4.4.9

and the establishment of interpretive programs related to interactions between tbe natural environment and
development. Since opportunities within the Park to restore migratory bird habitat are limited, GSMNP will
seelc cooperative opportunities with established conservation trusts to restore fragmented landscapes adjacent
to the park boundaries.
4.4.8.4 Impairment Evaluation
Impairment (as defined by NPS policy) of migratory birds in GSMNP and along tbe AT would not occur
under the No-Action Alternative, Monetary Settlement Alternative, Laurel Branch Picnic Area, and the
Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell. Tl�e Northern Shore Corridor is not likely to impair migratory birds in
GSMNP or along the AT based on the information obtained to date. Due to the magnitude of this
alternative, it is likely that additional NEPA documentation would be required to address site-specific
impacts not currently known, to determine detailed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as
they relate to final design, and to r�evaluate the impairment determination related to migratory birds.
4.4.9 Invasive Exotics
4.4.9.1 Methodology for Assessing Impacts
Analysis of impacts by invasive exotics on floral and faunal communities within the project study corridars
utilizes the length of the road to determine potential impacts. Approximate length of impact was calculated
using ArcGIS. Impacts were also assessed based on known locations of invasive exotic species occurring
within the proposed construction footprints. These known locations are based on data provided by GSMNP,
INHS, and 2004 field surveys. (See Section 3.�.9.1 and Appendix N for more information on these surveys.)
Type
Impact rypes are either beneficial or adverse. Beneficial impacts would have a positive effect to existing
floral and faunal communities. Adverse impacts would have a negative effect on existing floral and faunal
communities.
Duration
Short-term impacts are those that would occur for less than 1 year, typically as an episodic or temporary
event. Long-term effects occur as a result of construction activities at a specific location throughout the life
of construction (this is assumed to be between 1 year and 15 years), but the impact is more than that of a
temporary event. Permanent impacts are considered to be anything that persists throughout the construction
period.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-231
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Context
Context is defined as site-specific, local, or regional. Sit�specific impacts would occur within the
construction footprint where the roadsides would provide optimal habitat for sun-tolerant invasive, exotic
plant species. Local impacts include the area within 2 rui (3.2 km) of the construction footprint or the
northern shore of Fontana Lake (whichever is less). Regional impacts are those impacts that would occur in
the area bounded by the northern shore of Fontana Lake, south of the North Carolina/Tennessee state line,
east of Twentymile Ridge, and west of Noland Creek.
Intensity
Intensity is the degree to which resources would be affected and is categorized as no/negligible, minor,
moderate, or majar. The definitions for each category are based on the best available scientific information
and are specific for an individual EIS. The following intensity definitions apply to the broad range of
invasive exotic species that could impact GSMNP and the factors that could influence their distribution, such
as potential for introduction, increased access, soil modification, and disturbance. There is no scientific
literature available that provides a scale to define or rank the severity of impacts from a project. Therefore,
the following intensity definitions are based on best professional judgment of what is reasonable considering
the influencing factors listed. The definitions for the impacts from invasive exotics are based on the length
of construction footprint.
No/Negligible
No impacts or impacts that would increase accessibiliry and roadside edge to occur from construction of
fewer than 5 mi (8.0 km) of new road.
Minor
Increased accessibility and roadside edge occur from construction of more than 5 mi (8.0 km) but fewer than
10 mi (16.1 km) of new road.
Moderate
Increased accessibility and roadside edge occur from construction of more than 10 mi (] 6.] km) but fewer
than 20 mi (32.2 km) of new road.
Major
Increased accessibility and roadside edge occur from construction of more than 20 mi (32.2 km) of new road.
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-232
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

4.4.9.2 Summary of Impacts
Both direct and indirect impacts to the natural environment may occur from the spread of invasive exotic
species if a partial-build or build alternative is selected. Impacts from invasive exotic species are based on
the approximate length of roadway proposed for eacb alternative since the road will serve as a source and
distribution pathway for invasive exotic species to impact the current natural environment. Table 4-22
provides a comparison of the length of each option and the change from the baseline.
