper Certhia americana potential breeder X X X XAmerican Dipper Cinclus mexicanus potential breeder X X X XRuby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula breeder X X XArctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis breeder X X XNorthern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe potential breeder X X XTownsend's Solitaire Myadestes townsendii breeder X X XGray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus breeder X X XSwainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus breeder X X XHermit Thrush Catharus guttatus breeder X X XAmerican Robin Turdus migratorius breeder X X XVaried Thrush Ixoreus naevius breeder X X XAmerican Pipit Anthus rubescens breeder X X XBohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus potential breeder X X XOrange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata breeder X X XYellow Warbler Dendroica petechia breeder X X XYellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata breeder X X XTownsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi potential breeder X X XBlackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata breeder X X XNorthern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis potential breeder X X XWilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla breeder X X XAmerican Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea breeder X X XSavannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis breeder X X XFox Sparrow Passarella iliaca breeder X X XLincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii breeder X X XWhite-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys breeder X X XGolden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla breeder X X XDark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis breeder X X XLapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus breeder X X XSmith's Longspur Calcarius pictus potential breeder X X XSnow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis migrant X X XRusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus potential breeder X X XGray-crowned Rosy Finch Leucosticte tephrocotis potential breeder X X XPine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator potential breeder X X X XWhite-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera breeder X X X XCommon Redpoll Carduelis flammea breeder X X X XHoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni potential breeder X X X XPine Siskin Carduelis pinus potential breeder X X XKEY to status:Migrant: Occurs in area during spring and autumn migration.Breeder: Regularly nests in the area.Potential breeder: most likely nests in area, but breeding not confirmed by field observations.Vagrant: Occurs occassionally.Source: McIntyre 2004 personal communication

Common Name Status

Seasonal Occurrence



a. Waterfowl Ducks. The proposed license area provides suitable habitat within the known range of dabbling or diving

ducks (ADF&G 1986a). Common diving ducks within the Healy basin include scoters (Melanita spp.), Greater and Lesser Scaup (Aythya marila and A. affinis), and Barrow’s Goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica). Often observed dabbling ducks include Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), Nothern Shoveler (A. clypeata), Green-winged Teal (A. crecca), American Widgeon (A. Americana), and Mallards (A. platyrhynchos) (BBS 2003). The Nenana River is a migration corridor for ducks and geese (ADF&G 1986a).

Geese. Two species of geese occur in the Healy basin: white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis). White-fronted geese are among one of the first species of waterfowl to arrive in the spring. The population of white-fronted geese that utilize the study area is part of the Mid-Continent Population. This population breeds throughout the western and central Canadian arctic. These birds nest near water in a variety of habitats and remain in Alaska through early fall (Rothe 1994).

Of the six subspecies of Canada geese found in Alaska, only the lesser Canada geese (B.c. parvipes) occurs in the Healy basin. Lesser Canada geese nest in Cook Inlet and throughout river drainages between western and interior Alaska, including the proposed license area, and the Yukon Territory, wintering in Washington and Oregon (Rothe 1994).

Swans. There are two species of swans in Alaska, trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) and tundra swans (C. columbianus). Trumpeter swans nest throughout Interior and Western Alaska, while tundra swans nest primarily in coastal areas from Kotzebue Sound to Bristol Bay. Both of these species winter in coastal areas from Cordova south to central California. Swans begin nesting soon after spring thaw in marsh areas adjacent to lakes. They migrate to their southern range in late September or October. The proposed license area includes migration routes for both trumpeter and tundra swans (McIntyre 2004 personal communication). Day et al. (2000) examined avian populations from Healy to Fairbanks, and observed that most swans migrated through the area between October 6 and 12.Cranes

Cranes. The distribution of the Mid-continent Population of Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) includes the proposed license area. Sandhill Cranes summer throughout most of interior and western Alaska, migrating to their nesting habitat in tundra, marshes and muskegs in early to mid May. Cranes return south to their winter ranges in eastern New Mexico, western Texas, and adjacent northern Mexico in mid-September (Kessel 1984; Paul et al. 1994). Day et al. (2000) examined avian populations from Healy to Fairbanks, and observed that most Sandhill Cranes migrated through the area by September 24 for the 1999 season. Observed migration routes were between Walker and Rex domes via Chicken Creek in the northern portion of the proposed license area if the wind was light or northerly, and north of the foothills if the wind was strong or southerly.

b. Shorebirds Shorebird species that range within the Healy basin include the Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius

semipalmatus), Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous), Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringia flavipes), Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus), Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus icanus) and Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda).

