All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover

Transcription

1 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Activity Sub Activity Stressor Likelihood of least tern and piping plover distribution (by life stage) in the action area and project footprint pre project 1. MISSOURI RIVER MAINSTEM SYSTEM OPERATIONS Reservoir Management to serve Flood Control Storage of runoff in Exclusive Flood Control zone at Fort Peck, Garrison, and Oahe during periods of unusually large inflow Storage of runoff in the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use Zone as part of annual System operations Significant summer releases at any project to evacuate flood waters and maintain future flood control capability in any year of unusually large inflows Reduced peak flow during unusually high runoff years Reduced peak flow during annual flood season Higher summer-fall flows than without System operations Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Chick Adult Likelihood of least tern and piping plover distribution (by life stage) in the action area and project footprint post project Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Chick Adult Potential exposure Rational for exposure determination Storage of high runoff that fills the Exclusive Flood Control Zone during nesting season may reduce acreage of reservoir habitat and inundate nests; however, birds may not be present since reservoir nesting habitat may not be available due to no exposed shoreline Storage of high runoff that fills the Annual Flood Control Zone during nesting season may reduce acreage of reservoir habitat and inundate nests Significant summer releases may reduce acreage of habitat and have potential to strand nests or foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars that were nested on prior to release Rationale for likelihood/degree of effect Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded Conservation Measures Storage of high runoff in the Exclusive Flood Control Zone may be used to reduce flows downstream of dams to minimize loss of nests and chicks; If storage of high runoff in reservoirs did not occur, more take would occur downstream Storage of high runoff in the Annual Flood Control Zone is used to reduce flows downstream of dams to minimize loss of nests and chicks; If storage of high runoff in reservoirs did not occur, more take would occur downstream The method to use for summer releases would be made within the adaptive management framework and would be adjusted any given year based on runoff, habitat availability, fledge ratios, and population conditions at the time to minimize loss; a flat release may be used if sufficient habitat exists; evacuation of floodwaters would be released before birds start nesting or be delayed until mid- September whenever possible to

2 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Reservoir Management to serve Hydropower Every third day cycling of Gavins Point Dam releases in any year of unusually large inflows Winter releases from Fort Peck and Garrison for power generation Ft Randall is drawn down in the fall to capture winter generation releases from Oahe and Big Bend Recapture of winter releases from Fort Peck and Garrison at Oahe Hourly fluctuation of release rates at Fort Peck, Garrison, Oahe, and Fort Randall to meet peaking power demands High summer-fall flows every third day than without System operations High winter flows Decreasing reservoir elevation at Ft Randall in fall Rise of Oahe reservoir elevation of about 5 feet or greater during winter months Daily flow fluctuations in river reaches downstream of projects that would not occur without System operations Egg Chick Adult Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Chick Adult Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Gavins Point cycling may inundate low-elevation nests or strand foraging chicks on lowelevation sandbars Winter releases occur outside of nesting season Fall draw down at Ft Randall occurs outside of nesting season Rise at Oahe reservoir occurs outside of nesting season Hourly fluctuations may strand foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. minimize impacts; nests threatened by rising water would be relocated Gavins Point cycling is only used in years with significant inflows; cycling is used to keep tern and plovers nesting at sufficiently high elevations to minimize loss and to maintain room for release increases when downstream flooding has subsided Garrison and Fort Randall Dam hourly releases would be consistently limited or restricted during nesting season

