1
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY
S 333.95 E29klac. 2
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study
3 0864 00047776 3
15"
KOOTENAI FALLS
WILDLIFE
MONITORING STUDY
Fourth Annual Report
for the period
September 1, 1982 - September 1, 1983
STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION
JUL 151985
MONTANA ZJ^Tr. li'iTiM^'i
1515 E. '.t'n AVe
HELENA, MONTANA 5V620
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
ENERGY DIVISION
32 So. Ewing
Helena, MT 59620
December 1983
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This study was funded by Northern Lights, Inc. of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Inventory data were gathered by Pat Nichols and Larry Thompson of the
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation [DNRC], and Stacy Kiser, under
contract to DNRC. Larry Thompson, Biological Sciences Coordinator in the
Facility Siting Bureeu, DNRC, prepared this report. Graphics were prepared by
June Virag. William Phippen, DNRC, edited the report. The text was processed
by Joanne Brown.
u ■ . 0
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES iv
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF APPENDICES vi
INTRODUCTION 1
METHODS 2
Species List Update 3
Project Area Wildlife Census 4
Bald Eagle Survey 4
Harlequin Duck Special Studies 5
Bighorn Sheep Studies 5
Amphibian and Reptile Search 6
WEATHER 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 7
Species List Update 7
Project Area Wildlife Census 19
Bald Eagle Survey 27
Harlequin Duck S^jecial Studies 28
Bighorn Sheep Studies 29
Amphibian and Reptile Search 33
ERRATUM 34
LITERATURE CITED 35
APPENDICES 36
m
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Seasonal variation in tota L numbers of species encountered
during project area censuses.... 22
Figure 2. Seasonal variation in average numbers of species encountered
during area censuses 23
Figure 3. Seasonal variation in average numbers of dippers encountered
during project area wildlife censuses 24
Figure 4. Seasonal variation in average number of Canada goose, mallard,
common goldeneye, and common merganser encountered during
project area wildlife censuses 25
Figure 5. Seasonal variation in duck use of the project area 26
Figure 6. Observations of bighorn sheep during roadside surveys,
September 1 982-Saptember 1 983 30
Figure 7. Seasonal variation in average number of bighorn sheep
observed during roadside surveys 32
TV
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. ScheduLe of September 1 982-September 1983 field work, Kootenai
FaLLs wildlife monitoring study 3
Table 2. Summary of weather parameters at Libby, September 1982-July 1983 7
Table 3. Summary of data collected on amphibian, reptile, and bird species
observed on the Kootenai Falls study area,
Janua ry 1 978-Augu8t 1 983 8
Table 4. Summary of data collected on mammals observed on the Kootenei Fells
study area,
January 1978-August 1983 16
Table 5. Results of project area wildlife censuses,
September 1982-August 1983 19
Table 6. Bald eagle observations made during the monitoring study in the
Kootenai Falls area, September 1 982-September 1983 27
Table 7. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area, September
1 982-August 1 983 28
Table 8. Results of bighorn sheep roadside surveys, Kootenai Falls
study area, 1983 33
LIST OF APPENDICES
A. Habitat Categories 36
B. Codes Used for Recording Wildlife Observations 37
vi
INTRODUCTION
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI], a rural eLectric cooperative based in Sandpoint,
Idaho, submitted an application to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and
Conservation (ONRC) in 1980 to bui Id a hydroelectric dam and generating plant, known
88 the Kootenai River Hydroelectric Project, in the Kootenai Falls area of Lincoln
County, Montana. In 1978, NLI contracted with ONRC to conduct a baseline wildlife
investigation in the project erea. The results of that study, completed in
September 1979, were published later that year (DNRC 1979).
To keep the wildlife data base current and to determine the nature of
year-to-year variations in wildlife use of the project area, NLI contracted with
DNRC in October 1979 to monitor wildlife in the study area (see ONRC 1979 for a
study plan]. This study was designed to provide e data base for documenting
project-related impacts and for determining the success of mitigation and
compensation programs, should the Board of Natural Resources and Conservation issue
a certificate for the project at the Kootenai Falls site.
The first annual report (DNRC 1981a] documented results from the first year of
the Kootenai Fells wildlife monitoring study (September 2, 1979, through September
1, 1980]. The area monitored in that study was the same as the area inventoried
during the original baseline study (DNRC 1979, pp. 2-3], although some surveys also
were conducted along U.S. Highway 2 between Libby and Troy.
The second annual report (DNRC 1981d] highLighted results from the second year
of the Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study [September 1, 1980, through
August 31, 1981). The area investigated during that monitoring period was basically
the same as studied during the first monitoring period. Some modifications in
monitoring study design, as suggested in the first annual report [DNRC 1981a), were
employed in the second year of monitoring.
The third annual report [DNRC 1982) presented the results from the third year of
the wildlife monitoring study [September 1, 1981, through August 31, 1982). The
study area was the same as in the past two years of monitoring with some
modifications in study design, as suggested in the second annual report.
This study presents the results of the fourth year of the wildlife monitoring
study [September 1, 1982, through September 1, 1983).
METHODS
Field techniques and analytical methods used in this study were as described in
the baseline studies report (DNRC 1979, pp. 109-112) and the first annual report
[DNRC 1981a). A brief summary of methods employed for individual study segments
follows [see also table 1).
Table 1. Schedule of September 1982 - September 1983 field work,
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study.
Dates
Observer''
Type of Field Work
December 30, 1983-
January 3, 1983
PN
Project census, bald eagle
survey, bighorn sheep
counts.
April 11-14, 1983
May 27-30, 1983
PN, LT
SK
July 29-August 1, 1983 SK
Riparian wildlife census,
bighorn sheep count, am-
phibian and reptile search
Project area census,
harlequin duck survey, big-
horn sheep count, amphibian
and reptile search.
Project area census,
harlequin duck survey, big-
horn sheep counts, amphi-
bian and reptile search.
1 PN = Pat Nichols
SK = Stacy Kiser
LT - Larry Thompson
Species List Update
The species Lists presented in the baseline report [DNRC 1979) were updated.
Project Area Wildlife Census
This census was designed to collect data that would allow comparison of wildlife
use of the project area between months and between years. The methods used were
patterned after the standard winter bird study (Kolb 1965] and breeding bird census
techniques (Hall 1964, Van Velzen 1972] used in the original inventory, but were
expanded to include all vertebrate species. The area censused included: the entire
Kootenai River and its shorelines from 50 m (164 ft] below the proposed dam outlet
to the upper end of the proposed reservoir; the lend that would be inundated by the
dam at a forebay elevation of 610 m (2,000 ft]; the land that would be affected by
railroad relocation; and all remaining lend between U.S. Highway 2 and the Kootenai
River (see appendix B) . The entire area was censused for three consecutive days
during each of four study periods, following the instructions outlined in the
baseline report (DNRC 1979, appendix F] .
Bald Eagle Survey
The Kootenai River between Libby and Troy was surveyed for bald eagles on
December 30, 1982, end January 1, 1983 (1 count each day], following the methods of
Meyer (1979]. Observations were made from U.S. Highway 2. Bald eagles seen during
project area wildlife censuses and other monitoring field work also were recorded.
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
In addition to surveys made during project area wildlife censuses, special
searches of the Kootenai Falls area for harlequin ducks were conducted in May and
July-August. In May, emphasis was placed on determining the total harlequin duck
population and the number of pairs present in the project area; in July-August,
emphasis was placed on locating broods.
Bighorn Sheep Studies
During the study period, several different methods were used to gather
information on bighorn sheep. These methods are described below.
Bighorn sheep were observed from strategic viewpoints along U.S. Highway 2
during each of the four survey field trips (table 1). The cliffs north of the
Kootenai River within the project area and within 1 mile (upstream) of the project
area were surveyed with a spotting scope. The researchers followed a controlled
observation schedule. During eech survey, the north bank of the river was searched
for 10 minutes from each of 10 observation points along U.S. Highway 2. Two such
surveys were conducted in January, six in April, three in May, and three in July.
Observations of bighorn sheep made during these surveys, as well as those made in
conjunction with other field work, were recorded on meps and standard data sheets.
Observations of deer also were recorded. In April, the Sheppard Meadows (DNRC
1981b) were searched for tracks or other evidence of bighorn sheep use.
Amphibian and Reptile Search
During April, May, and July-August, at least four hours each month were spent
searching likely habitat in the project area for amphibians and reptiles.
WEATHER
Table 2 summarizes weather data collected at the NOAA Libby recording station
(Libby 1 NE Ranger Station) for the period August 1982 through August 1983. The
data show that the winter of 1982-83 was much warmer and drier than normal. Average
monthly temperatures ranged from 0.7 to 7.6 Fahrenheit degrees [averaging 4.2
degrees) above normal from December through March. Monthly precipitation was near
normal throughout this period. Snowfall, which totalled 39 inches, occurred during
the period November through April. Although data on average snowfall at this
recording station are not available, snowfall during the same period the previous
winter, November 1981 through April 1982, totalled 46.9 inches. Snow depths in
1981-82 were relatively low; the greatest depth (15 inches) was recorded in December
1982. During the winter of 1981-82, the maximum snow depth (26.7 inches) occurred
in January.
Table 2. Summary of weather parameters at Libby, August 1982-JuLy 1983
Maximum Snow
Month Temperature'' Precipi tation^ SnowfaLL Depth on Ground
[degrees F.] (inches) (inches) (inches)
August 1982
65.8(+0.5)
0.9(-0.2)
0
0
September 1982
56.3(-0.5)
1.2(-0.1)
0
0
October 1982
44.4(-1.1)
1.3(-0.6)
0
0
November 1982
31 .6(-1 .6)
2.5(+0.1)
8.3
2
December 1982
26.4(+0.7)
2.8(+0.4)
24.9
15
January 1983
30.3(+7.6)
2.4(-0.2)
4.3
12
February 1983
34.8(+3.8)
1.1 (-0.4)
«
6
March 1983
40.7(+4.5)
2.0(+0.8)
0
0
April 1983
45 .6 (+0.6)
1.1 (-0.1)
1.5
0
May 1983
54.6(+0.93
0.5(-1.0)
0
0
June 1983
60.B(-0.1)
1.7(+0.2)
0
0
July 1983
63.7(-3.0)
2.0(+1 .2)
0
0
August 1983
69.2(+3.8)
0.6(-0.5)
0
0
'^ Monthly average (departure from normal)
2 Total (departure from normal)
* Data unavai lable
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
During this monitoring period, 77 species of vertebrates were observed — 1
amphibian, 1 reptile, 68 birds, and 7 mammals. These included five new
species — Wood Duck, Caspian Tern, Eastern Kingbird, Evening Grosbeak, and Clark's
Nutcracker. These new species bring the total number of species observed since the
studies began in 1978 to 123 (1 amphibian, 1 reptile, 93 birds, and 28 mammals).
Data on these species are summarized in tables 3 and 4. (NOTE: Nomenclature and
phyLogenetic sequence have been updated to conform to AOU (1983).
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Table 3. (continued)
Footnotes:
' Habitat category abbreviations as in appendix A.
2 See appendix B for Location codes of river stretches (Letters) and upland
areas (numbers) .
3 Status: W - Overwinters in area (at Least one record each during January
and February) .
w - Transient in winter,
sm - Spring migrant,
fm - Fall migrant.
B - Breeds on area (nest or dependent young located) .
b - Probably breeds on area (territorial males or pairs
Located) .
s - Summers on area in small numbers but no evidence of
breeding .
t - Occurs but no evidence of breeding.
Abundance: A - Abundant; found in Large numbers in appropriete habitats.
C - Common; found in moderate numbers in appropriate habitats;
15 to 50 registrations.
U - Uncommon; small numbers in appropriate habitats; 2 to 15
regi strations.
R - Rare; few sightings; 1 or 2 registrations.
^ Indicates status of species in Lati Long No. 1, as reported by Skaar
(1980).
^ Months when seen are indicated by Letter abbreviations in sequence,
January through December (Note: Very little field work was carried out in
September and November.)
15
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17
Table 4. [continued)
Footnotes:
'' Habitat category abbreviations as in appendix A.
2 See appendix B for Locetion codes of river (Letters) and upland (numbers)
portions of the study area.
18
Project Area WiLdLife Census
Results of the wiLdLife censuses conducted in the project area during the study
period are summarized in table 5.
Table 5. Results of project area wildlife censuses, September 1982-Augu6t 1983.
Average number known present per trip
Dec.- July-
Species Jan. Apr. May Aug.
