Cumulative Impacts. Cumulative impacts are defined under NEPA as “the impact[s] on the environment that results from the incremental impacts of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such actions” (40 CFR 1508.7). Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions that take place over a period of time. The cumulative impacts of the various activities within the scope of this EA vary little between the two alternatives. The differences between the two alternatives are related to the amount of voluntary habitat enhancement and protection measures that will occur through the Applicants’ forest management activities conducted according to Washington and Oregon Forest Practices Rules. This cumulative-impacts analysis focuses on the spotted owl conservation provisions and on forest management activities, because these are the focus of the SHA and the basis for the Federal action. The time period for analysis is the 60-year Permit duration. The direct and indirect effects of the Proposed Action Alternative on the spotted owl, spotted owl habitat, and other elements of the affected environment were described previously. To summarize, the Applicants’ forest management activities would be conducted according to Forest Practices Rules complemented with voluntary measures that include 1) harvest rotations that are longer than the what would occur under the No Action Alternative, 2) commercial thinning to accelerate spotted owl habitat development, 3) a snag conservation and development program, 4) the establishment of SSAs, and 5) spotted owl nest site protection. These additional forest management provisions are expected to result in the development, retention, and/or enhancement of forest habitat with the potential for use by spotted owls, as well as other fish and wildlife species. The effects of the Applicants’ activities are expected to result in a net conservation benefit to the spotted owl while no measurable effects on other elements of the affected environment are expected. The actions occurring in and near the Applicants’ covered lands are expected, for the most part, to be limited to forest management activities. There are some agricultural and small home developments scattered throughout the area. For the foreseeable future, though, timber production will likely remain the dominant industry for the area adjacent to the covered lands. The effects of the forest management activities conducted by Federal, State, and private land managers and landowners are expected to be characteristically similar but would differ in degree. For example, sediment delivery to streams from Federal lands would probably be lower than from private lands as a result of the implementation of the Aquatics Conservation Strategy riparian buffers outlined in the Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late- Successional and Old-growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, i.e. Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines (USDA and USDI 1994). The aquatic conservation strategy requires wider riparian buffers than the Forest Practices Rules and would, thus, result in greater protection of streams. Forest management activities would differ between landowners with HCPs depending on their location, landscape condition, and species addressed. The difference in the forest management activities being conducted by the land managers and landowners in the analysis area would be in the frequency and level of timber harvest, and the amount of habitat retained, enhanced, and protected. The effects on the spotted owl and natural resources in and adjacent to the covered lands would be reflective of the different forest management activities implemented by the various land managers and landowners, primarily WDNR through implementation of their HCP (WDNR 1997) and the USFS through implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan (USDI 1994). Forested habitats in early seral stages for terrestrial species would be provided throughout the landscape in adequate amounts by timber harvest activities. Availability of this forested habitat in early seral stages is expected to remain similar to the current condition as private landowners manage their ownership under Forest Practices Rules and on a 40- to 45-year rotation. There is, and will continue to be, limited late successional forest on private lands in the area. Riparian zones may eventually provide late successional forest permeating the landscape. Although stands would grow to an average age of 60 years under the Proposed Action Alternative, these stands are not expected to function like an old-growth forest would for the spotted owl. Maintenance and development of older forest habitat would primarily occur on the adjacent state lands under the WDNR HCP and USFS lands as they are managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. The cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and anticipated actions by State and private land managers and landowners, as well as the USFS, is expected to result in overall improvements in habitat quality and quantity for spotted owls. Managing for spotted owl dispersal habitat and YFM habitat is expected to facilitate dispersal and demographic functions, especially within the White Salmon SOSEA.