3 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Reservoir Management to serve Navigation and Water Supply Summer releases from Oahe, Big Bend, and Fort Randall dam to support navigation releases at Gavins Point Maintenance of minimum daily releases at Fort Peck, Garrison, and Fort Randall 2. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Not Applicable 3. LEAST TERN AND PIPING PLOVER MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Mechanical ESH Creation Construction of access road where public access is not available Clear and grub for establishment of road near ESH site Install culverts under access road if needed Place crushed stone/gravel on road Access road maintenance, typically just grading of the road or placement of new material Higher and less variable summer-fall flows than without System operations Egg Chick Adult??? Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present ground Vegetation removal ground Egg Chick Adult Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Summer releases may strand foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars or flood nests Daily releases may strand foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Summer releases would be based on a coordinated effort between the Water Management Office, Threatened & Endangered Species Section, and USFWS to evaluate and minimize losses due to water management; releases from the Kansas River projects would be used to meet downstream flow targets to minimize impacts to tern and plover nests; the method to use for summer releases would be made within the adaptive management framework and would be adjusted any given year based on runoff, habitat availability, fledge ratios, and population conditions at the time to minimize loss Garrison and Fort Randall Dam hourly releases would be consistently limited or restricted during nesting season; releases would be based on a coordinated effort between the Water Management Office, Threatened & Endangered Species Section, and USFWS to evaluate and minimize losses due to water management

4 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Construction of temporary ramp access to river Staging area Construction of ESH that has washed out Clear and grub bank area for river access if needed Pull back riverbank landward to create river access Install geotextile filter and anchor on prepared slope when needed. Clear and grub temporary staging area for equipment near temporary ramp Material and supplies to be stored at a public access ramp Placement of temporary field office trailers Install floating dock secured to shore with large anchor weight on shore tie-up Clear, grub or muck out area where sand is being excavated if needed Dredge and/or mechanically excavate material from planned location within river and place dredge on ESH site ground Vegetation removal ground Vegetation removal from the placement and existence of filter and anchor ground Vegetation removal from the placement and existence of materials from placement and existence of trailer, human from presence of people from installation equipment and noise of river bed and noise of river bed and noise Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adult Likely present River access is in upland area away from species habitat River access is in upland area away from species habitat River access is in upland area away from species habitat Staging area is in upland area away from species habitat Storage area is in upland area away from species habitat Field office trailers are in upland area away from species habitat Species not present in area Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Egg Chick Adult Not affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines Egg No to egg; Creation of nesting habitat results in long-term beneficial effect Chick No to chick; Creation of brood-rearing and foraging habitat results in longterm beneficial effect Construction will occur outside of nesting season in the spring or fall; construction of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Construction will occur outside of nesting season in the spring or fall; construction of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Adult Not affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines; ESH

5 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Sandbar shaping through use of small mechanical equipment from construction equipment and noise Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment creation results in a beneficial effect Egg No to egg; sandbar shaping provides additional nesting habitat that results in a long-term beneficial effect Sandbar shaping will occur outside of nesting season; construction of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Chick No to chick; Shaping of brood-rearing and foraging habitat results in longterm beneficial effect Maintenance of ESH Reshape sandbars using small mechanical equipment from construction equipment and noise Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Adult Not affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines, results in long-term beneficial effect Egg No to eggs; reshaping would be a beneficial effect by providing Chick No to chicks; reshaping of sandbars would be a beneficial effect by providing more foraging habitat Reshaping will occur outside of nesting season; maintenance of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Vegetation management Predator Management Spray herbicides in spring or fall using all-terrain vehicles, helicopter, or by hand Mechanically till, prescribed fire, or physically remove vegetation Non-lethal and lethal removal of predators by state and federal wildlife specialists Human from the presence of sprayers, ground from allterrain vehicles, and potential noise Human, physical ground, and potential noise Human from presences of specialists and equipment Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Removal and maintenance of vegetation would occur in the spring and fall outside of the nesting season Removal and maintenance of vegetation would occur in the spring and fall outside of the nesting season All life stages may be exposed to temporary human presence when trapping or removing predators Adult Not affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines; reshaping results in long-term beneficial effect All life stages no to species. Vegetation management results in large, beneficial effects All life stages no to species. Vegetation management results in large, beneficial effects All life stages Not likely to adversely affect; temporary from human presence during removal of predator on nesting site; predator removal would result in a beneficial effect by reducing the loss of eggs and chicks to predation and reduce the number of adults that are driven away from nesting areas because Only approved aquatic herbicides would be used, vegetation management would be conducted as an active management technique to improve sandbars as nesting habitat Vegetation removal would increase nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat Predator removal is considered as an action of last resort and the most human methods available will be used by state and federal wildlife specialists; predator removal will not impact nesting sites

