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3.7.1.9 BLM Seasonal Discretionary Activities Timing Restrictions
Lek Name 1st Count Birds Present 2nd Count Birds Present
3rd Count Birds Present
4/21/2022 Yes; 48 males/ 1 female 4/28/2022 Yes; 47 males/ 1 female 5/6/2022 Yes; 43 males/ 1 female
F-2483084 4/21/2021 Yes; 16 males/ 3 females 4/28/2021 Yes; 20 males/ 2 females 5/6/2021 Yes; 17 males
4/19/2022 Yes; 35 males 4/27/2022 Yes; 32 males/ 2 females 5/5/2022 Yes; 27 males/ 1 female
*Date monitored by WGFD; all other dates monitored by HDR.
Lek Proximity Analysis
A proximity analysis for seven Greater Sage-grouse leks closest to the Project (F-2584252, F-2583302, F-2583261, F-2583362, F-2483084, F-2483144, and F-2481083) was conducted with GIS to model the line of sight from the leks towards the Project. The proximity analysis modeled the line of sight from the ground at each lek and incorporated surrounding ground conditions within the study area. Based on the proximity analysis, primary facilities that may be visible from the seven occupied leks include portions of the access road along the existing transmission line and the proposed transmission lines (HDR 2022e).
3.7.1.9 BLM Seasonal Discretionary Activities Timing Restrictions
The BLM has several timing restrictions for the protection of wildlife that would apply to the Footprint of Potential Disturbance (Table 3.7-9). Black Canyon expects that an amendment to the BLM Rawlins Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP) will be required to facilitate construction of the Project. The following elements may be addressed in the RMP amendment:
• Visual Resources Management – currently some areas in the Project vicinity are classified as VRM-2 viewshed; a VRM-3 or VRM-4 classification will be required for the Project;
• Stipulated seasonal restrictions related to wildlife and habitat, to allow for construction activities, including restrictions for raptor nests, big game crucial winter range, sage grouse, and other resources. The RMP amendment may also address other RMP components, such as a wind avoidance area and limber pine habitat. Black Canyon anticipates that the BLM will coordinate its environmental review of the RMP amendment with the FERC licensing process.