Unidentified Garter Snake - - 0.3 0.7
BIRDS
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Harlequin Duck
Common GoLdeneye
Common Merganser
Unidentified Duck
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tai led Hawk
American Kestrel
Ruffed Grouse
KilLdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
California Gull
Unidentified Gull
Mourning Dove
BLeck Swift
Unidentified Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Hai ry Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pi leated Woodpecker
Unidentified Woodpecker
Empidonax Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbi rd
Violet-green Swallow
Northern Rough-winged
Swal low
Barn Swallow
Steller's Jay
Common Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
19
0.3
1.3
1.0
1.3
2.7
4.0
6.3
-
-
0.3
0.6
-
13.7
45.7
20.7
5.3
-
1.0
2.3
-
31.0
7.7
0.3
-
5.0
8.0
2.3
9.0
3.3
-
2.0
-
-
-
0.7
3.0
1.3
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.7
-
-
0.3
1.7
-
-
-
0.3
-
2.3
1 .7
0.3
-
-
11.0
3.3
-
0.3
-
1.0
-
-
0.3
0.7
-
-
1.3
1.0
-
-
-
0.7
-
-
0.3
1.3
-
0.7
0.7
0.3
-
-
-
0.3
-
3.7
1.7
2.0
-
-
0.3
-
-
-
0.3
0.3
-
-
0.7
0.3
-
-
-
0.7
—
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*
5.3
_
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3.0
-
-
5.3
5.3
0.3
18.3
0.3
-
7.0
30.3
13.0
22.0
0.3
1 .3
1.7
2.7
3.7
6.7
8.3
14.7
Table 5. [continued)
AvBraae number known present per trip
Sped es
Dec- Jul-y-
Jan. April May Aug.
Mountain Chickadee 1 .0 -
Chestnut-backed Chickadee - 1.0
Red-breasted Nuthatch 0.3 4.7 1.3 0.7
Winter Wren 0.7 0.3
Dipper
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 0.3
Townsend's Solitaire - " 0*7
4.7 3.0 1.7 0.7
26.7 13.0 7.7
Swainson's Thrush
MAMMALS
Unidentified Chipmunk
Columbian Ground Squirrel
Red Squirrel
Unidentified Vole
White-tai Led Deer
Mule Deer
Bighorn Sheep
3.3 1.3
American Robin - 29.7 16.3 3.7
Varied Thrush - 18.0 9.7 0.3
Unidentified Thrush - ~ ~_ °*^
Cedar Waxwing ~ ~
Red-eyed Vi reo
Nashvi lie Warbler - ~ ' -^
2.3 9.7
3.0 2.3
11.7 2.3
0.3 0.7
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler - -
Townsend's Warbler - ~ ~ "'^
American Redstart - ~ 0.3
MacGillivray's Warbler
4.0 0.3
1.7 4.3
0.3 1.7
1.0 1.7
0.7 30.0 25.3 15.7
15.3 2.7 2.7
3.3 2.0
Unidentified Warbler
Western Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Brown-headed Cowbi rd
Pine Grosbeak - ~ ^'^ ~
Red Crossbill - 6.3 -
Pine Siskin - 31.7 12^ 23^3
Evening Grosbeak ~ 1.0
Unidentified Passerine 7.3 - 37.3 21^3
Unidentified Bird - 0.3
6.7 3.0 3.0
0.3 0.3
0.7 2.0 0.3 14.7
- 0.3
1.7 1.3 0.7
1.3
0.3 - - 1-0
20
Table 5. (continued]
Species
Total number known present during census period
Dec- July-
Jan. April Mey Aug.
NMrtitDer of Species
Water Bi rds
7
11
13
9
Other Bi rds
B
18
33
33
AIL Birds
15
29
46
42
Mammals
2
3
4
7
Total Bi rds &
Mammals
17
32
50
49
Present in Large numbers but no count made.
Seasonal variation in numbers of species encountered during project erea censuses
each month is shown in figures 1 and 2. Study data show that the number of
water-releted bird species (waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, gulls, ospreys, bald eagles,
dippers, belted kingfishers) remains relatively constant year round, with a slight
increase during the breeding seeson. The number of species of other birds, although
relatively high throughout the year, increases considerably during the breeding season.
Census results for the dipper are shown in figure 3, and variations in average
monthly abundance of the most common waterfowl species, as determined by the censuses,
are portrayed in figure 4. Seesonal variations in duck numbers are shown in figure 5.
This figure shows that river sections M and N (see appendix B) are the most heavily
used by waterfowl, especially in April.
21
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26
Bald Eagla Survey
During the monitoring study, bald eagles were observed in December 1982 and January
19B3 (table 6] .
Table 6. Bald eagle observations naade during the monitoring study in the Kootenai
Falls area, September 1982-September 19B3.
Location Minimum Number
Date Observer'' (River Section)^ Known Present
December 30, 1982 PN Q,S,T 3 adults^
December 31, 1982 PN L,0,Q 4 adults
January 1, 1983 PN P,T 4 adults
January 2, 1983 PN N 1 adult
'^ PN=Pat Nichols
2 Location codes as in appendix B
3 Observation made during bald eagle surveys
27
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
Information on harlequin ducks observed during the monitoring period is presented
in table 7. During August 1982, DNRC searches for broods were unsuccessful.
Table 7. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area,
September 1982-August 1983.
Date
Minimum
number
■ Known
present
Location
Obi
server
Males
Feme
lies
Pai rs
Total
[R
Sei
i ver
ction}''
1 0-24-82
R.
Hermsmeyer
l2
_
_
1
Be
Low Libby Dam
4-1 2-83
L.
Thompson
-
-
1
L
4-13-83
L.
Thompson
-
-
1
I,J,M
4-1 4-83
L.
Thompson
-
-
1
L
4-29-83
C.
Wolf
1
1
2
L
5-1-83
R.
Hermsmeyer
1
1
2
10
mi E Libby
5-7-83
R.
Hermsmeyer
5
-
-
5
L
5-9-83 (?)
C.
Wolf
4
1
-
5
L
5-27-83
S.
Kiser
2
-
-
2
L
5-28-83
S.
Kiser
3
-
-
3
L
5-29-83
S.
Kiser
4
-
-
4
L
5-30-83
S.
Kiser
4
-
-
4
L
6-1-83
c.
Wolf
1
1
1
2
L
6-11-83
c.
Wolf
1
1
1
2
L
7-11-83
c.
Wolf
1
1
1
2
L
7-27-83
c.
Wolf
1
1
L
Abbreviations as defined in appendix B
In eclipse plumage
28
Bighorn Sheep Studies
Locations of bighorn sheep observations recorded during the roadside surveys are
shown in figure 6. During censuses of bighorn sheep from U.S. Highway 2 (see table
8), the greatest number of sheep observed on any one census was 35 on May 27, 1983.
Late May observations showed higher numbers than in June 1982. A notable census was
that of July 30, 1983, whan 30 sheep were observed. Prior to 1982, Low numbers of
sheep had been observed in the area in August. Figure 7 shows seasonal variation in
average numbers of sheep observed during the roadside counts.
On April 13, 1983, a ground search on the Sheppard Meadows was conducted.
Pellet groups (not identified to species) were observed in all meadows; the heaviest
concentrations were in the downstream meadow in and around the orchard. Sheep
tracks were observed all along the road that runs through the meadow.
On April 4, 1983, 133 sheep were counted during a MDFWP helicopter survey. A
lamb-ewe ratio of 30:100 was obtained, and a ram-ewe ratio of 58:100 was obtained
(Brown 1983] .
29
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32
Table 8. Results of bighorn sheep roadside surveys, Kootenai Falls study area, 1982-83
Starting
St
arting
No. Obs.
Min.
No. Sh
eep Known
Present
Date Ob
server''
Time
Station No.
Recorded^
Rams
Ewes
Other^
Total
Dec. 31, 1982
PN
1245
1
4
2
1
1
4
Jan. 1, 1983
PN
1417
1
0
0
0
0
0
Jan. Average
2.0
1.0
0.5
0.5
2.0
April 11
PN
1710
1
29
12
3
10
25
Apri I 12
PN
0712
10
38
10
5
17
32
April 12
PN
1208
10
9
4
5
0
9
April 12
PN
1644
10
38
8
2
13
23
April 13
PN
0600
1
40
18
4
5
27
April 13
PN
1430
1
13
6
0
3
9
Appi I Average
27.8
9.7
3.2
8.0
20.8
May 27
SK
0530
1
35
4
16
15
35
May 28
SK
1354
1
26
1
7
18
26
May 29
SK
1840
1
12
0
6
2
8
Late May Average
24.3
1 .7
9.7
11 .7
23.0
July 29
SK
0800
1
20
2
6
12
20
July 30
SK
1830
1
30
0
8
22
30
July 31
SK
1430
10
1
0
0
1
1
Late July Average
17.0
0.7
4.7
11 .7
17.0
1 PN=Pat Nichols, SK=Stacy Kiser
2 Includes multiple observations of the same individuals
^ Includes Lambs and unclassified sheep
Amphibian and Reptile Search
During the 1982 monitoring period, one Coeur d'Alene salamander was found on
April 11, 1983, and unidentified garter snakes were seen on May 28 and July 30,
1983.
33
ErtRATUM
In table 5, p. 20, DNRC 1982, 46.3 should be entered for the March-April census
of the Pine Siskin; zero (-) should be entered for the March-April census of the
Dark-Eyed Junco.
34
LITERATURE CITED
American Ornithologists' Union (AOU). 1983.
Auk, Vol. 99, Special Supplement, pp. 1-16.
Brown, G. 1983.
Letter to L. Thompson, July 15.
DeSimone, R. 1980.
Wildlife study of the proposed Libby reregulation dam area with special emphasis
on borrow sites. Montana Depertment of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Helena, MT.
DNRC. 1979.
Kootenai Falls wildlife inventory and impact analysis. Final report. Helena,
MT.
DNRC. 1981a.
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study. First annual report. Helena, MT.
DNRC. 1981b.
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study. Second annual report. Helena, MT.
DNRC. 1982.
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study. Third annual report. Helena, MT.
Hall, G.A. 1964.
Breeding bird censuses — why and how? Audubon Field Notes 18:413-416.
Kolb, H. 1965.
The Audubon winter bird population study. Audubon Field Notes 19:432-434.
Meyer, J.R. 1979.
Northwest Montana/North Idaho transmission corridor bald eagle study.
Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, OR.
Skaar, P.O. 1980.
Montana bird distribution. P.O. Skaar, 501 South Third, Bozeman, MT.
Van Velzen, W.T. 'a/2.
Breeding-bird census instructions. Amer. Birds 26(6) : 929-931 .
35
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'^' " ■ ■ Kt! u
KOOTENAI FALLS
WILDLIFE
MONITORING STUDY
Third Annual Report
for the period
September 2, 1981 - September 1, 1982
STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION
JULl OiJDD
MONTANA '■^l.^-'^ li^;- '.;,•
1515 r. o::i A\S.
HELENA, MOi-^TAf-'A iViOO
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
ENERGY DIVISION
32 So. Ewing
Helena, MT 59620
December 1982
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This study was funded by Northern Lights, Inc. of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Inventory data were gathered by Pat Nichols, of the Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. Larry Thompson, Biological Sciences Coordinator in
the Facility Siting Bureau, DNRC, reviewed this report. Graphics were prepared
by June Vi rag . William Phippen, DNRC, edited the report. The text was
processed by Rose Ann Montgomery.
'\
4i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES i i
LIST OF TABLES i i i
APPENDICES i V
INTRODUCTION 1
METHODS 2
Species List Update 3
Project Area Wildlife Census 4
Bald Eagle Survey 4
Harlequin Duck Special Studies 5
Bighorn Sheep Studies 5
Amphibian and Reptile Search 6
Sma I L Mamma L Trappi ng 6
WEATHER 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 7
Species List Update 7
Project Area Wildlife Census 19
Bald Eagle Survey 24
Harlequin Duck Special Studies 25
Bighorn Sheep Studies 26
Amphibian and Reptile Search 3D
Small Mammal Trapping 30
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING 31
LITERATURE CITED 32
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. SeaBonaL variation in total (top) and average (bottom) numbers
of species encountered during project area censuses 21
Figure 2. Seasonal variation in average numbers of dippers encountered
during project area wildlife censuses 22
Figure 3. Seasonal variation in average number of Canada goose, mallard,
common goldeneye, and common merganser encountered during
project area wildlife censuses 23
Figure 4. Observations of bighorn sheep during roadside surveys,
September 1981 - September 1982 27
1 1
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Schedule of September 19B1-September 1982 field work, Kootenai
Falls wildlife monitoring study 3
Table 2. Summary of weather parameters at Libby, September 1981-July 1982 7
Table 3. Summary of data collected on amphibian, reptile, and bird species
observed on the Kootenai Falls study area,
January 1978-August 1982 8
Table 4. Summary of data collected on general habitat use and local
distribution of mammals observed on the Kootenai Falls study area,
January 197B-August 1982 16
Table 5. Results of project area wildlife censuses,
September 1981-August 1982 19
Table 6. Bald eagle observations made during the monitoring study in the
Kootenai Falls area, September 1981-September 1982 24
Table 7. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area, September
1981-August 1982 25
Table 8. Results of bighorn sheep roadside surveys, Kootenai Falls
study area, 1982 29
Table 9. Kootenai Falls small mammal trapping results,
August 1982 30
1 1 1
APPENDICES
A. Habitat Categories , 33
B. Codes Used for Recording Wildlife Observations 34
1 V
INTRODUCTION
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI), a rural electric cooperative based in Sandpoint,
Idaho, submitted an application to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and
Conservation (DNRC) in 1980 to build a hydroelectric dam and generating plant, known
as the Kootenai River Hydroelectric Project, in the Kootenai Falls area of Lincoln
County, Montana. In 1978, NLI contracted with DNRC to conduct a baseline wildlife
investigation in the project area. The results of that study, completed in
September 1979, were published Later that year (DNRC 1979).