6 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Install exclosure caging or fencing to dissuade predators Ground from exclusion infrastructure placement and existence Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence when installing caging and presence of cage of by predator species Egg Not affect; exlosure cage would result in a beneficial effect by protecting plover eggs from predators which increases hatching success Chick Not affect; temporary from human presence when place cage around nest; cage largely protects nest from predators, plover chicks can move freely Cages anchored to ground and constructed with 2 x4 openings to allow piping plover adults/chicks to move freely to and from nest; no cages would be placed over tern nests; cages would be moved if cage attracts predators Human Restriction Measures Flow Management to Reduce Take Hazing of predators Implement human restriction measures by restricting access, installing barricades and placing restriction signs A steady release from Gavins Point is set when the birds start nesting and held for as long as operationally possible during the nesting season. and human from hazing methodologies Ground from restriction infrastructure placement and existence NA Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence when installing hazing technology such as strobe lights for tern colonies All life stages exposed to temporary human during sign placement Steady Release-Flow to Target inundates low-lying nesting habitat to encourage birds to nest at high elevations to minimize loss; declining flows during the nesting season will provide more foraging habitat for plovers, but may result in increasing water levels in the reservoirs which may limit available habitat; all life stages may be exposed to increase reservoir levels Adult Not affect; temporary from human presence when placing cage around nest, cage largely protects nest from predators, adult plovers can move freely All life stages Not likely to adversely affect; temporary from human presence when placing strobe lights; would result in a beneficial effect by reducing the loss of eggs and chicks to predation and reduce the number of adults that are driven away from nesting areas because of by predator species All life stages Not likely to adversely affect; temporary when placing signs on sandbars with nests. Signs are placed to protect nesting and brood rearing sites from the public; would result in a beneficial effect Egg Not affect; indirect effect of reduced shoreline habitat; beneficial effect from increased survival from egg to chick by reducing the risk of inundation of downstream habitat Chick - Not affect; indirect effect of reduced shoreline habitat and downstream forage habitat; direct beneficial effect from increased survival of chicks by Strobe lights would only be placed in least tern colony sites and used at night Barricades and signs are placed to prevent vehicular access and in areas visible to the public to protect nesting and brood rearing sites; signs would not be placed near nests Representatives of the Corps Missouri River Basin Water Management Division and the Threatened & Endangered Species Section hold weekly conference calls to discuss water releases and water management

7 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover reducing the risk of inundation of downstream habitat Adult Not affect; Gavins Point steady release-flow to target management is used to inundate low-lying habitat before nesting activities are initiated to minimize loss; reduced flows provide more downstream foraging habitat for plovers Monitoring and Research Routine visual inspections Human from presences of researchers Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence on nesting sites Egg Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, eggs not handled or disturbed during visual inspections; data collected is beneficial to management of species Monitoring crews follow the USACE Tern and Plover Monitoring Program protocol Chick - Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, chicks may be temporarily flushed from nesting site during surveys; data collected is beneficial to management of species Bird and nest counts Human from presences of researchers Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence on nesting sites during surveys; eggs exposed to temporary human during float test to determine incubation stage Adult Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, adults may be temporarily disturbed during surveys; data collected is beneficial to management of species Egg Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, eggs temporary handled during float test; data collected is beneficial to management of species Monitoring crews follow the USACE Tern and Plover Monitoring Program protocol; hands washed with no scent soap/towelette prior to eggs Chick - Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, chicks may be temporarily flushed from nesting site during surveys; data collected is beneficial to management of species Adult Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, adults may be temporarily disturbed during surveys; data collected is beneficial to management of species