Shorebirds occupy a variety of habitat over the course of a year, with the commonality of spending at least part of their time near water. Nesting habitat can range from the low-lying, moist to wet tundra preferred by species such as Red-necked Phalaropes to the taiga regions within or near muskeg wetlands preferred by the yellowlegs and the Solitary Sandpiper. Food sources are as varied as habitats, ranging from small fish to invertebrates (Warnock & Warnock 2001; Peterson 2001).



c. Raptors The Tanana Basin Area Plan (ADNR, 1991) identifies the Nenana River Corridor, the Parks Highway

Corridor, and high-mountain areas of the Healy basin as capable of supporting maximum densities of one or more species-groups on a long term basis. Such prime habitat areas are necessary for perpetuation of populations.

A raptor survey in the Healy area documented several species of raptors (Roseneau & Springer 1991), including Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipter striatus), Northern Goshawks (A. gentilus), Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus), Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), American Kestrels (Falco sparverius), Merlins (F. columbarius), and a buteo (Buteo spp.). Eleven Golden Eagle nesting territories and one Red-tailed Hawk nesting territory were identified, with six and one successful pairs, respectively.

Data provided by McIntyre (2004 personal communication) lists the following raptors as inhabiting the Healy basin: Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), Northern Goshawk (Accipter gentilis), Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Merlin (Falco columbarius), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), Great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus), Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca), Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula), Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa), Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), and Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus).

Bald Eagles are protected under the Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C.668m et seq.), which restricts activities such as clearing within 330 feet of eagle nests. Bald eagles usually return to the same nests each year, and interior populations prefer old trees along rivers. Eagles mostly prey on salmon, but may also eat waterfowl and small mammals. Eagles start nest-building in April and may stay in the area after the young leave the nest in August if food sources are available. Most eagles winter in southern Alaska (Daum 2003). Osprey also select nesting habitat near to rivers, as fish are their primary food source; they return to the same nests every year in late April. Young osprey hatch in late June and remain in the nest until mid-August. In the fall, osprey migrate south for the winter and most have left Alaska by October (VanDaele 1994). Great Gray Owls utilize old hawk nest sites from March to June. Great gray owls do not migrate, but may cover long distances in search of food sources. Owls hunt small rodents by perching on the edges of marshes, sloughs or other open areas (Osborne 1994a). Northern Hawk Owls do not build nests, but lay their eggs in the cavities of broken tops of dead trees, or in large holes in trees. The majority of their diet consists of voles and mice, with occasional insects, mammals as large as hares, and birds as large as grouse (Osborne 1994).

3. Terrestrial Mammals

Numerous species of terrestrial mammals inhabit the Healy basin, including caribou, moose, black bear, and brown bear. Other terrestrial mammals include furbearers and small game. The Healy basin is primarily managed for wildlife (ADNR 1991), and includes ADF&G Game Management Units (GMU) 20A and 20C (Figure 3.3).



Figure 3.3: ADF&G Game Management Units in the License Area AN

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Caribou. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are present in the Healy basin on a seasonal basis. The Delta caribou herd range encompasses the Healy basin, and a known migration pattern runs east-west just north of Ferry (ADF&G 1986a; Figure 3.4). No known calving areas are located within the Healy basin.

During the summer, caribou are typically found in treeless uplands consisting of heath tundra, alpine tundra, and sedge wetland associations. Feeding activity is concentrated in the sedge (Carex spp.) dominated wetlands. In addition to sedges, many grasses, forbs, and horsetails are consumed, as well as leaves of willows (Salix spp.), resin birch (Betula glandulosa), and dwarf birch (Betula nana). Windswept ridges, lingering snow drifts, and elevated terrain are additional habitats used by caribou for the purpose of insect avoidance (ADF&G 1986b).

Winter habitat for caribou includes spruce forests, bogs, and lake shores. Fruticose lichens, typically found in spruce/lichen associations, as well as sedges and grasses are dominant food species used. Willows, horsetails, and dwarf shrubs are used to a lesser extent, though still potentially nutritionally significant.

ADF&G has monitored the population size of the Delta caribou herd since the 1960s. The herd has fluctuated between 2,500 and 10,700 caribou, with several distinct growth phases, and is currently under 3,000 animals (Valkenburg et al. 2002; Table 3.7).

Table 3.7: Estimated Population for Delta Caribou Herd 1991-2002 Approximate Survey Date

Bulls:100 Cows

3-yr average

Calves:100 cows Calves % Cows %

Small bulls % of bulls

Medium bulls % of bulls

Large bulls % of bulls

Total bulls %

Composition sample size

Count of herd size a

1-Oct-1991 29 8 6 73 55 29 16 21 1705 575528-Sep-1992 25 30 11 8 74 46 43 11 19 1240 587725-Sep-1993 36 5 3 72 45 33 22 25 1525 36613-4-Oct-1994 25 23 16 68 33 29 39 17 2131 4341

3-Oct-1995 24 26 20 14 69 41 19 40 17 1567 46463-Oct-1996 30 21 14 66 51 20 29 20 1532 4019