Table 4-22. Invasive Exotic Impact Indicator - Length of New Roadway'
Partial- Southern
Laurel Build Option at
Branch Alternative Forney
Picnic AreaZ to Bushnell Creek
(baseline) Embayment
Primitive
Park Road
Total
Length in 0.8 mi (1.3 8.0 mi
miles (km) km) (12.9 km)
Principal
Park Road
1.5 mi (2.4
km) less
than
baseline
Northern
Shore
Corridor
(baseline)
34.3 mi
(55.2 km)
Southern
Option at
Forney
Creek
Embayment
1.5 mi (2.4
km) less
than
baseline
Southern
Option at
Hazel/Eagle
Creek
Embayments
2.3 mi (3.7
km) less
than
baseline
Southern
Option
Crossing
Fontana Dam
1.6 mi (2.6
km) less
than
baseline
Total 1.3 mi (2.1 1.3 mi (2.1 3.1 mi (5.0 1.5 mi (2.4
Length in NA 6.5 mi km) less 30.8 mi km) less km) less km) less
miles (km) (10.5 km) than (49.6 km) than than than
baseline baseline baseline baseline
Notes:
1 All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to mitigation.
2 The entrance/exit road to Laurel Branch Picnic Area is best discussed as a Primitive Park Road, but its design does not
necessarily conform to the NPS design criteria for a Primitive Park Road.
NA Not Applicable
Road and Disturbance
According to NPS Management Policies, exotic species will not be allowed to displace native species if
displacement can be prevented (NPS 2006b). Road construction is anticipated to encourage the spread of
invasive exotic species by creating favarable conditions such as disturbed roadside, forest edges, and open
spaces. The increase in the density of roads and traffic volume facilitates the spread of exotic diseases and
insects (Trombulak and Frissel 2000). Roads increase the likelihood for dispersal of invasive exotic species
by altering existing habitat conditions, malcing invasion mare likely by stressing ar removing native species,
and allowing easier movement by wild or human vectors (Trombulak and Frissel 2000). Some exotic
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences - 4-233
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

species prefer the roadside habitat and other disturbed areas for establishment (Wester and Juvik 1983;
Henderson and Wells 1986; Tyser and Worley 1992; Wein et al. ] 992). Alterations in canopy structure of
forests promote the invasion by exotic understory plants which affect animal communities. Not only roads
but riparian zones along streams may serve as a corridor for dispersal of plants, including exotic species
(Gregory et al. 1991). Disturbances that occur along roads and streams such as road construction, traffic,
maintenance activities, and flooding may aid in plant or seed dispersal, through the removal of competitors,
overcoming impenetrable closed canopy farests, and modification of light levels in potential invasion sites
(Parendas and Jones 2000).
Habitat Modifzcation
The modification of soils during road construction can facilitate the spread of invasive exotic species along
roadsides (Greenberg et al. 1997). Changes in soil chemistry would occur from disturbances such as road
construction. Due to the disturbance, the organic matter content will be lower in the disturbed areas than in
the undisturbed areas resulting in increased nitrogen availability in the disturbed areas. The litter of annual
exotic species decomposes faster and would allow for such an increase in mineralization and for the
subsequent larger amounts of an available nitrate and ammonium than in the slower-decomposing litter
found in the undisturbed community (Jackson et al. 1988; Hart et al. 1993; Zink 1994). As the available
nutrients increase and are more rapidly used by weedy species, a feedback loop is initiated favoring the
persistence of weedy species (Chapin 1980). Roads may serve as conduits for wind and may break the
canopy layer, allowing more solar energy to reach the ground. A significant difference has been observed in
soil pH and plant community composition associated with wind caused differences in leaf litter depths
(Haskell 2000). These changes may provide more optimal habitats for invasive exotics. These impacts
cause the loss of native plant habitat due to the loss of shading, temperature changes, new wind patterns,
changes in soils conditions, and creation of roadside habitats.
Introduction/Spread of Invasive Exotic Species
The following invasive exotic species were identified by the NPS as being most likely to impact the Park as a
result of road construction. The following species are currently not known to exist within the project study
corridors. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all invasive exotics that could impact the Park.
Three invasive exotic vertebrates that could be introduced into the project study corridars include the
Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and brown-headed cowbird. The
brown-headed cowbird is a Central U.S. Plains species that has expanded its range due to land use and is
thought to be responsible for reducing the populations of woodland song birds by half (Cassidy and Scheffel
1990). More information on the possible impacts from this bird is in Section 4.4.8.2. Invertebrates that
could be introduced are the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), gypsy moth (Lymantr°ia dispar),
Chinese jumping wonn (Amynthas hilgendorfi), and Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). The Chinese
jumping worm has been located near the project study area. This species removes the leaf litter from the
forest floor which threatens many species by disrupting the food chain. The leaf litter contains invertebrates
which many animals such as birds and salamanders rely on as a food source (Langdon, pers. comm. 2005;
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-234
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Haskell 2000). Red imported fire ants establish themselves in disturbed habitats and along forest edges.