8 All Actions Above Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Nest and Chick Relocation Relocation of nest and chicks of relocating nest and chicks Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence; eggs and chicks exposed to temporary human during relocation Egg Not affect; eggs temporary handled during relocation; prevention of inundation would result in a beneficial effect Monitoring crews follow the Contingency Plan for Protection of Least Tern and Piping Plover Nests and Chicks Chick - Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, chicks may be temporarily disturbed during relocation; prevention of inundation would result in a beneficial effect ESH Presence None None 4. PALLID STURGEON MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Propagation and Augmentation Not Applicable USACE only provides funding for the activity; no decision making authority Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Project Level 1 and 2 Studies Sampling to meet Fundamental Subobjective 1 and Sub-objective 2 Research and Monitoring to test hypotheses related to Fundamental Subobjective 1 and Sub-objective 2 None stress from netting and stress from netting and Presence of ESH is beneficial to tern and plovers by providing nesting and brood-rearing habitat Species not exposed to population and assessment project Species not exposed to Level 1 and 2 studies Adult Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, adults may be temporarily disturbed from human presence during relocation; prevention of inundation would result in a beneficial effect Beneficial effect

9 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Activity Sub Activity Stressor Likelihood of least tern and piping plover distribution (by life stage) in the action area and project footprint pre project 1. MISSOURI RIVER MAINSTEM SYSTEM OPERATIONS Reservoir Management to serve Flood Control Storage of runoff in the System s Exclusive Flood Control during periods of unusually large inflow Storage of runoff in the System s Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use Zone as part of annual operations Summer releases at any project to evacuate flood waters and maintain future flood control capability in any year of unusually large inflows Reduced peak flow during unusually high runoff years Reduced peak flow during annual flood season Higher summer-fall flows than without System operations Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Chick Adult Likelihood of least tern and piping distribution (by life stage) in the action area and project footprint post project Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Chick Adult Potential exposure Rational for exposure determination Storage of high runoff that fills the Exclusive Flood Control Zone during nesting season may reduce acreage of reservoir habitat and inundate nests; however, birds may not be present since reservoir nesting habitat may not be available due to no exposed shoreline Storage of high runoff that fills the Annual Flood Control Zone during nesting season may reduce acreage of reservoir habitat and inundate nests Significant summer releases may reduce acreage of habitat and have potential to strand nests or foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars that were nested on prior to release Rationale for likelihood/degree of effect Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation Conservation Measures Storage of high runoff in the Exclusive Flood Control Zone may be used to reduce flows downstream of dams to minimize loss of nests and chicks; If storage of high runoff in reservoirs did not occur, more take would occur downstream Storage of high runoff in the Annual Flood Control Zone is used to reduce flows downstream of dams to minimize loss of nests and chicks; If storage of high runoff in reservoirs did not occur, more take would occur downstream The method to use for summer releases would be made within the adaptive management framework and would be adjusted any given year based on runoff, habitat availability, fledge ratios, and population conditions at the time to minimize loss; a flat release may be used if sufficient habitat exists; evacuation of floodwaters would be released before