27-Sep-1997 27 18 13 69 48 20 32 18 1598 36991-Oct-1998 44 38 16 10 62 31 49 20 27 1519 38291-Oct-1999 44 19 11 62 37 40 23 27 674 3227

3-4-Oct-2000 46 11 7 64 41 37 22 30 1010 322730-Sep-2001 39 45 13 8 66 46 30 24 26 1378 295028-Sep-2002 50 25 14 57 43 23 34 29 924 -

a includes Yanert Herd caribouSource: Valkenburg et al . 2002

Moose. The entire proposed license area is a known moose (Alces alces gigas) winter concentration area. Known moose calving and rutting concentration areas exist east of the Nenana River (ADF&G 1986a; Figure 3.5). Moose populations in GMU 20A, of which the Healy basin is in the far western portion, have been relatively stable at approximately 11,500 animals (Boertje 2002, Young 2002a). GMU 20C, which includes drainages into the west bank of the Nenana River, has had low moose densities for many years. An estimated 3,500 – 4,500 moose inhabited GMU 20C, with 2,000 of these animals within Denali National Park and 1,500 – 2,500 outside Denali National Park (Selinger 2002a).

Moose calving occurs from mid-May to early June and rutting occurs in late September to early October. Moose may migrate between calving, rutting and winter habitats from distances of only a few miles to over 60 miles. In the spring and summer, moose feed in open areas including aquatic environments, on food sources such as sedges (Carex spp.), horsetails (Equisetum spp.), pond weeds (Potamogeton spp.), grasses and the leaves and succulent leaders of birch (Betula spp.), apsen (Populus tremuloides) and willows (Salix spp.). Shrubs and trees provide important habitat in the spring and summer for calving, predator protection and bedding. The preferred winter forage for moose are willows; in Interior Alaska feltleaf (Salix alaxensis) and diamondleaf (S. pulchra) willows are most preferred followed by scouler (S. scouleriana) and halbred (S. hastata) willows. Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) are also used as winter forage species second to willows. Open shrub and emergent communities are the most important winter habitat for moose; as snow depth



increases, they move to closed canopy forests with available understory vegetation (ADF&G 1986b; Rausch & Gasaway 1994).

Brown Bear. The general distribution of brown bears (Ursus arctos) encompasses the Healy basin (ADF&G 1986a). Brown bear densities are seasonally variable dependent upon available food sources, with the highest densities found in the mountains, foothills, and mountain valleys, and the lowest densities of brown bears found in the forested lowlands.

Brown bears are opportunistic omnivores, heavily dependent upon plants. Spring food sources include plant species such as cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), sedges (Carex spp.), horsetails (Equisetum spp.), lupine (Lupinus spp.) and grasses, as well as carrion from winter kills and moose and caribou calves. During the summer to fall, salmon are used extensively as a food source when and where available. In addition to the above mentioned plants, the berries of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), Devil’s club (Opplopanax horridus), crowberries (Empetrum nigrum), blueberries (Vaccinium uliginosum), soapberries (Shepherdia canadensis), and lowbush cranberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are readily eaten when available (ADF&G 1986b).

Black Bear. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are present throughout the Healy basin, however, densities of black bears are relatively low compared to other areas (Selinger 2002b). Estimates for black bear populations included 500-700 bears in GMU20A and 700-1,000 bears in GMU20C, excluding Denali National Park (Selinger 2002b).

Black bear distribution is variable and shifts seasonally. After emerging from dens, black bears tend to use birch-aspen habitats and feed on forbs and grasses. During the fall, they shift to black spruce-tamarack habitats and feed primarily on blueberries (Smith et al. 1994).

Wolves. The estimated wolf (Canis lupus) populations for 2001 in GMU 20A is 206-215 animals separated into 20-25 packs; for GMU 20C, the estimated 2001 population is 150-200 animals separated into 25-35 packs (Young 2003a). ADF&G has conducted wolf predation control programs in GMU 20A from autumn 1975 to spring 1982, and from October 1993 to November 1994. The wolf predation control program in 1993-1994 was instituted to reverse a caribou population decline associated with a density dependent response to unfavorable weather (Young 2003a).

Packs usually stay within a range of about 600 square miles but may move outside their territory if they depend on migratory caribou for a food source. Moose and caribou are the primary food sources for wolves in Interior Alaska although Dall sheep may also be taken where available. Supplemental food sources in the summer include small mammals, birds and fish (Stephenson 1994).

Dall Sheep. Dall sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) occur within the Healy basin. Dall sheep populations in GMU 20A have been stable between 1998 and 2001 (Young 2002b). The Tanana Basin Area Plan (ADNR 1991) identifies several areas within the Healy basin that are critical habitat for Dall sheep. Critical habitat areas are defined as necessary for the perpetuation of a species, and within the proposed license area include the high mountain areas in Management Subunits 4D1, 4D3, and 4P2. These subunits contain sheep winter range, lambing cliffs, and mineral licks (ADNR 1991).