Plants ar planting material from infested areas that may be used in landscaping risk the spread of the red
imported fire ant (ISSG 2005). Invasive exotic plant species that may potentially be introduced and spread
into the project study corridors include: tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), princess tree, garlic mustard
(Alliaria petiolata), gill-over-th�ground (Glechon2a hederacea), colt's foot (Tussilago farfara), Chinese
silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis), and musk thistle (Carduus nutans). Forest diseases that have not been
found within the project study corridors but could be introduced during construction activities are sudden oak
death (SOD), and Dutch elm disease (DED). There is also potential threat to wild canid species, such as
foxes and coyotes, from domestic pets. Domestic dogs have brought diseases such as canine parvovirus and
sarcoptic mange to native wildlife (Daszak et al. 2000). Such diseases could have detrimental effects to wild
canid species populations within the Park.
Beneficial Impacts
Beneficial impacts are anticipated from increased access to interior portions of the Park that would facilitate
monitoring and control of invasive exotic species populations that already exist within tbe project study
corridors. There are potential beneficial impacts regarding the wild hog population in the Park because
increased access may facilitate hog-trapping.
4.4.9.2.1 No-Action
The No-Action Alternative would involve no construction or alteration to the natural environment. For this
reason, no impacts from invasive exotics to existing flora and fauna would be expected within GSMNP.
4.4.9.22 Monetary Settlement
The Monetary Settlement Alternative would not involve alterations to the natural environment within
GSMNP. Therefore, this option would likely have no impact from invasive exotics to existing Park flora and
fauna.
4.4.9.2.3 Laurel Branch Picnic Area
The Laurel Branch Picnic Area would have approximately 0.8 mi (1.3 km) of impacts. Impacts from
invasive exotic species are anticipated to be adverse, negligible, local, and permanent. This option would not
involve significant penetration of the Park and would impose a limited risk of invasion of exotic species.
Impacts anticipated from existing invasive exotics would be from the degradation of native plant and animal
species habitat, caused by picnic area construction. These disturbed areas would be favorable for the spread
of existing invasive exotics that exist near and/or along Lake View Road. There are no monitored
populations of invasive exotic species within Laurel Branch Picnic Area. However, there are several
locations of invasive exotic plants along Lake View Road that may spread into the Laurel Branch Picnic
Area including Japanese honeysuckle, Oriental bittersweet, princess tree, and tree-of-heaven. These invasive
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-235
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

exotic plants may spread into the project study corridors at disturbed locations such as farest margins and
open areas. Vertebrates such as the house mouse and the Norway rat may be attracted to the Laurel Branch
Picnic Area due to human trash accumulation and picnic shelters that could accommodate these rodents.
4.4.9.2.4 Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell would cause approximately 8.0 mi (12.9 km) of impact
from the Primitive Park Road and approximately 6.5 mi (10.5 km) of impact from the Principal Park Road.
Impacts from both the Principal and Primitive Park Roads are expected to be adverse, minor, regional, and
permanent due to invasive plants such as mimosa, princess tree, kudzu, and multiflara rose proliferating in
newly-formed sunny locations along roadsides and forest edges. Monitored populations of invasive exotic
plants within the project study corridors surrounding the baseline Partial-Build Altemative to Bushnell
include two locations of kudzu, two locations of white poplar, and one location of common privet. The
European starling may be attracted to the proposed buildings and picnic shelters on the Bushnell peninsula.
The Norway rat and the house mouse may also be introduced to the Bushnell peninsula and may inhabit
areas where human trash accumulation may occur around facilities providing food and shelter for these
rodents. The wild hog is the only invasive exotic vertebrate known to occur within the construction footprint
of the Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell. Adverse impacts may occur due to the illegal release of wild
hogs into the Park.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared to the baseline Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell, the Southern Option at Forney Creek
Embayment would have approximately 1.5 fewer miles (2.4 km) of impact from the Primitive Park Road and
approximately ].3 fewer miles (2.1 km) of impact from the Principal Park Road. This option reduces the
potential for impacts by decreasing the construction footprint length, thereby reducing invasive exotic
species abiliry to penetrate more interior sections of the Park. This option is closer to the lake share resulting
in less of an impact to interior portions of the Park. There is no change from ihe baseline Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell to known populations of invasive exotic species.