10 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Reservoir Management to serve Navigation and other authorized purposes Every third day cycling of Gavins Point Dam releases in any year of unusually large inflows Open water releases, generally in the range of 21 to 35 kcfs to support navigation and other downstream uses System releases during the non-navigation season generally ranging from 9 to 30 kcfs made for water supply, water quality, power production, and flood evacuation. High summer-fall flows every third day than without System operations Higher and less variable summerfall flows than without System operations Potential higher flows from Dec 1 to April 1 than without System operations. Dependent on water in storage in any year Egg Chick Adult Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Egg Chick Adult Egg Likely present Chick Likely present Adult Likely present Gavins Point cycling may inundate lowelevation nests or strand foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars Open water releases may reduce acreage of habitat or strand foraging chicks on low-elevation sandbars System releases occur outside of nesting season encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. Effects on terns and plovers from System operations have been addressed in two prior BAs (USACE 1998, 2003), the 2000 BiOp, and 2003 Amended BiOp. These effects included a general loss of habitat through inundation, lack of sediment transport, vegetation encroachment, and direct mortality of terns and plovers when dam releases result in inundation of nests or chicks. The 2003 Amended BiOp concluded that the USACE proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of least terns and piping plovers. birds start nesting or be delayed until mid-september whenever possible to minimize impacts; nests threatened by rising water would be relocated Gavins Point cycling is only used in years with significant inflows; cycling is used to keep tern and plovers nesting at sufficiently high elevations to minimize loss and to maintain room for release increases when downstream flooding has subsided Summer releases would be based on a coordinated effort between the Water Management Office, Threatened & Endangered Species Section, and USFWS to evaluate and minimize losses due to water management; releases from the Kansas River projects would be used to meet downstream flow targets to minimize impacts to tern and plover nests; the method to use for summer releases would be made within the adaptive management framework and would be adjusted any given year based on runoff, habitat availability, fledge ratios, and population conditions at the time to minimize loss

11 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover 2. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE BSNP Maintenance of the Existing Rock Filled Structures Crossing Control Structures Revetment Sills Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing sill Rock is placed along existing sill Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing revetment Rock is placed along existing revetment Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing sill Rock is placed along existing sill Covering or alteration of structure surface Covering or alteration of structure surface Covering or alteration of structure surface Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Crossing control structures not occupied by species Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Revetments not occupied by species Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present

12 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Dikes Notching and structure lowering (removal of rock from existing dikes, sills, and revetments) Adjustments to the Footprint of the Structures Flanked Dike Extensions Riverward Dike Extensions Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing dike Rock is placed along existing dike Floating plant equipment is used to remove rock from existing structures Removed rock is spoiled on same or nearby structures Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing dike Rock is placed along existing dike in a manner that reconnects the dike with the bank line Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Covering or alteration of structure surface ; water surface Covering or alteration of structure surface Covering or alteration of bank line; change in substrate, velocity, and direction of flow at extension site Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Dikes not occupied by species Species not present in area Dikes not occupied by species Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Dikes not occupied by species Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present

13 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Hardpoints Construction of New Dikes Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing dike and sill Rock is placed along existing dike and sill and extends the dike riverward approximately 50 Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to new hardpoint Rock is placed along river bottom to form new hardpoint Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing dike and sill Rock is placed along river bottom to form new dike and sill Piles are driven into the substrate Covering or alteration of riverbed; change in substrate, velocity, and direction of flow at extension site Covering or alteration of riverbed change in substrate, velocity, and direction of flow at new structure site Covering or alteration of riverbed change in substrate, velocity, and direction of flow at new structure site ; Covering or alteration of riverbed change in substrate, velocity, Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Dikes not occupied by species Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Hardpoints not occupied by species Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Area is not occupied by species Area is not occupied by species Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present

14 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Structure Presence (Existence of riverward dike extensions, hardpoints, and new dikes) Kenslers Bend None Rock is excavated from a nearby commercial quarry Rock is hauled to a nearby staging location prior to being loaded onto barges Rock is loaded onto and transported by barge to existing dike Rock is placed along existing dike Floating plant equipment is used to remove rock from existing structures Removed rock is spoiled on same or nearby structures 3. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Not Applicable 4. LEAST TERN AND PIPING PLOVER MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Mechanical ESH Creation Construction of access road where public access is not available Construction of temporary ramp access to river Clear and grub for establishment of road near ESH site Install culverts under access road if needed Place crushed stone/gravel on road Access road maintenance, typically just grading of the road or placement of new material that has washed out Clear and grub bank area for river access if needed Pull back riverbank landward to create river access and direction of flow at new structure site Change or alteration of riverbed substrate, depth, and velocity Covering or alteration of structure surface ; water surface Covering or alteration of structure surface ground Vegetation removal ground ground Vegetation removal ground Quarries do not provide nesting habitat due to presence of heavy equipment, extreme noise and blasting. Rock storage is in upland above river channel Barge is within navigation channel and does not disturb habitat Dikes not occupied by species Structures not occupied by species Structure not occupied by species Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Access road is in upland area away from species habitat Access road is in upland area away from species habitat River access is in upland area away from species habitat River access is in upland area away from species habitat Construction would take place after nesting season if tern or plovers are present