Dall sheep are typically found above 2,500 feet in suitable alpine habitat. The precipitous, rocky terrain preferred by Dall sheep does not vary much on a seasonal basis, though sheep do move to lower elevations in the spring for lambing. During the winter, Dall sheep in the Alaska Range feed on the exposed leaves and seed heads of sedges (Carex spp.) and grasses (Calamagrostis spp., Festuca spp., Agropyron spp.) and the stems of lowbush cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). When moving to lower elevations for lambing, additional species are added to the diet as soon as they leaf out. Species included in the summer diet are Dryas octopetala, sedges (Carex spp.), willows (Salis polaris speudopolaris and S. reticculata), and forbs such as Epilobium latifolium, Oxyria digyna, and Geum rossi (ADF&G 1986b).



Furbearers. The Healy basin provides excellent habitat for many species of furbearers including red fox, otter, marten, wolverine, lynx, and beaver (ADNR 1991).

Beavers (Castor canadensis) require water levels of two to three feet year round for protection from predators. They may construct bank dens on streams or river banks or lodges in more slow moving waters such as ponds or lakes. Beavers rely on bark, aquatic plants, roots and grasses for food and will move to a new location when food supplies have been exhausted (Shepherd 1994). The reported beaver harvest in GMUs 20A and 20C has declined between regulatory years 1995-1996 through 2000-2001. The price per pelt has also declined over this time period, thus the decreasing reported harvest is likely due to decreased trapping effort and not a population decline (Selinger 2001).

River otters (Lutra canadensis) den in subterranean burrows and hunt both on land and in water. Food sources include frogs, fish, and occasionally birds, mammals and plants (Solf and Golden 1994).

Marten (Martes americana) occupy ranges from one to fifteen square miles depending on food availability. Their primary food sources are meadow voles, red-backed voles, mice, berries, small birds, eggs and plants. Hunting habitats include the edges of spruce forests along streams and bog meadows (Shepherd and Melchior 1994).

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) prefer lowland marshes and hills and gullies. Foxes live in underground dens which are 15 to 20 feet-in length, often having several entrances. Foxes are omnivores, relying on a diverse food supply, including muskrats, squirrels, hares, birds, eggs, insects, plants, carrion, and voles (Jennings 1994).

Lynx (Lynx canadensis) inhabit a variety of habitats, though the preferred habitat is a mixture of vegetation types and early successional status. This is also excellent habitat for snowshoe hares, a key prey species for lynx. Lynx populations fluctuate with hare populations, which typically undergo an eight to eleven year cycle of abundance (Berrie et al. 1994). The reported lynx harvest in GMUs 20A and 20C has increased annually for regulatory years 1995-1996 through 2000-2001. Current information suggests that the lynx population was at or near the peak in the cycle in the 2000-2001 season (Selinger 2001).

Wolverines (Gulo gulo) are solitary animals found throughout remote arctic and subarctic Alaska. Opportunistic feeders, wolverines are well adapted for scavenging. Primary food sources include the remains of moose and caribou kills, as well as small and medium sized animals such as voles, snowshoe hares, squirrels, and birds (Taylor 1994).

4. Threatened and Endangered Species. There are ten threatened or endangered animal species are listed in Alaska. Six are marine mammals and

four are bird species. The Healy basin does not provide suitable habitat and is not within the known ranges of the listed bird species. The range of the American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) covers interior Alaska, however, this species was delisted by USFWS in 1999.



Figure 3.4: Caribou Habitat in the License Area! !

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Figure 3.5: Dall Sheep Habitat in the License Area

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Figure 3.6: Moose Habitat in the License Area

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Chapter Four: Current and Projected Use of the Proposed License Area

Table of Contents

Chapter Four: Current and Projected Use of the Proposed License Area................................. 4-1

A. Boroughs and Communities Within and Near the Proposed License Area............ 4-1 1. Denali Borough ................................................................................................. 4-1 2. Anderson........................................................................................................... 4-1 3. Cantwell ............................................................................................................ 4-1 4. Ferry.................................................................................................................. 4-3 5. Healy ................................................................................................................. 4-3 6. McKinley Village................................................................................................ 4-3

B. Legislatively Designated Areas .............................................................................. 4-4 C. Subsistence............................................................................................................ 4-4 D. Sport Harvest Activities .......................................................................................... 4-7

1. Hunting and Trapping........................................................................................ 4-7 2. Sport Fishing ..................................................................................................... 4-9

E. Tourism .................................................................................................................. 4-10

Chapter Three: Habitat, Fish and Wildlife

Documents

Transcript of Chapter Three: Habitat, Fish and Wildlife