4.4.9.2.5 Northern Shore Corridor (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
The baseline Northern Shore Corridor would impact approximately 343 mi (55.2 km) with the Primitive
Park Road and approximately 30.8 tni (49.6 km) with the Principal Park Road. These impacts are
anticipated to be adverse, major, regional, and permanent. This alternative would fragment forested habitat,
providing increased access for invasive exotics throughout the project study corridors. Monitored
populations of invasive exotic plants within the baseline Northern Shore Corridar include eight locations of
lcudzu, two locations of Oriental bittersweet, six locations of periwinkle, one location of Japanese
honeysuckle, two locations of white poplar, three locations of English ivy, one location of mimosa, one
location of Japanese wisteria, three locations of common privet, and one location of wineberry. Currently
the wild hog is the only invasive exotic vertebrate known to occur within the construction footprint of the
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-236
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

baseline Northern Shore Corridor. Habitat fragmentation may allow parasitic bird species, such as the
brown-headed cowbird, to invade interior communities and compete with native bird species. For this
option, the road acts as a corridor in which wind-dispersed invasive seeds, such as princess tree and white
poplar, and for diseases such as DED could spread. Negative impacts may occur due to the illegal release of
wild hogs into the Park.
Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor, the Southern Option at Forney Creek Embayment
would result in approximately 1.5 fewer mi (2.4 km) of impact from the Primitive Park Road and
approximately 1.3 fewer mi (2.1 km) of impact from the Principal Park Road. This option would reduce the
potential for impacts by decreasing the construction footprint length and providing less access for invasive
exotic species to invade interior portions of existing floral and faunal communities within the Park. There is
no change from the baseline Northern Shore Corridor to known populations of invasive exotic species.
Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek Embayments (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor, the Southern Option at Hazel and Eagle Creek
Embayments would ha�e approximately 23 fewer mi (3.7 km) of impacts from the Primitive Park Road and
approximately 3.1 fewer mi (5.0 km) of impact from the Principal Park Road. This option would decrease
the construction footprint, thereby decreasing the potential for invasive species to penetrate interior portions
of the Park. This option avoids impacts to known locations of invasive exotic plants such as white poplar,
kudzu, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle, periwinkle, common privet, and English ivy.
Southern Option Crossing Fontana Darn (Primitive and Principal Park Roads)
As compared to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor, the Southern Option Crossing Fontana Dam would
have approximately 1.6 fewer mi (2.6 km) of impact from the Primitive Park Road and approximately 1.5
fewer mi (2.4 km) of impact from the Principal Park Road. This option would reduce the amount of new
roadside habitat, reducing the potential for invasive exotics to colonize interior portions of the Park. This
option does not avoid previously mentioned locations of invasive exotics and impacts additional locations of
periwinkle and Oriental bittersweet.
4.4.9.2.6 Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative effects were determined by combining the direct and indirect impacts of the alternatives with
other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the area. Past actions introduced invasive
exotics and increased them in the area. Currently, there are approximately 35 invasive exotic species within
the Park. Actions that bave the potential to increase and spread invasive exotics within the study area
include construction on the Ravensford site, completion of tbe Foothills Parkway, and private development.
The Northern Share Corridor would have major impacts as this alternative would fragment forested habitat
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-237
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

providing increased access for invasive exotics througbout the corridor. Given the location of other projects
in the study area, cumulative impacts would be negligible.
4.4.9.3 Options to Address Potential Impacts
NPS would employ a sequence of avoiding adverse impacts from invasive exotic species to the extent
practicable, minimizing impacts that could not be avoided, and mitigating for remaining adverse impacts via
mechanical, cultural, biological, and cbemica] control methods. It will not be possible to avoid or mitigate
for all impacts from invasive exotic species.
Avoidance Techniques
Avoidance examines all appropriate and practicable possibilities to avert impacts from invasive exotics to
native floral and faunal communities. It would not be possible to avoid impacts with selection of a partial-
build or build alternative. Any of these options would create habitat such as roadsides, farest edges, and open
areas suitable for the introduction of invasive exotic species. There are many ways for invasive species to
spread into disturbed areas. Invasive species can move on vehicles and in the materials they carry. Invasive
plants can be moved from site to site during maintenance activities such as mowing. Seeds of invasive
exotic species can be inadvertently introduced into the project study corridors on equipment and through the
use of mulch, imported soil, gravel, or sod (USDOT 2000).