To keep the wildlife data base current and to determine the nature of
year-to-year variations in wildlife use of the project area, NLI contracted with
DNRC in October 1979 to monitor wildlife in the study area [see DNRC 1979 for a
study plan). This study would provide a data base for documenting project-related
impacts and for determining the success of mitigation and compensation programs,
should the Board of Natural Resources and Conservation issue a certificate for the
project at the Kootenai Falls site.
The first annual report IDNRC 1981a) documented results from the first year of
the Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study (September 2, 1979, through September
1, 1980). The area monitored in that study was the same as the area inventoried
during the original baseline study (DNRC 1979, pp. 2-3), although some surveys also
were conducted along U.S. Highway 2 between Libby and Troy.
- 1 -
The second annual report (DNRC 1981b) highlighted results from the second year
of the Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study (September 1, 1980, through
August 31, 1981). The area investigated during that monitoring period was basically
the same as studied during the first monitoring period. Some modifications in
monitoring study design, as suggested in the first annual report (DNRC 1981a) were
employed in the second year of monitoring.
This third annual report presents the results from the third year of the
wildlife monitoring study (September 1, 1982, through August 31, 1982). The study
area was the same as in the past two years of monitoring with some modifications in
study design, as suggested in the second annual report.
METHODS
Field techniques and analytical methods used in this study were as described in
the baseline studies report (DNRC 1979, pp. 109-112) and the first annual report
(DNRC 1981a). A brief summary of methods employed for individual study segments
follows (see table 1).
2 -
Table 1. ScheduLe of September 1981 - September 1982 fieLd work,
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study.
Dates
Observer
.1
Type of Field Work
January 6-9, 1982
PN
Riparian wildlife census,
bald eagle survey, bighorn
sheep counts.
March 4-B , 1982
PN
Bighorn sheep counts,
meadow observation
March 29-31 , Apri I PN
1-3, 1982
Riparian wildlife census,
bighorn sheep tracking,
bighorn sheep count, am-
phibian and reptile search
June 12-17, 1982
PN
Riparian wildlife census,
harlequin duck survey, big-
horn sheep count, amphibian
and reptile search.
August 2-5, 1982
PN
Riparian wildlife census,
harlequin duck survey, big-
horn sheep counts, amphi-
bian and reptile search,
small mammal trapping.
PN = Pat Nichols
Species List Update
The species lists presented in the baseline report (DNRC 1979) were updated,
Project Area Wildlife Census
This census was designed to collect data that would allow comparison of wildlife
use of the project area between months and between years. The methods used were
patterned after the standard winter bird study (KoLb 1965] and breeding bird census
techniques (Hall 1964, Van Velzen 1972) used in the original inventory, but were
expanded to include all vertebrate species. The area censused included: the entire
Kootenai River and its shorelines from 50 m (164 ft) below the proposed dam outlet
to the upper end of the proposed reservoir; the land that would be inundated by the
dam at a forebay elevation of 610 m (2,000 ft); the land that would be affected by
railroad relocation; and all remaining Land between U.S. Highway 2 and the Kootenai
River (see appendix B) . The entire area was censused for three consecutive days
during each month of January, April, June, and August 1982, following the
instructions outlined in the baseline report (DNRC 1979, appendix F) .
Bald Eagle Survev
The Kootenai River between Libby and Troy was surveyed for bald eagles on
January 6 and 8, 1982 (1 count each day), following the methods of Meyer (1979).
Observations were made from U.S. Highway 2. Bald eagles seen during project area
wildlife censuses and other monitoring field work also were recorded.
- 4
HarLeguin Duck Special Studies
In addition to surveys made during project area wildlife censuses, special
searches of the Kootenai Falls area for harlequin ducks were conducted in June and
August. In June, emphasis was placed on determining the total harlequin duck
population and the number of pairs present in the project area; in August, emphasis
was placed on locating broods.
Bighorn Sheep Studies
During the study period, several different methods were used to gather
information on bighorn sheep. These methods are described below.
Bighorn sheep were observed from strategic viewpoints along U.S. Highway 2
during each of the five survey field trips (table 1). The cliffs north of the
Kootenai River within the project area and within 1 mile (upstream] of the project
area were surveyed with a spotting scope. The researchers followed a controlled
observation schedule. During each survey, the north bank of the river was searched
for 10 minutes from each of 10 observation points along U.S. Highway 2. Three such
surveys were conducted in January, six in early March, five in Late March-early
April, three in June, and three in August. Observations of bighorn sheep made
during these surveys, as well as those made in conjunction with other field work,
were recorded on maps and standard data sheets. Observations of deer also were
recorded. In April, the Sheppard Meadows (DNRC 1981a) were searched for tracks or
other evidence of bighorn sheep use.
- 5
Amphibian and Reptile Search
During April, June, and August, at least four hours each month were spent
searching likely habitat in the project area for amphibians and reptiles.
Small Mammal Trapping _^
Two snap-trap lines (each consisting of 25 stations with two traps per station]
were run for three consecutive nights (August 2-4, 1982), one in riparian
cottonwoods at the head of Kootenai Falls, and the other in adjacent riparian
grassland. Capture data were recorded on standard data sheets.
WEATHER
Table 2 summarizes weather data collected at the NOAA Libby recording station
(Libby 1 NE Ranger Station) for the period September 1981 to August 1982. The data
show that the winter of 1981-82 was warmer and wetter than normal. Average monthly
temperatures ranged from -2.7 to +3.5 degrees Fahrenheit (averaging +1.7 degrees) of
normal from November through March, and monthly precipitation averaged 0.8 inches
above normal. Snowfall, which totalled 46.9 inches, occurred during the period
November through April. Although data on average snowfall at this recording station
are not available, snowfall during the same period the previous year, November 1980
through April 1981, totalled 21.5 inches. Snow depths in 1981-82 were relatively
high; the greatest depth (26.7 inches) was recorded in January 1982. During the
winter of 1980-81, the maximum snow depth (10 inches) occurred in December.
- 6 -
Table 2. Summary of waather parameters at Libby, September 1981-July 1982
Maximum Snow
Month Temperature'' Precipitation'^ SnowfaLL Depth on Ground
(degrees F.) (inches) (inches) (inches)
September 1981
57.1(+0.3)
0.8(-0.5)
0
0
October 1981
43.4(-2.1)
0.7(-1.3)
0
0
November 1981
35.4(+2.2)
2.B(+0.3)
1.0
1
December 1981
28.0 (+2 .3)
2.6(+0.3)
12.7
7
January 1982
25.4(+3.0)
2.5(+0.1)
26.7
18
February 1982
27.4(-2.7)
3.1 (+1.6)
5.1
15
March 1982
39.2(+3.5)
2.3(+1 .0)
«
7
Apri L 1982
42.5(-2.8)
2.6(+1.5)
1.4
0
May 1982
52.0(-2.0)
1.7(+0.2)
0
0
June 1982
63.9(+3,6)
2.9(+1.1)
0
0
July 1982
64.5(-2.5)
1.3(+0.6)
0
0
61.> -^-^J
^ i;q ,, rcT
{_
u
^ Monthly average (departure from normal)
2 Total (departure from normal)
* Data unavai lable
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Species List Update
During this monitoring period, 52 species of vertebrates were observed or
trapped — 47 birds and 5 mammals. These included two new species — the boreal
chickadee and the pine grosbeak. These new species bring the total number of
species observed since the studies began in 1978 to 118 (1 amphibian, 1 reptile, 88
birds, and 28 mammals). Data on these species are summarized in tables 3 and 4.
- 7
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- 1A -
Table 3. (continued]
Footnotes :
' Habitat categories abbreviations as in appendix A.
2 See appendix B for Location codes of river stretches (Letters) and upLand
areas (numbers) .
^ Status: W - Overwinters in area (at Least one record each during January
and February) .
w - Transient in winter,
sm - Spring migrant,
fm - Fa L I migrant.
B - Breeds on area (nest or dependent young Located) .
b - Probably breeds on area (territorial males or pairs
located) .
s - Summers on area in small numbers but no evidence of
breeding .
t - Occurs but no evidence of breeding.
Abundance: A - Abundant; found in Large numbers in appropriate habitats.
C - Common; found in moderate numbers in appropriate habitats;
15 to 50 registrations.
U - Uncommon; small numbers in appropriate habitats; 2 to 15
regi strati ons .
R - Rare; few sightings; 1 or E registrations.
^ Indicates status of species in lati Long No. 1, as reported by Skaar
(1980) .
Months when seen are indicated by Letter abbreviations in sequence,
January through December (Note: Very Little field work was carried out in
September and November; none was carried out in December).
New entries are Listed in italics.
- 15
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'' Habitat category abbreviations as in appendix A.
2 See appendix B for location codes of nver (Letters) and upland (numbers]
portions of the study area.
Italics indicate new observations.
18 -
Project Area WilQlife Census
Results of the wiLdLife censuses conducted in the project area during the study
period are summarized in table 5.
Table 5. Results of project area wildlife censuses, September 19ai-August 1982.
Average number known present per trip
Mar.-
Species Jan. Apr. June Aug.
BIRDS
Great Blue Heron
-
0.3
0.3
—
Canada Goose
4.3
6.7
-
0.7
Mallard
0.3
29.0
10.7
18.3
Common Goldeneye
21 .0
23.3
0.3
-
Harlequin Duck
-
-
0.7
0.7
Common Merganser
3.7
7.3
32.7
15.0
Unidentified Duck
-
—
0.3
—
Red-tai led Hawk
-
-
-
0.3
Bald Eagle
0.7
0.3
—
-
Osprey
-
-
2,3
2.0
American Kestrel
—
—
0.3
—
Ki lldeer
—
—
1.3
—
Spotted Sandpiper
-
-
3.3
1 .3
California Gull
-
—
—
0.7
Unidentified Gull
-
-
—
3.7
Mourning Dove
-
-
1 .0
4.0
Belted Kingfisher
-
—
—
0.7
Common Flicker
-
-
—
0.7
Pi leated Woodpecker
-
0.3
—
—
Downy Woodpecker
0.3
-
-
—
Wi How Flycatcher
-
—
1 .0
—
Empidonax Flycatcher
-
—
1 .3
0.7
Violet-green Swallow
-
5.0
19.3
2.0
Barn Swallow
-
—
0.3
2.3
Stellar's Jay
-
0.3
—
-
Common Raven
1 .3
1 .3
-
0.3
Common Crow
1.3
13.7
16.0
14.7
Black-capped Chickadee
-
3.0
1.3
1 .7
Boreal Chickadee
-
0.7
—
—
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
-
0.7
—
—
Unidentified Chickadee
-
2.0
—
-
Dipper
4.3
4.7
4.7
1.7
Gray Catbird
-
-
1 .7
—
American Robin
-
11 .7
11 .0
1 .7
Varied Thrush
-
9.3
0.3
—
- 19 -
Table 5. (continued)
Average number known present per trip
Mar .-
Species Jan. Apr. June Aug.
Swainson's Thrush - 0.3 5.7 -
Veery - - - 1 .0
Mountain Bluebird -
Townsend's Solitaire -
Cedar Waxwing -
Red-eyed Vi reo -
Yellow Warbler -
Yel low-rumped Warbler -
MacGi I li vray ' s Warbler -
American Redstart -
Unidentified Warbler -
Brown-headed Cowbird -
Pine Grosbeak -
Pine Siskin
Dark-eyed Junco -
Song Sparrow -
Unidentified Sparrow
Unidentified Passerine 0.7
MAMMALS
Unidentified Chipmunk
Tree Squi rrel 1 .7
Bighorn Sheep -
Unidentified small mammal -
White-tailed Deer - - 1.0
0.3
-
-
0.3
-
0.7
-
1 .3
1 .7
-
2.3
-
-
5.7
0.7
-
6.0
2.0
-
1 .7
-
-
1 ./
-
-
1 .3
-
-
1.3
-
-
-
2.7
-
-
0.3
46.3
9.0
6.7
15.3
12.7
5.0
0.3
-
-
5.0
0.7
16.0
_
2.3
4.3
-
2.0
5.7
2.0
-
2,7
-
-
0.3
Seasonal variation in numbers of species encountered during project area censuses
each month is shown in figure 1. Study data show that the number of water-related bi r
species (waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, gulls, ospreys, bald eagles, dippers, belted
kingfishers) remains relatively constant year round, with a slight increase during the
breeding season. The number of species of other birds, although relatively high
throughout the year, increases considerably during the breeding season.
Census results for the dipper are shown in figure 2, and variations in average
monthly abundance of the most common waterfowl species, as determined by the censuses,
are portrayed in figure 3.
- 20 -
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1982
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1979
1982
Figure 1. Seasonal variation in total (top) and average (bottom)
numbers of species encountered during project &vq& censuses.
21
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variation in average number of Canada goose.
3. Seasonal variation in average number of Canada goose, mallard,
goldeneye, and common mergansers encountered during project area
fe censuses.
- 23
Bald Eagle Survey
During the monitoring study, bald eagles were observed in January and March 1982
(table 6] .
Table 6. Bald eagle observations made during the monitoring study in the Kootenai
Falls area, September IGBI-September 1982.
Date
January 6
January 7
January 8
March 4
March 5
March 3D
Observer^
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
PN
Location Minimum Number
(River Section)^ Known Present
N
L,N,T
P
P
R
N
1 adult^
3 (2 adults, 1 sub-adult]
2 adults
1 adult
1 adult
1 adult
'' PN=Pat Nichols
^ Location codes as in appendix B
^ Observation made during bald eagle surveys
24
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
Information on harlequin ducks observed during the monitoring period is presented
in table 7. Harlequin ducks were observed in November 1981, and May, June, July, and
August 1982. An active nest was discovered in a logjam at the head of the falls and
observations of at least two young were made (Wolfe 1982). During August 1982, DNRC
searches for broods were unsuccessful.
Table 7. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area,
September 1981-August 1982.
Date
Minimum number known present
Males
Feme les Pai rs
Total
November 29, 198l2
Apri I 17, 19825 1
Apri I 24, 1982^ 1
Apri I 28, 19825 2
May 7, 19823 1
May 15, 1982^ 1
May 19, 1982^ 2
May 20, 1982^ 2
May 25, 19823 1
June 1, 19823 -|
June 4, 19823 2
June 12, 1982"^ 1
June 13, 1982^ 2
June 14, 1982^ 2
June 15, 1982^ 1
June 17, 1982'* 1
June 20-30, 1982^ 1
July 18, 19825 0
August 2, 1982"* 2
1
0
T
2
3
4
5
«
1
2
2
3
2
2
3
4
2
2
3
2
3
3
1
1
4*
3*
2
Abbreviations as defined in appendix B
Shot by hunter - John Jeresek
Observed by Paul Hamlin
Observed by Pat Nichols, DNRC
Observed by Carl Wolfe, Kootenai National Forest
Two downy young observed (Wolfe 1982)
Location
(River Section)''
P
L
L
L
Q
S
L
P
M
S
J
L
L
L
M
L
L
L
M
- 25
Bighorn Sheep Studies
Locations of bighorn sheep observations recorded during the roadside surveys are
shown in figure 4, During censuses of bighorn sheep from U.S. Highway 2 (see table
8), the greatest number of sheep observed on any one census was 51 on April 2,
1982. From early March, the numbers of sheep observed increased through early
April. June observations showed lower numbers than in April. A notable census was
that of August 5, 1982, when 25 sheep were observed. Prior to 1982, only extremely
low numbers of sheep had been observed in the area in August.
On April 2, 1982, a ground search on the Sheppard Meadows was conducted. Eight
bighorn rams in two groups were observed on rocks 20 ft. above and 100 ft. to the
east of the upstream meadow. Pellet groups {not identified to species) were
observed in all meadows; the heaviest concentrations were in the downstream meadow
in and around the orchard. Sheep tracks were observed all along the road that runs
through the meadow.
26 -
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27 -
Table 8. Results of bighorn sheep roadside surveys, Kootenai Falls study area, 1982.
Date
Starting Starting No. Obs. Min. No. Sheep Known Present
Observer'' Time Station No. Recorded^ Rams Ewes Other^ Total
Jan. 6 PN
0920
1
Jan. 6 PN
1350
1
Jan. 8 PN
1530
1
Jan. Average
Mar. 4 PN
0830
1
Mar. 4 PN
1225
10
Mar. 4 PN
1526
1
Mar. 5 PN
0850
10
Mar. 5 PN
1225
1
Mar. 5 PN
1550
10
Early Mar. Average
Mar. 29 PN
1645
10
Mar. 30 PN
1420
10
Apr. 1 PN
1315
1
Apr. 2 PN
0624
10
Apr, 2 PN
1707
1
Late Mar. -Apr. Averac
36
June 12 PN
1909
10
June 13 PN
0730
1
June 13 PN
1240
1
June Average
Aug. 2 PN
1313
10
Aug. 4 PN
1753
1
Aug. 5 PN
0634
10
Aug. Average
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
D.D
4
1
0
3
4
4
0
0
4
4
1
0
0
1
1
6
6
0
0
6
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
D
0
0
2.7
1.2
0.0
1.5
2.7
13
3
7
3
13
24
2
9
9
20
20
5
4
4
13
56
2
26
23
51
11
3
1
6
10
24.8
3.0
9.4
9.0
21 .4
19
4
0
15
19
12
10
0
1
11
8
0
4
4
8
13.0
4.7
1 .3
6.7
12.7
2
0
1
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
25
17
3
5
25
9.0
5.7
1.3
2.0
9.0
'1 PN^Pat Nichols
^ Includes multiple observations of the same individuals
Includes lambs and unclassified sheep
- 29 -
Amphibian and Reptile Search
During the 1982 monitoring period, no reptiles or amphibians were observed,
Small Mammal Trapping
Table 9 presents the results of 1982 small mammal trapping.
Table 9. Kootenai Falls small mammal trapping results, August 1982,
FLoodplain Riparian Trees
Grassland and Shrubs Total
Total number of captures
Total number of species
Total biomass (grams)
Captures per species:
Masked Shrew
(Sorex cinereus]
Deer Mouse
(Peromyscus mani cu latus)
Long-tai led Vole
(Mi crotus longi caudus)
Meadow Jumping Mouse
(Zapus princeps]
Flying Squi rrel
(Glaucomys sabrinus)
11
3
255.3
7
3
208.9
18
5
464.2
11
30
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING
The monitoring study should be continued, and work should continue toward
selection of a suitable control area on the Kootenai River.
- 31
LITERATURE CITED
DNRC. 1979.
Kootenai FaLLs wildlife inventory and impact analysis. Final report, Helena,
MT.
DNRC. 1981a.
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study. First annual report. Helena, MT.
DNRC. 1981b.
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study. Second annual report. Helena, MT.
Hall, G.A. 1964.
Breeding bird censuses — why and how? Audubon Field Notes 18:413-416.
Kolb, H. 1965.
The Audubon winter bird population study. Audubon Field Notes 19:432-434.
Meyer, J.R. 1979,
Northwest Montana/North Idaho transmission corridor bald eagle study.
Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, OR.
Skaar, P.D. 1980.
Montana bird distribution. P.D. Skaar, 501 South Third, Bozeman, MT,
Van Velzen, W.T. 1972.
Breeding-bird census instructions. Amer, Birds 26 (6 ) :929-931 .
Wolfe, C. 1982.
Telephone conversation with Pat Nichols, DNRC biologist, December 15, 1982.
32 -
3 33. "IS-
mo -'if
KOOTENAI FALLS
WILDLIFE
MONITORING STUDY
PLEASE RETURN
Second Annual Report
for the period
September 2, 1980 - September 1, 1981
STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION
JUL15i965
HELENA, MOiJTAf.'A 5?t520
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
ENERGY DIVISION
32 South Ewing
Helena, MT 59620
December 1981
1)
y
y-
a
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES ii
LIST OF TABLES iii
INTRODUCTION 1
METHODS 2
Species List Update 2
Project Area Wildlife Census 2
Bald Eagle Survey 3
Harlequin Duck Special Studies 3
Bighorn Sheep Studies 3
Amphibian and Reptile Search 3
Small Mammal Trapping h
Census of Yaak Falls 4
WEATHER 5
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 6
Species List Update 6
Project Area Wildlife Census 6
Bald Eagle Survey 18
Harlequin Duck Special Studies 22
Bighorn Sheep Studies 22
Amphibian and Reptile Search 26
Small Mammal Trapping 26
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING 27
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 28
LITERATURE CITED 29
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Seasonal variation in total (top) and average (bottom)
numbers of species encountered during project area censuses ... .19
Figure 2. Seasonal variation in average numbers of dippers
encountered during project area wildlife censuses 20
Figure 3. Seasonal variation in average number of Canada goose,
mallard, common goldeneye, and common merganser encountered
during project area wildlife censuses 21
Figure 4. Observations of bighorn sheep during roadside surveys,
September 1980 - September 1981 24
11
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Schedule of September 1980-September 1981
field work, Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study 2
Table 2. Summary of weather parameters at Libby,
September 1980-1981 5
Table 3. Summary of data collected on amphibian, reptile,
and bird species observed on the Kootenai Falls
study area, January 1978-August 1981 7
Table 4. Summary of data collected on general habitat use
and local distribution of mammals observed on the
Kootenai Falls study area, January 1978-August 1981 15
Table 5. Results of project area wildlife censuses,
September 1980-August 1981 17
Table 6. Bald eagle observations made during the monitoring study
in the Kootenai Falls area, September 1980-September 1981.. ..18
Table 7. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area,
September 1980-August 1981 22
Table 8. Results of bighorn sheep roadside surveys,
Kootenai Falls study area, 1981. 23
Table 9. Kootenai Falls small mammal trapping results,
August 1981 26
111
APPENDICES
A. Habitat Categories 30
B. Area Codes Used for Describing Wildlife Distribution 31
IV
INTRODUCTION
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI), a rural electric cooperative based in
Sandpoint, Idaho, submitted an application to the Montana Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) in 1980 to build a hydroelectric
dam and generating plant, known as the Kootenai River Hydroelectric Project,
in the Kootenai Falls area of Lincoln County, Montana. In 1978, NLI
contracted with DNRC to conduct a baseline wildlife investigation in the
project area. The results of that study, completed in September 1979, were
published later that year (DNRC 1979).
To keep the wildlife data base current and to determine the nature of
year-to-year variations in wildlife use of the project area, NLI contracted
with DNRC in October 1979 to monitor wildlife in the study area (see DNRC
1979 for a study plan) . This study would provide a data base for documenting
project-related impacts and determining the success of mitigation and
compensation programs, should the Board of Natural Resources and Conservation
issue a certificate for the project at the Kootenai Falls site.
The first annual report (DNRC 1981) documented results from the first
year of the Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study (September 2, 1979,
through September 1, 1980). The area monitored in that study was the same as
the area inventoried during the original baseline study (DNRC 1979, pp. 2-3),
although some surveys were also conducted along U.S. Highway 2 between libby
and Troy.
This second annual report highlights results from the second year of the
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study (September 1, 1980 through August
31, 1981). The area investigated during this monitoring period was basically
the same as that studied during the last monitoring period. Some
modifications in monitoring study design, as suggested in the first annual
report (DNRC 1981) were employed this year.
METHODS
Field techniques and analytical methods used in this study were as
described in the baseline studies report (DNRC 1979, pp. 109-112) and the
first monitoring report (DNRC 1981). Three biologists worked in the study
area during the study period (see table 1). A brief summary of methods
employed for individual study segments follows.
Table 1. Schedule of September 1980 - September 1981 field work,
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study.
Dates
Observer (s) ( 1 ) Type of Field Work
October 14-19, 1980
PN
Riparian wildlife census, bighorn
sheep count .
January 7-9, 1981
PN
Riparian wildlife census, bald eagle
survey, bighorn sheep counts.
April 3-7, 24, 1981
LT. SK
Riparian wildlife census, bighorn
sheep tracking, bighorn sheep count,
amphibian and reptile search,
census of Yaak Falls.
June 2, 12-16, 1981
LT, SK
Riparian wildlife census, harlequin duck
survey, bighorn sheep count, amphibian
and reptile search.
July 31 &
August 2-5, 1981
PN
Riparian wildlife census, harlequin duck
survey, bighorn sheep counts, amphibian
and reptile search, small mammal
trapping.
(1)
PN
LT
SK
Pat Nichols
Larry Thompson
Stacy Kiser
Species List Update
The species lists presented in the baseline report (DNRC 1979) were
updated.
Project Area Wildlife Census
This census was designed to collect data that would allow comparing
wildlife use of the project area between months and between years. The
methods used were patterned after the standard winter bird study (Kolb 1965)
and breeding bird census techniques (Hall 1964, Van Velzen 1972) used in the
original inventory, but were expanded to include all vertebrate species. The
area censused included: the entire Kootenai River and its shorelines from
50 ra (164 ft) below the proposed dam outlet to the upper end of the proposed
reservoir; the land that would be inundated by the dam at a forebay elevation
of 610m (2,000 ft); the land that would be affected by railroad relocation;
and all remaining land between U.S. Highway 2 and the Kootenai River (see
Appendix B) . The entire area was censused for three consecutive days during
each month of October 1980, and January, April, June, and August 1981,
following the instructions outlined in the baseline report ( DNRC 1979,
appendix F) .
Bald Eagle Survey
The Kootenai River between Libby and Troy was surveyed for bald eagles on
January 7, 8, and 9, 1981 (1 count each day) following the methods of Meyer
(1979). Surveys were made from U.S. Highway 2. Bald eagles seen during
project area wildlife censuses and other monitoring field work also were
recorded .
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
In addition to surveys made during project area wildlife censuses,
special searches of the Kootenai Falls area for harlequin ducks were
conducted each study day in June and August. In June, emphasis was placed on
determining the total harlequin duck population and the number of pairs
present in the project area; in August, emphasis was placed on locating
broods .
Bighorn Sheep Studies
During the study period, several different methods were used to gather
information on bighorn sheep, as described below.
Bighorn sheep were observed from strategic viewpoints along U.S. Highway
2 during each of the five survey field trips (table 1). In October and
January, the cliffs north of the Kootenai River between Libby and Troy were
surveyed with a spotting scope. Beginning in April, this method was modified
to include only the project area and the area within one mile (upstream) of
the project area. Researchers also followed a more controlled observation
schedule. These changes were suggested in the first annual report (DNRC 1981).
During each survey, the north bank of the river was searched for 10 minutes from
each of 10 observation points along U.S. Highway 2. Six such surveys were
performed in April, three in June, and three in August. Observations of
bighorn sheep made during these surveys, as well as those made in conjunction
with other field work, were recorded on maps and standard data sheets.
Observations of deer were also recorded. In April, the Sheppard Meadows
(DNRC 1981) were searched for tracks or other evidence of bighorn sheep use.
Amphibian and Reptile Search
During April, June, and August, at least four hours each month were spent
searching likely habitat in the project area for amphibians and reptiles.
Small Mammal Trapping
Two snap-trap lines (each consisting of 25 stations with two traps per
station) were run for three consecutive nights (August 2-4, 1981), one in
riparian cottonwoods at the head of Kootenai Falls, and the other in adjacent
riparian grassland. Capture data were recorded on standard data sheets.
Census of Yaak Falls
The census of Yaak Falls (DNRC 1981) was discontinued because prior
observations indicated that the site is unsuitable as a control or
compensation area.
WEATHER
Table 2 summarizes weather data collected at the NOAA Libby recording
station (Libby 1 NE Ranger Station) for the period September 1980 to July
1981. The data show that the winter of 1980-81 was exceptionally mild.
Average monthly temperatures were 2.3 to 9.6 degrees Fahrenheit (averaging
4.9 degrees) above normal from November through .March, and precipitation
averaged 1 inch below normal. Snowfall, which totalled only 21.5 inches
over the winter, occurred only during the period November through February.
Although data on average snowfall at this recording station are not
available, snowfall during the same period the previous year, November 1979
through February 1980, totalled 39.6 inches. Snow depths in 1980-81 were
relativ'ely low; the greatest depth, 10 inches, was recorded in December 1980.
During the winter of 1979-80, the maximum snow depth of 13 inches occurred in
January.
Table 2. Summary of weather parameters at Libby, September 1980- July 1981.
Maximum Snow
Month Temperature ( 1 ■) Precipitation( 1) Snowfall Depth on Ground
(degrees Fahrenheit) (inches) (inches) (inches)
September 1980 56.9(+0.1)
October 1980 45. 7 (+0.21
November 1980 35. 5 (+2. 3)
December 1980 30.3(+4.6)
January 1981 32.0(+9.6)
February 1981 33.1 (+3.0)
March 1981 40.9(+5.2)
April 1981 46.3(+1.0j
May 1981 54. 4 (+0.4)
June 1981 56.6(-3.7)
July 1981 65.5(-1.5)
_
Monthly average (departure from normal
1 .9(+0.6)
0
0
0.7 (-1.3)
0
0
1.9(-0.5)
1
.5
1
4.1(+1.8)
15
.9
10
1.0(-1.4)
0
.8
1
1.7(+0.1)
3
.3
3
0.3(-1.0)
0
0
1.7(+0.6)
0
0
3.5(+1.9)
0
0
3.4(+1.5)
0
0
1.2(+0.5)
0
0
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Species List Update
During this monitoring period, 56 species of vertebrates were observed or
trapped--45 birds, 10 mammals, and one amphibian. These included 2 new
species--the canyon wren and veery. These new species bring the total number
of species observed since the studies began in 1978 to 116 (1 amphibian, 1
reptile, 86 birds, and 28 mammals). Data on these species are summarized in
tables 3 and 4.
Project Area Wildlife Census
Results of the wildlife censuses conducted in the project area during the
study period are summarized in table 5.
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16
Table 5. Results of project area wildlife censuses, September 1980-August 1981,
Average number
known p
resent per
trip
Species
Oct.
Jan.
Apr.
June
Aug.
BIRDS
Great Blue Heron
1.0
0.7
-
-
1.3
Canada Goose
1.7
-
3.3
2.0
-
Mallard
1.7
-
27.0
10.3
1.3
Common Goldeneye
0.3
47.3
20.0
-
-
Harlequin Duck
-
-
-
3.7
-
Common Merganser
1.7
1.7
9.3
6.7
5.0
Unidentified Duck
-
0.3
-
-
-
Bald Eagle
0.3
1.7
-
-
-
Osprey
-
-
0.3
1.7
1.0
Killdeer
-
-
1.3
1.0
-
Spotted Sandpiper
-
-
-
12.3
0.7
California Gull
-
-
-
-
2.7
Mourning Dove
-
-
-
1.3
0.3
Black Swift
-
-
-
-
1.3
Unidentified Hummingbird
-
-
-
0.3
-
Belted Kingfisher
-
-
0.3
0.3
1.0
Common Flicker
1.0
-
3.0
1.0
1.0
Downy Woodpecker
0.3
-
-
-
-
Violet-green Swallow
-
-
7.3
N . E . ( 1
-
Rough-winged Swallow
-
-
-
N.E.d
-
Common Raven
1.7
0.7
2.0
3.3
0.3
Common Crow
1.0
1.7
14.7
16.3
7.0
Black-capped Chickadee
5.3
2.7
7.3
1.3
1.3
Red-breasted Nuthatch
4.0
0.7
13.0
2.0
0.3
Gray Catbird
-
-
-
-
0.3
Dipper
1.0
3.0
3.0
1.7
1.7
Winter Wren
-
-
0.3
-
-
Canyon Wren
-
-
-
1.0
-
American Robin
-
-
16.3
12.3
-
Varied Thrush
-
-
1.7
2.3
-
Swainson's Thrush
-
-
-
5.3
-
Veery
-
-
-
-
0.3
Townsend's Solitaire
-
-
1.0
0.7
-
Golden-crowned Kinglet
-
0.7
15.7
-
-
Cedar Waxwing
-
-
-
13.7
-
Red-eyed Vireo
-
-
-
0.3
0.3
Unknown Vireo
-
-
-
5.7
-
Yellow Warbler
-
-
-
1.3
0.3
Nashville Warbler
-
-
-
0.3
-
Yellow-rumped Warbler
-
-
-
-
1.0
MacGillivray 's Warbler
-
-
-
-
0.3
Unidentified Warbler
-
-
-
-
1.3
Brown-headed Cowbird
-
-
-
2.3
-
Pine Siskin
16.7
3.0
90.2
8.0
3.7
Red Crossbill
-
-
5.7
-
-
Dark-eyed Junco
-
-
5.3
-
-
Song Sparrow
4.0
-
16.7
15.7
2.3
Unidentified Sparrow
-
-
-
-
-
17
Unidentified Passerine
MAMMALS
Unidentified Chipmunk
Tree Squirrel
Bighorn Sheep
Unidentified
small mammal
0.3
6.7
0.3
-
4.7
1.7
0.3
3.0
-
2.3
-
0.3
25.0
0.3
21.7
2.3
6.3
1
NE=no estimate made because of large numbers and constant movement
Seasonal variation in numbers of species encountered during project area
censuses each month is shown in figure 1. Study data show that the number of
water-related bird species (waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, gulls, ospreys,
bald eagles, dippers, belted kingfishers) remains relatively constant year-
round, with a slight increase during the breeding season. The number of
species of other birds is relatively high throughout the year, but increases
considerably during the breeding season.
Census results for the dipper are shown in figure 2, and variations in
average monthly abundance of the most common waterfowl species, as determined
by the censuses, is portrayed in figure 3.
Bald Eagle Survey
During the monitoring study, bald eagles were observed in October 1980,
and in January 1981 (table 6). One adult bald eagle was seen during the
January 7 bald eagle survey, and two adults were seen during each of the
following two surveys (January 8 and 9). This indicates that the degree of
use in 1981 was the same as that reported for 1980 (DNRC 1981).
Table 6. Bald eagle observations made during the monitoring study
in the Kootenai Falls area, September 1980-September 1981
Date
Observer ( 1 )
Location
(River Section) (2)
Minimum Number
Known Present
10-17-80
1-7-81(3)
1-8-81(3)
1-9-81(3)
PN
PN
PN
PN
L
T
Q,T
T
1 adult
1 adult
2 adults
2 adults
(1)
PN=Pat Nichols
(2)
Location codes as in Appendix B
(3)
Observations made during bald eagle surveys
18
AO-
38-
36 —
34 —
32-
30-
28-
^ 26-
iJ 2"-
Si 22-
fe 20-
£ 18-
i 16-
i i"-
12-
10-
8-
6-
4-
2-
0-
MAMMALS
UOOO'lOO
lOliJOOOOOOOOO'
o o o 5 .T>oo o o o t> r
OOOOOOO'
30000 }
'>0000')OOOOOOOC
I I I I I I I I I I
OQ-K>oz(ntt:o:>-
3ijJUOliJ<UJ<Q><
<tOOZQ-3li.3<5
1979
vioo'^
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i"?
OAO
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,,,„
1 1
3 3
T -3
1
o
3
<
1
a.
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1
o
o
1
>
o
Z
1
o
UJ
Q
1
z
•a
-5
1
00
UJ
u.
1980
1981
28-1
981
Figure 1. Seasonal variation in total (top) and average (bottom)
numbers of species encountered during project area censuses.
19
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
ZDQCcQ:>-2_iOQ.i->oza3Q:Q:>-z_ioQ.t->oz
<lij<Q-**333ljJOOlii<lLl<Q.<333liJOOUJ<
-5u.5<2-5-><<rtOZQ-5lj.5<2-j-3<C002Q-5
1979
1980
OQ (r or V z _) o
UJ < O- •* 3 3 3
u. 5 < Z -J -> <
1981
Figure 2. Seasonal variation in average numbers of dippers encountered
during project area wildlife censuses.
20
CANADA GOCSE
MALLARD
COMMON GOLDENEYE
COMMON MERGANSER
19
18
17
16
h 15
- 14
111
U 13 "=
' *^ I.I
- 12
>
<r
LlI
a.
-III-
10 ui
ir
a.
- 9
z
o
- 7
8 ^
IT
UJ
m
Z
6 UI
<
a:
5 UI
>
<
- 4
3
2
h I
z CD cc ir >
< UI < Q. <
-> u. 2 < 5
1979
1980
Figure 3. Seasonal variation in average number of Canada goose, mallard, com-
mon goldeneye, and common mergansers encountered during proiect area w'ldlife
censuses.
21
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
Information on harlequin ducks observed during the monitoring period is
presented in table 7. Harlequin ducks were observed only in May and June of
1981. A minimum of 8 ducks (including at least two pairs, 3 possibly
unpaired males, and one possibly unpaired female) was known to be present
during the study period. During August 1981, searches were made for broods
but none were observed. Flows in the river were very high, 20,000 cfs or
greater, which might account for the lack of broods in the area. Comparing
these data with those obtained in 1980 (DNRC 1981), it appears that use of
the falls area by adult harlequins increased considerably in 1981.
Table 7. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area,
September 1980-August 1981.