15 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Staging area Construction of ESH Install geotextile filter and anchor on prepared slope when needed. Clear and grub temporary staging area for equipment near temporary ramp Material and supplies to be stored at a public access ramp Placement of temporary field office trailers Install floating dock secured to shore with large anchor weight on shore tie-up Clear, grub or muck out area where sand is being excavated if needed Dredge and/or mechanically excavate material from planned location within river and place dredge on ESH site Vegetation removal from the placement and existence of filter and anchor ground Vegetation removal from the placement and existence of materials from placement and existence of trailer, human from presence of people from installation equipment and noise of river bed and noise of river bed and noise Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adult Likely present River access is in upland area away from species habitat Staging area is in upland area away from species habitat Storage area is in upland area away from species habitat Field office trailers are in upland area away from species habitat Species not present in area Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Egg Chick Adult Not likely to adversely affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines Egg No to egg; Creation of nesting habitat results in long-term beneficial effect Chick No to chick; Creation of broodrearing and foraging habitat results in long-term beneficial effect Construction will occur outside of nesting season in the spring or fall; construction of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Construction will occur outside of nesting season in the spring or fall; construction of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Adult Not likely to adversely affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines; ESH creation results in a beneficial effect

16 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Sandbar shaping through use of small mechanical equipment from construction equipment and noise Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Egg No to egg; sandbar shaping provides additional nesting habitat that results in a long-term beneficial effect Chick No to chick; Shaping of broodrearing and foraging habitat results in long-term beneficial effect Sandbar shaping will occur outside of nesting season; construction of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Maintenance of ESH Reshape sandbars using small mechanical equipment from construction equipment and noise Adult Likely present Adult Likely present Adults arriving early or staying later for their nesting season may be exposed to noise and vibration from heavy equipment Adult Not likely to adversely affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines, results in longterm beneficial effect Egg No to eggs; reshaping would be a beneficial effect by providing Chick No to chicks; reshaping of sandbars would be a beneficial effect by providing more foraging habitat Reshaping will occur outside of nesting season; maintenance of ESH would result in a long-term beneficial effect for all life stages Vegetation management Predator Management Spray herbicides in spring or fall using allterrain vehicles, helicopter, or by hand Mechanically till, prescribed fire, or physically remove vegetation Non-lethal and lethal removal of predators by state and federal wildlife specialists Human from the presence of sprayers, ground from all-terrain vehicles, and potential noise Human, physical ground, and potential noise Human from presences of specialists and equipment Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Removal and maintenance of vegetation would occur in the spring and fall outside of the nesting season Removal and maintenance of vegetation would occur in the spring and fall outside of the nesting season All life stages may be exposed to temporary human presence when trapping or removing predators Adult Not likely to adversely affect; few adults may be present, adults may be temporarily disturbed from noise and presence of machines; reshaping results in long-term beneficial effect All life stages no to species. Vegetation management results in large, beneficial effects All life stages no to species. Vegetation management results in large, beneficial effects All life stages Not likely to adversely affect; temporary from human presence during removal of predator on nesting site; predator removal would result in beneficial effects by reducing the loss of eggs and Only approved aquatic herbicides would be used, vegetation management would be conducted as an active management technique to improve sandbars as nesting habitat Vegetation removal would increase nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat Predator removal is considered as an action of last resort and the most human methods available will be used by state and federal wildlife specialists; predator removal will not impact nesting sites