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Samples: www.fws.gov, www.fws.gov
Cumulative Impacts. Cumulative This analysis also considers potential impacts are defined under NEPA as “the impact[s] on the environment that results resources from the incremental impacts of the action 2020 DSL CCAA, when added to combined with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions in the Covered Area. Reasonably foreseeable actions include planned or funded future actions regardless of what agency (Federal that are reasonably certain to occur or non-Federal) or person undertakes such actions” continue occurring over the requested Permit term. These include reasonably foreseeable projects that would result in cumulative impacts as defined under the 1978 NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1508.7) under which this evaluation is being conducted. The primary past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions in the Covered Area are the aforementioned Covered Activities (see Table 1). Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant These actions, and their associated potential impacts, are anticipated to continue to occur regardless of this 2020 DSL CCAA. Other reasonably foreseeable actions not associated with the Covered Activities were identified through review of existing and approved statewide strategic plans; local and regional land use plans; government websites and geographic information system (GIS) data; county-level transportation plans; county-level water management plans; and regional conservation management plans. These include implementation of goals, objectives, and guidance to support agriculture and overall future growth and development; construction and operation of transmission pipelines and oil and gas xxxxx; construction, maintenance and operation of electric powerlines; upgrades to and expansions of existing roadway infrastructure; renewable energy development; and new and expanded water resource infrastructure to meet irrigation demands and address water shortages. These actions and projects are described in Table 8. Table 8. Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in the Covered Area Topic/Focus Area Project/Plan Name Location Description Covered Species Texas Conservation Plan Conservation for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (TCP) All Covered Area Counties Voluntary conservation program that take place over a period incentivizes private landowner participation through avoidance of timeDSL Habitat and the funding and implementation of Conservation Measures. The cumulative impacts existing TCP Covered Area overlaps with the Covered Area of the various 2020 DSL CCAA and includes activities within the scope associated with oil and gas and agriculture and ranching but does not establish specific conservation measures for sand mining and renewable energy operations. Agriculture Texas Department of this EA vary little between the two alternatives. The differences between the two alternatives are related to the amount of voluntary habitat enhancement and protection measures that will occur through the Applicants’ forest management activities conducted according to Washington and Oregon Forest Practices Rules. This cumulative-impacts analysis focuses on the spotted owl conservation provisions and on forest management activitiesAgriculture Strategic Plan (2019–2023) Statewide Establishes goals, because these are the focus of the SHA and the basis for the Federal action. The time period for analysis is the 60-year Permit duration. The direct and indirect effects of the Proposed Action Alternative on the spotted owl, spotted owl habitatobjectives, and other elements of the affected environment were described previouslyperformance measures to generate marketing opportunities for Texas agriculture and increase funding/assistance to rural communities and businesses. To summarizeLand Use/ Economic Development Odessa Comprehensive Plan Ector County Provides guidance for future growth, the Applicants’ forest management activities would be conducted according to Forest Practices Rules complemented with voluntary measures that include 1) harvest rotations that are longer than the what would occur under the No Action Alternative, 2) commercial thinning to accelerate spotted owl habitat development, 3) a snag conservation and development programland use, 4) the establishment of SSAsinfrastructure, and 5) spotted owl nest site protectionservices in Odessa. These additional forest management provisions are expected to result in Identifies needed redevelopment areas, updated roadway standards and zoning ordinances. Land Use/ Economic Development 2013 City of Xxxxxxx Comprehensive Plan Xxxxxxx County Estimates that residential land use would comprise the developmentlargest land use, retention, and/or enhancement of forest habitat with the potential for use by spotted owlsan estimated 1-3% annual population growth, as well as other fish commercial uses due to oil and wildlife species. The effects of the Applicants’ gas activities are expected to result in a net conservation benefit to the spotted owl while no measurable effects on other elements of the affected environment are expected. The actions occurring in and near the Applicants’ covered lands are expected, for the most part, to be limited to forest management activities. There are some agricultural and small home developments scattered throughout the area. For the foreseeable future, though, timber production will likely remain the dominant industry for the area adjacent to the covered lands. The effects of the forest management activities conducted by Federal, State, and private land managers and landowners are expected to be characteristically similar but would differ in degree. For example, sediment delivery to streams from Federal lands would probably be lower than from private lands as a result of the implementation of the Aquatics Conservation Strategy riparian buffers outlined in the Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late- Successional and Old-growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, i.e. Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines (USDA and USDI 1994). The aquatic conservation strategy requires wider riparian buffers than the Forest Practices Rules and would, thus, result in greater protection of streams. Forest management activities would differ between landowners with HCPs depending on their location, landscape condition, and species addressed. The difference in the forest management activities being conducted by the land managers and landowners in the analysis area would be in the frequency and level of timber harvest, and the amount of habitat retained, enhanced, and protected. The effects on the spotted owl and natural resources in and adjacent to the covered lands would be reflective of the different forest management activities implemented by the various land managers and landowners, primarily WDNR through implementation of their HCP (WDNR 1997) and the USFS through implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan (USDI 1994). Forested habitats in early seral stages for terrestrial species would be provided throughout the landscape in adequate amounts by timber harvest activities. Availability of this forested habitat in early seral stages is expected to remain similar to the current condition as private landowners manage their ownership under Forest Practices Rules and on a 40- to 45-year rotation. There is, and will continue to be, limited late successional forest on private lands in the area. Riparian zones may eventually provide late successional forest permeating the landscape. Although stands would grow to an average age of 60 years under the Proposed Action Alternative, these stands are not expected to function like an old-growth forest would for the spotted owl. Maintenance and development of older forest habitat would primarily occur on the adjacent state lands under the WDNR HCP and USFS lands as they are managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. The cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and anticipated actions by State and private land managers and landowners, as well as the USFS, is expected to result in overall improvements in habitat quality and quantity for spotted owls. Managing for spotted owl dispersal habitat and YFM habitat is expected to facilitate dispersal and demographic functions, especially within the White Salmon SOSEAPermian Basin.