Date
Minimum number known present
Males
Females
Pairs
Total
Location
(River Section) (1)
May 23,
May 31,
June 13
June 14
June 15
June 16
1981(2)
1981(2)
1981(3)
1981(3)
1981(3)
1981(3)
3
3
2
2
2
2
8
6
4
5
4
4
J,L
L
L
L
L
L
(1) Abbreviations as defined in Appendix B
(2) Observations by L. Schelvan (USFS)
(3) Observations by S. Riser
Bighorn Sheep Studies
Locations of bighorn sheep observations recorded during the roadside
surveys are shown in figure 4. In October 1980, two groups of sheep were
observed on cliffs above the Kilpatrick property. One group consisted of 6
lambs and 7 ewes; the other contained 3 ewes. In January 1981, a group of 6
ewes was observed at the salt lick on the Sheppard property. Table 8
summarizes results of the roadside surveys conducted in April, June, and
August, for which different methods than those used for the October and
January surveys were employed. In April, at least 40 different sheep were
observed. The average number of individual sheep known present during the
six April surveys was 26.2; the average number of observations recorded was
35.5. In June, only 6 different sheep were observed, and in August, only 3
were sighted. This decrease in sheep sightings is thought to be due to (1)
decreased observability due to leaf -out and use of dense cover by sheep, and
(2) summer movement of sheep to somewhat higher elevations, as indicated by
other data obtained during the study period. During April visits to the
Sheppard meadows, no known bighorn sheep sign was observed.
22
Table 8. Results of bighorn sheep roadside surveys, Kootenai Falls study area,
1981.
Date
Observer
Starting
Time
Starting
Station No.
No. Obs.
Recorded
Min.
Rams
No. Sheep Known Present
Ewes Other3 Total
April 4
LT
1702
10
85
18
22
0
40
April 5
LT
1715
1
34
5
17
6
28
April 7
SK
0618
1
18
7
6
4
17
April 7
SK
1155
1
25
6
8
10
24
April 24
SK
0545
10
28
20
7
1
28
April 24
SK
1210
10
23
5
10
5
20
April Aver
age
35.
5
10.
2
11.
7
4.3
26.2
June 12
SK
0545
1
6
1
0
5
6
June 13
SK
1200
1
2
0
1
1
O
June 13
SK
1945
1
4
0
2
2
4
June Average
4.
0
0.
3
1.
0
2.7
4.0
August 2
PN
0750
1
3
0
2
1
3
August 2
PN
1925
10
0
0
0
0
0
August 4
PN
1421
10
0
0
0
0
0
August Ave
rage
1.
0
0.
0
0.
7
0.3
1.0
lSK=Stacy Kiser, PN=Pat Nichols, LT=Larry Thompson
Includes multiple observations of the same individuals
-"Includes lambs and unclassified sheep
23
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Amphibian and Reptile Search
On April 3 and 5, 1981, five different Coeur d'Alene salamanders were
observed at two sites in the vicinity of 1980 sightings- -under moss on cliffs
near the U.S. Highway 2 retaining wall above the proposed tail tunnel outlet.
Two specimens, collected in 1980, were deposited with Montana State
University in Bozeman.
Small Mammal Trapping
Table 9 presents a summary of the results of 1981 small mammal trapping.
Table 9. Kootenai Falls small mammal trapping results,
August 1981.
Floodplain
Grass land
Riparian Trees Total
and Shrubs 1981
Total number of captures
Total number of species
Total biomass (grams)
Captures per species:
Masked Shrew
(Sorex cinereus)
Yellow pine Chipmunk
(Eutamias amoenus)
Deer Mouse
(Peromyscus maniculatus)
Long-tailed Vole
(Microtus longicaudus)
Meadow Jumping Mouse
(Zapus princeps)
Flying Squirrel
(Glaucomys sabrinus)
577
21
15
4
ill
12
40
6
888
33
26
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING
The monitoring study should be continued as modified (DNRC 1981), and
work should continue toward selection of a suitable control area.
Preliminary study indicates that the section of the Kootenai River below
Troy, as well as that part of the river between Libby and the proposed Libby
Reregulation Project site, may be the best potential control areas, although
they are by no means ideal. During the winter and spring 1982 monitoring
studies, an effort should be made to investigate bighorn sheep use of the
Sheppard property. This will be especially important if the winter of 1981-
82 is more severe than 1980-81. The monitoring contract should be amended to
include a late February-early March field trip to further investigate the use
of the Sheppard property by bighorn sheep.
27
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This study was funded by Northern Lights, Inc. of Sandpoint , Idaho.
Inventory data were gathered by Pat Nichols. Stacy Kiser, and Larry Thompson
of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Graphics were
executed by June Virag. William Phippen, DNRC , edited the report. Typing
was done by Joanne Brown.
28
LITERATURE CITED
DNRC . 1979. Kootenai Falls wildlife inventory and impact analysis. Final
Report. Helena, MT.
DNRC. 1981. Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study. First annual report.
Helena, MT.
Hall, G.A. 1964. Breeding bird censuses--why and how? Audubon Field Notes
18:413-416.
Kolb, H. 1965. The Audubon winter bird population study. Audubon Field
Notes 19:432-434.
Meyer, J.R. 1979. Northwest Montana/North Idaho transmission corridor bald
eagle study. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, OR.
Skaar, P.D. 1980. Montana bird distribution. P.D. Skaar, 501 South Third,
Bozeman , MT.
Van Velzen, W.T. 1972. Breoding-bird census instructions. Amer . Birds
26(6) :929-931.
29
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30 copies of this publication were published at an estimated cost of $2.98 per copy, for a
total cost of $89.40, which includes $89.40 for printing and $.00 for distribution.
B 33. ir
KOOTENAI FALLS
WILDLIFE
MONITORING STUDY
0
First Annual Report
for the period
September 2, 1979 - September 1, 1980
fifji
COCUMt'NYo
COLlELTittJ
JUL 1 5
1985
'VvC
■,;■■::.■.■-:;.. ':.ta-
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I'A 5?6:o
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
FACILITY SITING DIVISION
32 South Ewing
Helena, MT 59620
June 1981
i
H
V
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES ^i
LIST OF TABLES ^^^
INTRODUCTION,
1
METHODS 2
Species List Update ^
Project Area Wildlife Census ^
Bald Eagle Survey ^
Harlequin Duck Special Studies ^
B ighorn Sheep Survey ^
Amphibian and Reptile Search 5
Small Mammal Trapping 5
Census of Yaak Falls 5
Vegetation Analysis--Riparian Tree/Shrub Habitats 6
Vegetation Analysis--Sheppard Meadows 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 9
Species List Update 9
Project Area Wildlife Census 9
Bald Eagle Survey 14
Harlequin Duck Special Studies 14
B igliorn Sheep Survey 17
Amphibian and Reptile Search t 21
Small Mammal Trapping 21
Census of Yaak Falls 21
Vegetation Analysis--Riparian Tree/Shrub Habitats 23
Vegetation Analysis--Sheppard Meadows 23
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING 33
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 37
LITERATirRE CITED 38
APPENDIX 39
i
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Locations of riparian tree and shrub
sampling plots 7
Figure 2. Seasonal variation in average numbers of vertebrate
species encountered during project area wildlife
censuses 13
Figure 3. Seasonal variation in average numbers of dippers
encountered during project area wildlife censuses 13
Figure 4. Seasonal variation in average numbers of Canada goose,
mallard, common goldeneye, and common merganser
encountered during project area wildlife censuses 15
Figure 5. Locations of bighorn sheep observations, September 1979-
September 1980 18
Figure 6. Dominant vegetation of the downstream Sheppard meadow 25
Figure 7. Dominant vegetation of the middle Sheppard meadow 26
Figure 8. Dominant vegetation of the upper Sheppard meadow 28
Figure 9. Bighorn sheep observation stations 35
11
»
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Schedule of September 1979 - September 1980 field work,
Kootenai Falls Wildlife Study 3
Table 2. Summary of data collected on new species encountered during
the first monitoring period (September 1979 -
September 1980) 10
Table 3. Results of project area wildlife censuses, October 1979 -
August 1980 12
Table 4. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area,
September 1979 - October 1980 16
Table 5. Summary of Kootenai Falls small mammal trapping program,
October 1979 and August 1980 22
Table 6. Number of woody stems less than 3 inches d.b.h. inter-
cepted in two transects (74 feet long and an arm's
length wide) through each of ten riparian vegetation
study plots 24
Table 7. Percent canopy coverage of nine plant communities
in three grassy meadows upstream from Kootenai Falls 27
^1
INTRODUCTION
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI), a rural electric cooperative based in
Sandpomt, Idaho, submitted an application to the Montana Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) in 1980 to build a hydroelectric
dam and generating plant, known as the Kootenai River Project, in the
Kootenai Falls area of Lincoln County, Montana. In 1978, NLI contracted DNRC
to conduct a baseline wildlife investigation in the project area. The
results of that study, completed in September 1979, were published later that
year (DNRC 1979).
To keep the wildlife data base current and to determine the nature of
year-to-year variation in wildlife use of the project area, NLI contracted
with DNRC in October 1979 to continue pre-certification wildlife monitoring
(see DNRC 1979 for a study plan) . This study would provide a data base for
documenting project-related impacts and determining the success of mitigation
and compensation programs, if the Board of Natural Resources issues a
certificate for the site.
This First Annual Report documents results from the first year of the
Kootenai Falls wildlife monitoring study (September 2, 1979, through
September 1, 1980). The area monitored in this study was the same as that
inventoried during the original baseline study (DNRC 1979, pp. 2-3), although
some surveys also were conducted along U.S. Highway 2 between Libby and Troy.
METHODS
Field techniques and analytical methods used in this study were as
described in the baseline studies report (DNRC 1979, pp. 109-112). Three
biologists worked in the study area a number of times during the study period
(see table 1). A brief summary of methods employed for individual study
segments follows.
Species List Update
The species lists presented in the baseline report (DNRC 1979) were
updated, with emphasis placed on refining habitat preference and local
distribution data.
Project Area Wildlife Census
This census was designed to collect data that would allow comparison of
wildlife use of the project area between months and between years. The
methods used were patterned after the standard winter bird study (Kolb 1965)
and breeding bird census (Hall 1964, Van Velzen 1972) techniques used in the
original inventory, but were extended to include all vertebrate species. The
area censused includes: the entire Kootenai River and its shorelines from 50
m (164 ft) below the proposed dam outlet to the upper end of the proposed
reservoir; the land which would be inundated by the dam at a forebay
elevation of 610m (2,000 ft); the land which would be affected by railroad
relocation; and all remaining land between Highway 2 and the Kootenai River.
The entire area was censused for three consecutive days during the months of
■IVible I
Dates
Schedule of September 1979 - September 1980 field work,
Kootenai Falls Wildlife Study.
Observer (s)
Type of Field Work
October 8-11, 1979
PN-
1/
Riparian wildlife census, bighorn sheep
count, Yaak Falls census, small mammal
trapping
January 15-17, 1980 PN , LT
Riparian wildlife census, bald eagle survey,
bighorn sheep counts, census of Yaak Falls
April 8-11, 1980
PN
Riparian wildlife census, bighorn sheep
tracking, bighorn sheep count, reptile S
amphibian search, Yaak Falls census
June 2-4, 1980
PN
Riparian wildlife census, harlequin duck
survey, bighorn sheep count, reptile &
amphibian search, Yaak Falls census
August n-14, 1980
PN,LT,JB
Riparian wildlife census, harlequin duck
.survey, bighorn sheep counts, amphibian
& reptile search, small mammal trapping,
census of Yaak Falls, habitat description,
meadow vegetation analysis.
Vl'N-Pat Nichols
I,T=Larry Th(jmpson
JB=Jeff Birkby
October 1979, and January, April, June and August 1980, following the
instructions outlined in the baseline report (DNRC 1979, Appendix F) .
Bald Eagle Survey
The Kootenai River between Libby and Troy was surveyed for bald eagles on
January 16 (2 counts) and January 17 (,1 count), following the methods of
Meyer (1979). Surveys were made from U.S. Highway 2. Bald eagles seen
during general surveys and riparian habitat censuses were also recorded.
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
In addition to surveys made during riparian habitat censuses, special
searches of the Kootenai Falls area for harlequin ducks were conducted each
study day in June and August. In June, emphasis was placed on determining
the total harlequin duck population and the number of pairs present in the
project area; in August, emphasis was placed on locating broods.
Bighorn Sheep Survey
One day per visit, the cliffs north of the river between Libby and Troy
were surveyed with a spotting scope from strategic viewpoints along U.S.
Highway 2. All observations were recorded on field maps and data sheets.
On April 10 and 11, ground searches for evidence of sheep use were
conducted on the north shore of the Kootenai River adjacent to known bighorn
sheep range. These data also were recorded. Differentiating between deer
and bighorn sheep sign was difficult.
Amphibian and Reptile Search
At least four hours was spent each month during April, June, and August
searching likely habitat in the project area for amphibians and reptiles.
Small Mammal Trapping
Two snap-trap lines (each consisting of 25 stations with two traps per
station) were run for three consecutive nights (August 11-14, 1980), one in
riparian cottonwoods at the head of Kootenai Falls, and the other in adjacent
riparian grassland. Capture data were recorded on standard data sheets.
Census of Yaak Falls
Water and shoreline habitats of Yaak Falls, including those areas within
100 m (328 ft) of the head of the falls (upstream and downstream), were
censused for vertebrates on October 10, 1979, and January 17, April 8, June
2, and August 12, 1980, to determine the area's suitability as a future
control study or compensation area.
Vegetation Analysis--Riparian Tree/Shrub Habitats
Riparian tree and shrub habitats (including the riparian cottonwood,
cottonwood-conifer , and birch-alder communities described by Olsen-Elliott
and Associates (1979)) on the south terrace immediately above Kootenai Falls,
were sampled August 12-13, 1980, using the methods of James and Shugart
(1970). This terrace would be flooded by the proposed reservoir. Ten
vegetation plots, each 0.44 ha (0.1 acre) in size, were permanently staked
and sampled. Locations of these plots are shown in figure 1.
Vegetation Analysis--Sheppard Meadows
Three grassy meadows on the north bank of the river about 1.5 miles above
the head of Kootenai falls (DNRC 1979, p. 62) also were sampled using the
canopy-coverage methods of Daubenmire (1959). These meadows are believed to
be a source of early-spring forage for bighorn sheep. Because impounding the
river could alter the vegetative composition and, thus, the use of these
meadows by bighorns, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
(DFWP) has expressed concern over the project.
The property on which the meadows lie, formerly owned by Mr. Dale
Sheppard, was purchased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate the
impacts on wildlife habitat caused by Libby Dam. The land is scheduled to be
turned over to the State of Montana, and managed by DFWP for bighorn sheep.
U
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The following methods were used to determine the distribution of
vegetation in the meadows:
1) Approximate measurements of the length and
width of each meadow were made.
2) Major community types in each meadow were determined by
subjectively identifying relatively homogeneous stands
of associated plant species within a contiguous area.
3) Three ten-meter transects were laid out within selected major
community types in each meadow. The transects were placed in
what appeared to be the most representative part of each
community, and were generally oriented parallel to the
Kootenai River.
4) A measuring tape was stretched the length of the transect, and
Daubenmire coverage frames (Daubenmire 1959) were placed on
alternating sides of the tape at one-meter intervals.
The percent of canopy-coverage for each plant species within
each frame was noted and recorded on data sheets.
5) Color photographs of the major community types were taken.
These are on file with DNRC in Helena.
6) Canopy-coverage data, originally assigned a cover class number
(Daubenmire 1959), were converted to percent coverage for
each plant species, using the midpoint for each class.
7) Maps of each meadow were drawn on topographic
maps at a scale of 1:1,200.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Species List Update
During the monitoring period, 70 species of vertebrates were observed or
trapped--l species of amphibian, 1 reptile, 55 birds, and 13 mammals. Also
during the monitoring period, 13 new species (1 amphibian, 12 birds) were
found, bringing the total number of species observed since the studies began
in 1978 to 124 (1 amphibian, 1 reptile, 84 birds, and 28 mammals). Data on
those new species are summarized in table 2. The types of data included and
the abbreviations used are as described in the baseline study (DNRC 1979, pp.
23-29).
Project Area Wildlife Census
Results of the wildlife censuses conducted in the project area during the
study period are summarized in table 3.
Seasonal variation in numbers of species encountered during project area
censuses each month is shown in figure 2. Study data show that the number of
water-related bird species (waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, gulls, ospreys ,
bald eagles, dippers, belted kingfishers) remains relatively constant year-
round, with a slight increase during the breeding season. The number of
species of other birds is relatively high throughout the year, but increases
considerably during the breeding season.
Census results for the dipper are shown in figure 3, and variations in
average monthly abundance of the most common waterfowl species, as determined
by the censuses, is portrayed in figure 4.
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Table 3. Results of project
area wi
Idlife
censuses,
October
1979-August 1980.
Avera
Species
ge numbe
Oct.
r known
Jan.
1 present
Apr.
psr trip
June
Aug.
BIRDS
Great Blue Heron
0.5
0. 3
0.7
0. 3
Canada Goose
4.0
21.3
2.3
5.3
0. 3
Mallard
15.3
36.3
32.0
22.3
14.3
Gadwall
0.8
-
-
-
-
Green-winged Teal
-
-
1.3
-
-
Blue-winqed Teal
-
-
-
.7
-
Common Goldeneye
-
68.3
17.3
-
-
Bufflehead
-
-
0.7
-
-
Harlequin Duck
-
-
-
1.0
1.0
Hooded Merganser
-
0.7
-
-
-
Common Merganser
5.3
8.0
6.0
22.7
12.0
Unidentified Duck
-
-
-
-
0.7
Red-tailed Hawk
-
-
-
-
0.7
Bald Eagle
-
2.0
-
-
-
Osprey
0.8
-
-
1.0
1.7
American Kestrel
-
-
-
1.0
-
Ruffed Grouse
0. 3
-
-
-
-
Killdeer
-
0.3
0.7
2.3
-
Spotted Sandpiper
-
-
-
3. 0
2.0
Unidentified Gull
-
-
-
0.3
-
Mourning Dove
-
-
-
1.0
0.7
Common Nighthawk
-
-
-
1.0
-
White-throated Swift
-
-
-
-
n. 3
Unidentified Hummingbird
-
-
-
0.3
-
Belted Kingfisher
1.3
-
-
-
1.0
Common Flicker
0.3
-
1.0
0.7
-
Pileated Woodpecker
-
0.3
-
-
-
Hairy Woodpecker
-
0.3
-
1.0
-
Unidentified Woodpecker
-
-
-
-
0.7
Unidentified Flycatcher
-
-
-
-
1.3
Violet-green Swallow
-
-
-
17.0
-
Barn Swallow
-
-
-
0.7
-
Unidentified Swallow
-
-
2.0
3.0
4.0
Steller' s Jay
1.3
-
0.7
-
-
Common Raven
0.8
9.3
.3
1.0
6.3
Common Crow
9.8
1.3
14.7
10.7
11.0
Chestnut-backed Chickadee -
0.3
-
-
-
Black-capped Chickadee
3.0
13.3
6. 3
5.3
4. 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch
2.3
2.3
1.3
1.0
3.3
Gray Catbird
-
-
-
-
1.0
Brown Creeper
-
0.3
-
-
-
Dipper
5.0
7.7
1.3
3.0
1.7
American Robin
0.8
-
13.0
4.7
0.3
Varied Thrush
1.5
-
2.0
-
-
Mountain Bluebird
0.3
-
0.7
0.7
-
Townsend's Solitaire
2.3
0.3
1.0
1.0
-
Golden-crowned -King let
5.8
5.3
-
-
-
Cedar Waxwing
-
-
-
-
4.0
Red-eyed Vireo
-
-
-
4.0
0.3
Northern Shrike
-
0.7
-
-
-
Nashville Warbler
-
-
-
0.7
-
Yellow Warbler
-
-
-
1.7
-
Yellow-rumped Warbler
-
-
-
2.0
-
American Redstart
-
-
-
1.3
0.7
Unidentified Warbler
-
-
-
-
0.3
Western Meadowlark
0.3
-
-
-
-
Brown-headed Cowbird
-
-
-
0.7
-
Pine Siskin
-
-
-
-
2.0
Rufous-sided Towhee
-
-
0.7
-
-
Dark-eyed Junco
-
0.3
32.3
2. 7
0.7
Chipping Sparrow
0.5
-
-
0.3
l.U
Song Sparrow
3.0
2.0
12.7
8.3
B.O
Unidentified Sparrow
0.5
-
-
-
0.7
Unidentified Passerine
0.5
1.0
-
-
10. 1
MAMMALS
Unidentified Chi|jmunk
f.. 3
.
_
1.3
4. !
Tree Squirrel
2.0
2.0
-
-
J. 7
Bighorn Sheep
8.8
-
1 . 0
-
-
White-tailed "eer
0.8
-
1. 3
-
-
Muskrat
0. (
-
0.3
-
-
REPTILES
Unidentified garter snak
_
_
0. 3
_
12
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
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M."('rt; '3. ^rasonal variation in average nvin'-ers of (-irpor.s encountered
'urir;'^ T-i-o-jcct area "ildlife censuses.
13
Bald Eagle Survey
During the monitoring period, bald eagles were observed only in January.
No bald eagles were seen during the first two roadside counts, but two adults
were viewed during the January 17 count, one near China Rapids and the other
near the Libby city limits. At least two eagles, one adult and one juvenile,
were known to be present in the project area (near China Rapids) during
wildlife censuses. The adult was probably the one observed near China Rapids
during the roadside count.
Harlequin Duck Special Studies
Information on harlequin ducks observed during the monitoring period is
presented in table 4. On October 8, 1979, a female harlequin was seen in the
Kootenai River approximately 3 miles upstream from Kootenai Falls, and on
October 12, 1979, an adult female harlequin was shot by a hunter on the
Kootenai River near the mouth of Cedar Creek, 7 miles upstream from Kootenai
Falls (John Jeresek, pers . comm.). This is an unusually late record for this
species in Montana. On June 2, a pair of harlequins was seen feeding and
loafing among rocks in China Rapids. Despite an intensive search, no broods
were located by DNRC biologists. However, in July 1980, a brood of three
young was seen with one adult female and two adult males among the rocks in
river section M just above the falls (Rogers 1980; Wolf pers. comm.). This
is the first documentation of harlequin ducks breeding in the study area.
14
■ CANADA GOOSE
• MALLARD
D COMMON GOLDENEYE
O COMMON MERGANSER
I I r I I I I I I I I
zmtrccvz-iOQ.(->ozmQ:Q:>-z
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1979
1980
Figure A. Seasonal variation in averape numbers of Canada Roose,
nallnrc , comron rrolcicneyc, ani.' conKon ror^anser encounterci" durin"
prniect area '-.'ilc'l iCr cons'ines.
15
Table 4. Harlequin duck observations in the Kootenai Falls area,
September 1979-October 1980.
Date
Minimum number known present
Males
Females
Pairs
Total
Location
(River Section)-—'
1/
October 8, 1979
June 2, 1980
June 3, 1980
August 11, 1980
August 12, 1980
Q
P, ti
M
M
M
1/Abbreviations as defined in the baseline study (DNRC 1979, pp. 14-16),
16
Bighorn Sheep Survey
During bighorn sheep roadside counts, 52 sightings of bighorn sheep were
recorded (20 ewes, 1 ram, 19 lambs, and 3 unidentified). Locations of these
and other bighorn sheep sightings are shown in figure 5.
On October 10, 1979, during the riparian survey, a group of 10 sheep was
observed just upstream from the proposed dam's discharge tunnel outlet. This
group consisted of 5 rams, 3 ewes, and 2 lambs. Later that day, another
group of 12 sheep was observed on the open slopes above Kootenai Falls. This
group contained 4 rams, 5 ewes, and 3 lambs.
On April 10, 1980, a group of three sheep was observed during the project
area census. This group, bedded on the open bluff across the canyon near the
proposed discharge tunnel outlet, was composed of 1 ewe and 2 lambs.
During April 1980, a ground search for evidence of sheep use was
conducted on the north shore along the proposed pool. Sheep tracks and
droppings were found along the jeep trail and in the apple orchard, but no
sheep were seen. A bedding area, with numerous beds, was present in the
orchard in the lower Sheppard Meadow. Whether this bedding area was being
used by sheep or deer could not be determined.
17
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Amphibian and Reptile Search
During August 1980, a population of Coeur d'Alene Salamanders (Plethodon
Vandyke i) was discovered under moss on cliffs near the U.S. Highway 2
retaining wall. This area, proposed as the site for an access tunnel to the
powerhouse, is one of the very few sites in Montana in which this species
(listed as a species of special interest or concern in Montana (Flath 1981))
is known to exist. No other amphibians were observed during the monitoring
period.
The only reptile found was an unidentified garter snake (Thamnophis spp.)
which was seen during the June wildlife census.
Small Mammal Trapping
Table 5 presents a summary of the results of 1979 and 1980 small mammal
trapping.
Census of Yaak Falls
No vertebrates were observed in the Yaak Falls area during the October
1979 and April 1980 censuses. On June 2, 1980, a single dipper and 4 black-
capped chickadees were observed at the falls, and on August 12, 2 robins and
a raven were observed on the shoreline near the falls. Based on these
limited data, it appears that Yaak Falls does not provide a habitat
comparable to that of Kootenai Falls, and would not be suitable as a control
or compensation area. It is recommended that the census of Yaak Falls be
dropped from the monitoring study.
21
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Vegetation Analysis--Riparian Tree/Shrub Habitats
Results of the 1980 riparian tree and shrub analysis are presented in
table 6 and the appendix. The ten plots studied, representative of the
structurally-diverse riparian tree and shrub communities which would be
inundated by the proposed Kootenai Falls dam and reservoir, were found to
support nine species of trees and 20 species of tall (4.5 feet or taller)
shrubs or tree saplings. Overall density of trees was 436 trees per acre,
and shrub density was 7,330 shrub stems per acre. Average ground cover was
62.5%, average canopy-coverage was 67.5%, and average canopy height was 46.0
feet. Color photographs taken at each plot are on file at DNRC.
Vegetation Analysis--Sheppard Meadows
Results of the vegetation studies conducted in the grassy Sheppard
Meadows are summarized in figures 6-8 and table 7. Descriptions of the three
meadows follow.
Downstream Meadow. This meadow (see figure 6) lies on a bench 7,100-
8,300 feet upstream from the falls. Meadow elevations range from about 2,000
to 2,008 feet (msl). The meadow is about 230 m long and 40 ra wide. Two
barns, an apple orchard, and a fallen root cellar and homestead foundation
occupy the meadow. A small spring flows into the meadow just west of the
root cellar. This meadow is bounded on the north by dense coniferous
forests, and on the south by the river bank, which supports a fringe of
scattered trees (primarily Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus ponderosa) .
23
Table 6. Number of woody stems less than 3 inches d.b.h. intercepted in two transects (74 feet lonq and an arm's
length v;ade) through each of ten riparian vegetation study plots.
Plot number
Species
Acer glabrum
Alnus incana
Amelanchier alnifolia
Betula spp.
Cornus stolonif era
Crataegus douglasii
Eleagnus commutata
Juniperus scopulorum
Philadelphus lewisii
Pinus ponderosa
Populus trichocarpa
Prunus spp.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Rosa spp.
Rubus ideaus
Salix spp.
Sambucus cerulea
Shepherdia canadensis
SymphoricarpQS albus
4
2
16
12
11
6
4
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-
-
-
2
-
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1
1
8
5
10
18
74
35
23
44
63
-
32
4
-
1
2
2
-
-
3
-
25
4
2
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4
6
140
129
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2
4
1
2
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1
1
2
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5
2
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1
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4
14
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1
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7
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22
1
14
7
47
25
53
31
30 21
11
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1
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1
1
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2
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5
38
3
57
7
19
5
277
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8
388
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45
145
1
17
126
2
268
6
10
3
1
51
Thu:)a plicata
-
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1
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-
1
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1
3
TOTALS
84
73
134
188
113
147
110
259
199
159
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29
The meadow, which was once a hayfield, is dominated by a number of
introduced grasses. Most of the meadow is dominated by a mixture of
Agropyron repens , Poa pratensis , and Plantago lanceolata. When canopy-
coverage was measured in August 1980, Agropyron repens appeared to be the
dominant grass in the three transects sampled (table 7). Poa pratensis ,
Medicago lupiluna, and Taraxacum officinale appeared to have a greater
canopy-coverage in early summer than is indicated by this August sampling;
this is true in the other meadows as well.
Transect No. 1, located in a representative stand of the predominant
community type, contained a large amount of Plantago lanceolata. Transect
No. 2 placed on the south side of the road near the edge of the meadow,
contained a large number of Achillea millefolium inflorescences and very
little Plantago. Transect No. 3 was placed in a community type in which
Filago arvensis was abundant .
In the southwestern corner of the meadow, seedlings of Populus
trichocarpa, Prunus virginiana, and apple are becoming established among the
grasses. Small patches of Bromus tectorum occur on steeper, sandy slopes at
the edges of the meadow.
Middle Meadow. This meadow lies 9,500-10,200 feet upstream from the
falls. It is approximately 260 m long and 50 m wide (see figure 7).
Elevations range from about 2,006 to 2,014 feet (msl). A powerline crosses
the meadow's northern edge, and a dirt road crosses near its southern edge.
Unlike the other meadows, that portion of the meadow near the riverbank
slopes gradually toward the river, rather than dipping sharply to the water's
^
edge. This gradual sloping may have resulted from frequent inundation and
deposition of sandy alluvial soil.
The meadow is bounded on the west and east by forests of Pseudotsuga
menziesii and Pinus ponderosa. The northern edge, at the base of a steep,
rocky slope, is fringed by Betula and Alnus . Clumps of Betula, Alnus , and
isolated Pinus ponderosa occur in the western third of the meadow. A grassy
community with clumps of heavily-browsed Amelanchier alnifolia and other
shrubs forms a band across the northern third of the meadow. Much of the
remainder of the meadow is dominated by Agropyron repens and Poa pratensis .
Transect No. 1 was placed in this latter community type (see table 7).
Transect No. 2 sampled a community type dominated by Plantago lanceolata and
Poa pratensis . Although not included in the transect, clumps of Agrostis
alba are present in this community. Transect No. 3 was placed in a community
type dominated by Filago arvensis and Bromus tectorum. Over 60% of this
community type consists of bare ground, indicative of the poor water-holding
capacity of the sandy soil. Young Populus trichocarpa seedlings are invading
the meadow near its western and eastern edges. A fringe of scattered Populus
trichocarpa and Pinus ponderosa delineates the southern edge of the meadow.
Upstream Meadow. This meadow (see figure 8) lies 11,300-12,800 feet
upstream from the falls. It is about 480 m long, and has a maximum width of
30 m. Elevations range from about 2,006 to 2,012 feet (msl). A small stream
lined with Populus trichocarpa, Acer glabrum, Betula, and Alnus incana
divides the meadow into halves. The northern edge of the meadow, which abuts
a steep rock cliff, is lined with Betula, Alnus incana, and Acer glabrum.
Tanacetum vulgare, Melilotus alba, and Centaurea maculosa dominate the bank
31
between the river and the meadow. A fringe of Populus trichocarpa occurs
along part of the bank.
Most of the meadow consists of a community type dominated by Poa
pratensis ; Phleum pratense is a co-dominant in some areas. Transect No. 1
sampled this community type (see table 7). Transect No. 2 was placed near
the northern edge of the meadow where three seeps or springs create an area
of saturated soil and standing water. The community type here, dominated by
Carex rostrata, Mimulus guttata, and Equisetum pratense, contains many
wetland plant species. Transect No. 3 was placed among a patch of Populus
trichocarpa saplings which are invading the Poa pratensis- and Agrostis alba-
dominated grassland just east of the stream.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING
The monitoring study described in the baseline report (DNRC 1979) should
be continued. However, results of this year's monitoring suggest the
following changes in study design:
(1) October Monitoring. Fall conditions do not seem to differ enough
from those of August to justify an additional week of study. Therefore,
October monitoring should be discontinued.
(2) Yaak Falls . Yaak Falls does not appear suitable as a control area
for the project area wildlife census or as a compensation area. Thus, the
Yaak Falls census should be discontinued. However, if the dam is to be
constructed, a control area for the project area censuses must be selected
and added to the monitoring program no later than two years before the dam is
constructed. Since an ideal control area does not seem to exist, the stretch
of the Kootenai River immediately above the principal study area may be the
best location for control studies.
(3) Meadow Vegetation Monitoring. The vegetation of the three grassy
meadows described in this report (the "Sheppard Meadows") should be
quantitatively studied the year before scheduled inundation and during
alternate years thereafter, using the methods employed in this study.
(4) Bighorn Sheep Studies. To more precisely monitor seasonal use of
the project area by bighorn sheep, those study methods used during the
baseline study and this monitoring study should be combined. Combining these
33
methods will provide an index through which use of project area habitats can
be compared between seasons and between years.
The proposed technique for future monitoring is as follows:
The north bank of the Kootenai River--including cliffs, benches, and
shoreline--wil 1 be searched with a 20X spotting scope from ten fixed
observation points along U.S. Highway 2 (see figure 9). Exactly 10 minutes
will be spent searching for sheep from each point; all observations from the
viewpoint will be recorded on maps and standard data sheets. Sightings made
while traveling between viewpoints, and duplicate observations of the same
group of animals, will be noted. Weather, snow cover, and visibility
conditions also will be recorded; the survey will not be conducted when
visibility is impaired by fog or precipitation.
During January, June, and August field trips, researchers should
attempt to visit each station three times: once in early morning, once at
midday, and once late in the evening. In late March and early April, each
station should be visited six times, with observation times rotated so that
each station receives some morning, midday, and evening monitoring. In
addition, the Sheppard Meadows will be ground-searched for tracks or other
evidence of bighorn sheep use during the March-April visit.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This study was funded by Northern Lights, Inc. of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Inventory data were gathered by Pat Nichols, Jeff Birkby, and Larry Thompson
of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. William Phippen,
I
DNRC , edited the report. Typing was done by Joanne Brown.
>
37
LITERATURE CITED
Daubenmire, R.F. 1959. A canopy-coverage method of vegetational analysis.
Northwest Sci. 33:43-64.
DNRC. 1979. Kootenai Falls wildlife inventory and impact analysis. Final
Report. Helena, MT.
Flath, D. 1981. Nongame species of special interest or concern. Mont.
Dept. Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Helena, MT.
Hall, G.A. 1964. Breeding bird censuses--why and how. Audubon Field Notes
18:413-416.
James, F.C., and H. Shugart , Jr. 1970. A quantitative method of habitat
description. Audubon Field Notes 24:727-736.
Jeresek, J. 1980. Personal communication with Larry S. Thompson.
Kolb, H. 1965. The Audubon winter bird population study. Audubon Field
Notes 19:432-434.
Meyer, J.R. 1979. Northwest Montana/North Idaho transmission corridor bald
eagle study. Bonneville Power Administration. Portland, OR.
Olson-Elliott and Associates. 1979. Kootenai Falls project - vegetation
impacts assessment and inventory. Prepared for Montana Dept. of Natural
Resources and Conservation, Helena, MT.
Rogers, T.H. 1980. The nesting season: Northern Rocky Mountain-
Intermountain Region. Amer. Birds 34:911-914.
Skaar, P.D. 1980. Montana bird distribution. P.D. Skaar, 501 South Third,
Bozeman, MT.
Van Velzen, W.T. 1972. Breeding-bird census instructions. Amer. Birds
26(6):929-931.
Wolf, C. 1981. Letter to Larry S. Thompson, February 25, 1981.
•^R
^J^p-'-jnT"
! FIELD ?.HEFT -OR VtGTTaTiON DATi
location: i<'00T<.<"^ I ^ '\U..<
Size
I DESCRIPTION Of AREfi
^^ [j)^T(y<e_a_di^C''On to npOT^St ♦own hovrxj 0 DOSt oMce •
DATE ftUUIyJT IX-I^JtS) I LATITUDE - LONQIUDE ^
TQDor.RAFVIY :
TENTH -ACPE CIRCLES
=]
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10 'a*?'>tifv only tne '<ve c!ct* ron* sppces
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Totoi number of irees n 6 circles "16 =
Oitference =
If thr -iittprence is less than 25 t'ees. the sample is odequo^e if t is greoter ^^p"_2S trees, see procedure
/\pf'i::;DI}' (cniitluui--d)
SUMMARY SHEET FOR TEMTH-aCRE CIRCLES
NUMBER OF CIRCLES ■ ±^ _
O
a; UJ ^ W
trees; I
OENSITY
BASAL area'
c
FREQUENCY '
S=EC1ES
NUMBER OF TREES IN ALL CIRCLES
B> DIAMETER SIZE CLASS
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA OF THE TRUNK
AT 4 5 FT FROM THE GF^XNO ( d & h )
0. 1
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TOTALS
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Ibi SIZE CLASS)
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IT
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BJSAl AhtA „„ J,
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1* •*■
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<)i.o
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it.f ' ho }
RELATE KNSITY j-7|l,
(B> ■:.ZE CLASS 1 1 ' "••
W V
:>.1 !i-3
I.I !i.i
0.1
liELATlV/La- . J.,^ ,1^,
X.fc
"■?j'^.7|i5.h: lH.o
SHi^llB' Tolal VTu^ slom
ii 0'
■fonsecT".
: pt' Circlein ICK) OiviOed by " e fiufODer ot )ron^^:ts = 733 O - "^^
L Me""' f>*-' ocre
GRCi 'iN J COVER Trtoi Di-fsps' + ) ecorGec:._'0 ctQ^^'tnqs oer rirctei ■ ;00, ovLieij Dv '^e 'orot rcf^r^f of ^q'^tr^gs ■ <o
Cov*.
ranOPY COVER Totcii pluses i->). -eco ded IZOst
gMcnqs pe'Crt:e)« lOO.divided by me totoi numCier of s.ijiiinqs' b7. 5" % Conooy Cover
Ca.'JO'- i-,tii-.'. AierMe-+(o.O Rooge'
^_?..-
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note:j.
' 30SQ 0 v'O
r.„. « 01 :"
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of ir»e
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40
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