17 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover Install exclosure caging or fencing to dissuade predators Ground from exclusion infrastructure placement and existence Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence when installing caging and presence of cage chicks to predation and reduce the number of adults that are driven away from nesting areas because of by predator species Egg Not affect; exlosure cage would result in beneficial effects by protecting plover eggs from predators which increases hatching success Chick Not likely to adversely affect; cage largely protects nest from predators, plover chicks can move freely Cages anchored to ground and constructed with 2 x4 openings to allow piping plover adults/chicks to move freely to and from nest; no cages would be placed over tern nests; cages would be moved if cage attracts predators Human Restriction Measures Flow Management to Reduce Take Hazing of predators Implement human restriction measures by restricting access, installing barricades and placing restriction signs A steady release from Gavins Point is set when the birds start nesting and held for as long as operationally possible during the nesting season. and human from hazing methodologies Ground from restriction infrastructure placement and existence NA Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence when installing hazing technology such as strobe lights for tern colonies All life stages exposed to temporary human during sign placement Steady Release-Flow to Target inundates low-lying nesting habitat to encourage birds to nest at high elevations to minimize loss; declining flows during the nesting season will provide more foraging habitat for plovers, but may Adult Not likely to adversely affect; temporary from human presence when placing cage around nest, cage largely protects nest from predators, adult plovers can move freely All life stages Not likely to adversely affect; temporary from human presence when placing strobe lights; would result in beneficial effects by reducing the loss of eggs and chicks to predation and reduce the number of adults that are driven away from nesting areas because of by predator species All life stages Not likely to adversely affect; temporary when placing signs on sandbars with nests. Signs are placed to protect nesting and brood rearing sites from the public; would result in a beneficial effect Egg Not affect; indirect effect of reduced shoreline habitat; beneficial effect from increased survival from egg to chick by reducing the risk of inundation of downstream habitat Chick - Not affect; indirect effect of Strobe lights would only be placed in least tern colony sites and used at night Barricades and signs are placed to prevent vehicular access and in areas visible to the public to protect nesting and brood rearing sites; signs would not be placed near nests Representatives of the Corps Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, the Threatened & Endangered Species Section, and the USFWS hold weekly conference calls to discuss water releases and water management

18 All Actions Below Gavins Point Dam Least Tern and Piping Plover result in increasing water levels in the reservoirs which may limit available habitat; all life stages may be exposed to increase reservoir levels reduced shoreline habitat and downstream forage habitat; direct beneficial effect from increased survival of chicks by reducing the risk of inundation of downstream habitat Monitoring and Research Routine visual inspections Human from presences of researchers Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence on nesting sites Adult Not likely to adversely affect; Gavins Point steady release-flow to target management is used to inundate low-lying habitat before nesting activities are initiated to minimize loss; reduced flows provide more downstream foraging habitat for plovers Egg Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, eggs not handled or disturbed during visual inspections; data collected is beneficial to management of species Monitoring crews follow the USACE Tern and Plover Monitoring Program protocol Chick - Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, chicks may be temporarily flushed from nesting site during surveys; data collected is beneficial to management of species Bird and nest counts Human from presences of researchers Egg Chick Adult Egg Chick Adult All life stages exposed to temporary human presence on nesting sites during surveys; eggs exposed to temporary human during float test to determine incubation stage Adult Not likely to adversely affect; discountable likelihood of effect, adults may be temporarily disturbed during surveys; data collected is beneficial to management of species Egg Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, eggs temporary handled during float test; data collected is beneficial to management of species Chick - Not affect; discountable likelihood of effect, chicks may be temporarily flushed from nesting site during surveys; data collected is Monitoring crews follow the USACE Tern and Plover Monitoring Program protocol; hands washed with no scent soap/towelette prior to eggs