Vantage to Pomona FEIS Index 34 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-167 lands owned by the USFWS, is open. Access is controlled, with “many/most” public uses allowed; hunting is not allowed. 3.6.3.3 Columbia NWR In September 2001, the Columbia NWR’s CCP was signed by the Regional Director, along with a Finding of No Significant Impact. Under the CCP, the NWR will serve to protect, maintain, and enhance habitat for priority species and resources of concern and will serve as an “inviolate sanctuary, or for other management purposes, for migratory birds” and as a “refuge for breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” (Columbia NWR and USFWS 2011). 3.6.3.4 JBLM YTC IBA The goal of the IBA program is to identify the most essential areas for birds, monitor those sites for changes to birds and habitat, and work with land owners and managers to conserve these areas for long- term protection. Recognition of JBLM YTC as an important Sage Grouse area does not require landowner approval and does not compel land owners to manage or preserve property in any specific manner. 3.6.3.5 Columbia Basin State Wildlife Area The Columbia Basin State Wildlife Area, which includes the Lower Crab Creek and Priest Rapids Units in the Project area, is managed under the 2006 management plan (WDFW 2006). Management goals for the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area “are to preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources, maintain health populations of game and non-game species, to protect and restore native plant communities, and provide diverse opportunities for the public to encounter, utilize, and appreciate wildlife and wild areas.” The primary management concerns and public issues identified as stated in the plan for the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area include: • Balancing recreational activities against wildlife and habitat impacts. • Manage primarily for migrant waterfowl, upland game birds, and priority species. • Control noxious weeds and other undesirable vegetation. • Maintain enhanced wildlife habitats and preserve native plant communities and important habitats. • Restore and preserve shallow water habitat and ponds. • Litter, vandalism, and enforcement. 3.6.3.6 Columbia River Eligible National Wild and Scenic River The eligible portion of the Columbia River has been placed into indefinite protection status under Public Laws 100-605 & 104-333, Section 404. Legislation placed the river in permanent study status. The eligible section begins one mile downstream from the outflow of the Priest Rapids Dam (free flowing river section) near the Yakima-Grant-Benton County line and includes approximately 0.25 mile on each side of the river. The USFWS, who has oversight responsibility, manages the proposed “Recreational River'' in such a manner as to protect and enhance the values which caused it to be recommended for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Federal agencies engaged in projects that may affect water resources must comply with Section 5(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and 1979 Presidential Directive on avoiding or mitigating direct and adverse impacts to rivers eligible for designation and projects must be evaluated to determine whether there will be direct and adverse effects on the values for which the river segment is under study. If the Secretary of the Interior determines that there will be direct and adverse effects that have not been adequately mitigated, the Secretary shall notify the sponsoring entity and the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the U.S. Senate of the Secretary’s determination and any proposed recommendations (USFWS 2011). Under the Wild and