Minimization Options
Where no altematives that avoid adverse impacts from invasive exotic species are found to be practicable,
minimization steps must be employed to reduce adverse impacts. NPS Management Policies document states
that, "High priority will be given to managing exotic species that have, or potentially could have, a
substantial impact on park resources, and that can reasonably be expected to be successfully controlled.
Lower prioriry will be given to exotic species that ha�e almost no impact on park resources or that probably
cannot be successfully controlled" (NPS 2006b). All exotic plant and animal species that are not maintained
to meet an identified Park purpose will be managed if control is prudent and feasible, and if the exotic
species interferes with natural processes and the perpetuation of natural features, native species or natural
habitats. Other examples for reasons of removal include disruptions in the genetic integrity of native species,
disruptions in the accurate presentation of a cultural landscape, damage to cultural resources, or creating a
hazard to public health and safery (NPS 2006b).
Minimizing the potential for invasion could include eradication strategies such as the use of an early warning
system to identify and eradicate newly infested areas. Other examples include the use of cleaning systems
for equipment entering the site, the minimization of soil disturbance, improving seeding equipment for steep
slopes, and the use of cool season native grasses for use as a quick cover to provide far erosion control and
the eliminate water qualiry issues (USDOT 2000). Additional minimization techniques include: ensuring
that all materials used for r�vegetation are free of invasive exotic plant seeds ar material, immediately
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-238
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

applying seed to disturbed areas to establish a good cover to reduce invasive plant competition, containing
neighboring invasive exotic infestations, and establishing native competitive grasses. There is no guarantee
that these minimization techniques will be successful. Success will be dependent upon available budget and
the necessary pr�planning strategies.
Mitigation Options
After avoidance and minimization techniques have been applied to the maximum practicable extent,
remaining impacts from invasive species must be offset through mitigation. The following strategies are
examples provided in the NPS strategic plan for managing invasive exotic plants (NPS 1996). Examples
include early detection and rapid response efforts, inventorying and monitoring of invasive exotic plants as
well as the identification of key corridors of invasion and transporters of non-native plants and animals.
Based on NPS Management Guidelines, rt�echanical control, cultural control, biological control, and
chemical control methods are possible techniques that may be used to mitigate impacts from road
construction (NPS 2002d). The use of power tools and hand tools could be used far tbe removal of
herbaceous and sballowly-rooted plants which may be effective for some invasive exotic plant species.
Work crews may be required to clean equipment and clothing before traveling to another site in arder to
prevent the contamination of another site with invasive exotic seeds. Cultural control techniques consist of
education on cleanliness of vehicles and equipment, proper disposal of plant debris, and interpretive displays
and programs on the threats of invasive exotic species. Biological control is the control of a pest by
disrupting their ecological status, and through the use of organisms that are natural predators, parasites, or
pathogens. An example of biological control includes using the ladybird beetle (Sasajiscymnus tsugae) to
control HWA. Chemical control measures could be used such as soil management in favor of native species.
The introduction of topsoil from the undisturbed surroundings may be enough to re-introduce native seeds.
A light surface application of natural litter or sawdust will cause decomposing fungi to multiply and remove
excess plant available nitrogen from the soiL The use of herbicides would be considered if the alternative
means of control are not feasible (NPS 2006b). The best prevention efforts will not stop all invasive species
introductions. Additional coordination will be needed to develop mitigation plans. The success of
mitigation efforts are uncertain and may include additional costs.
4.4.10 Protected Species
4.4.10.1 Federally-Protected Endangered and Threatened Species
4.4.10.1.1 Methodology for Assessing Impacts
The USFWS has delisted the bald eagle in the lower 48 states of the United States from the federal list of
endangered and threatened wildlife, effective August 8, 2007. Prior to delisting, the bald eagle had been
listed as a threatened species. Surveys, resulting documentation and information discussed in the FEIS were
conducted and developed while this species was federally listed as threatened. TeXt pertaining to the bald
Clarification of the term "baseline" for this project:
The Partial-Build Alternative to Bushnell and the Northern Shore Corridor include a baseline route, as well as options to that route.
Baseline routes and options are detailed in Section 2.5 and shown on Figure 2-8. Baseline routes have been compared to existing
conditions. Impact analyses for the options are shown as a difference from the associated baseline route.
Environmental Consequences — 4-239
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement