Vantage Bay PUD Final Development Plan Index Master File

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particular noxious weed control, riparian enhancements, perch tree protection measures, and nest boxes.” Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2114) Wildlife Habitat Management Plan License Article 409 A review of the subject management plan (GCPUD and GeoEngineers, Inc, 2015), dated December 22, 2015, documented the following:  GCPUD has a site-specific wildlife habitat improvement plan for the property adjacent to Vantage Bay Development which is referred to as the “Airstrip.”  As of the date of updated wildlife habitat management plan, GCPUD has no plans for recreational development of the Airstrip. GCPUD communicated that the Airstrip remains an area with high potential for habitat enhancements and the following actions are planned for continued improvements at the site:  Collaborate with WDFW regarding upland habitat enhancements at the site that may benefit upland birds such as pheasant and chukar.  Coordinate with GCPUD Lands and Recreation staff regarding assessment for future recreational development. Ensure any future development is planned with wildlife habitat protection as an objective. National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines The National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines suggests a buffer of 660 ft if the project footprint of building construction includes one or two story buildings, is greater than 0.5 acres, and there is no similar activity within one mile of an eagle’s nest (USFWS 2007). The USFWS developed these National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines to advise landowners, land managers, and others who share public and private lands with bald eagles when and under what circumstances the protective provisions of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act may apply to their activities. Management Implications Based on the findings above, EAS does not believe that any fish and wildlife management implications exist. The waterfowl and common loon areas were located on the mainstem of the Columbia River (~1,000 ft), and the 660 ft bald eagle buffer did not encroach upon the BCSCBN, Inc. owned parcels. WDFW reports (per their website http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/bald_eagle/ accessed on August 15, 2017) that the USFWS has the primary responsibility of managing bald eagles under the provisions of the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Index #9