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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 <br />230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences <br /> PAGE 4-54 <br />2013). Analysis of existing habitat was based on aerial photos, vegetation data, U.S. Geological Survey <br />(USGS) Gap Analysis Program (GAP) data, fire history data, plant surveys, and habitat assessments <br />(Appendix B-2) conducted for the proposed Project. <br />Impacts to wildlife and special status wildlife species are presented by route segment (Sections 4.3.3 - <br />Impacts Common to All Route Segments and 4.3.4 - Impacts Specific to Route Segments) and then <br />collectively by Alternative (Section 4.3.6). <br />4.3.1.2 Impact Criteria <br />Sensitivity classifications were assigned to wildlife resources that occur within the Project study area. <br />These sensitivity classifications served as the basis for assigning impact levels. The criteria used to assess <br />the impacts to wildlife resources are summarized in Tables 4.3-1, 4.3-2, and 4.3-3. <br />Table 4.3-1 Wildlife Resource Sensitivity Classification <br />WILDLIFE RESOURCE SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT FROM THE PROPOSED <br />PROJECT <br />Bald Eagle Management Area High Disturb important bald eagle populations and reduction <br />in species habitat quality or extent. <br />Bald eagle winter roost - within 1 mile High Disturb important bald eagle habitat during a sensitive <br />period in the species lifecycle. <br />Raptor nesting area - within 1 mile of the <br />proposed transmission line High Disturb breeding raptors, nest abandonment, and <br />reduction in quality or extent of breeding habitat. <br />Riparian/Wetland High Reduction in extent or quality of a fragile sensitive <br />habitat. <br />Sagebrush/Perennial Grassland High <br />Reduction in quality or extent of habitat that supports <br />important obligate species and is slow to recover from <br />disturbance. <br />Special Status Wildlife Species Occurrences High Disturb fragile populations of species and reduction in <br />quality or extent of species habitat. <br />Trees (Aspen and Poplar) High <br />Reduction in quality or extent of habitat that supports <br />important obligate species and is slow to recover from <br />disturbance. <br />Basalt cliffs Moderate Reduction in quality or extent of habitat that supports <br />important obligate species. <br />Mule deer year-round habitat Moderate Disturb important habitat during a stressful period to <br />mule deer. <br />Riparian Intermittent Stream Moderate Reduction in quality or extent of a fragile sensitive <br />habitat (abundance and quality). <br />Sagebrush and Rabbitbrush/Annual Grassland Moderate Reduction in quality or extent of habitat that is slow to <br />recover to pre-disturbance state. <br />Salmonid spawning area Moderate Reduce quality of a fragile habitat. <br />Agricultural land Low Reduce quality or extent of habitat. <br />Urban/developed Low Reduce quality or extent of habitat. <br /> <br />Table 4.3-2 Sage-Grouse Resource Sensitivity Classification <br />RESOURCE CATEGORY SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT FROM <br />THE PROPOSED PROJECT <br />Greater Sage-Grouse lek – within 0 to 4 miles of <br />the proposed Action Alternatives High <br />Disturbance and displacement of breeding grouse; <br />increased predation; behavioral avoidance; reduction in <br />breeding habitat. <br />Greater Sage-Grouse Regularly Occupied Habitat <br />Management Unit High Reduction in habitat (abundance and quality) that serves <br />as Sage-Grouse habitat.