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Samples: 2020 Candidate Conservation Agreement, 2020 Candidate Conservation Agreement
Cumulative Impacts. Cumulative This analysis also considers potential impacts are defined under NEPA as “the impact[s] on the environment that results resources from the incremental impacts of the action 2020 DSL CCAA, when added to combined with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions in the Covered Area. Reasonably foreseeable actions include planned or funded future actions regardless of what agency (Federal that are reasonably certain to occur or noncontinue occurring over the requested 23-Federal) or person undertakes such actions” year Permit term. These include reasonably foreseeable projects that would result in cumulative impacts as defined under the 1978 NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1508.7) under which this evaluation is being conducted. The primary past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions in the Covered Area are the aforementioned Covered Activities (see Table 1). Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant These actions, and their associated potential impacts, are anticipated to continue to occur over the next 23 years regardless of this 2020 DSL CCAA. Other reasonably foreseeable actions not associated with the Covered Activities were identified through review of existing and approved statewide strategic plans; local and regional land use plans; government websites and geographic information system (GIS) data; county-level transportation plans; county-level water management plans; and regional conservation management plans. These include implementation of goals, objectives, and guidance to support agriculture and overall future growth and development; construction and operation of transmission pipelines and oil and gas xxxxx; construction, maintenance and operation of electric powerlines; upgrades to and expansions of existing roadway infrastructure; renewable energy development; and new and expanded water resource infrastructure to meet irrigation demands and address water shortages. These actions and projects are described in Table 8. Table 8. Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in the Covered Area Topic/Focus Area Project/Plan Name Location Description Covered Species Texas Conservation Plan Conservation for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (TCP) All Covered Area Counties Voluntary conservation program that take place over a period incentivizes private landowner participation through avoidance of timeDSL Habitat and the funding and implementation of Conservation Measures. The cumulative impacts existing TCP Covered Area overlaps with the Covered Area of the various 2020 DSL CCAA and includes activities within the scope associated with oil and gas and agriculture and ranching but does not establish specific conservation measures for sand mining and renewable energy operations. Agriculture Texas Department of this EA vary little between the two alternatives. The differences between the two alternatives are related to the amount of voluntary habitat enhancement and protection measures that will occur through the Applicants’ forest management activities conducted according to Washington and Oregon Forest Practices Rules. This cumulative-impacts analysis focuses on the spotted owl conservation provisions and on forest management activitiesAgriculture Strategic Plan (2019–2023) Statewide Establishes goals, because these are the focus of the SHA and the basis for the Federal action. The time period for analysis is the 60-year Permit duration. The direct and indirect effects of the Proposed Action Alternative on the spotted owl, spotted owl habitatobjectives, and other elements of the affected environment were described previouslyperformance measures to generate marketing opportunities for Texas agriculture and increase funding/assistance to rural communities and businesses. To summarizeLand Use/ Economic Development Odessa Comprehensive Plan Ector County Provides guidance for future growth, the Applicants’ forest management activities would be conducted according to Forest Practices Rules complemented with voluntary measures that include 1) harvest rotations that are longer than the what would occur under the No Action Alternative, 2) commercial thinning to accelerate spotted owl habitat development, 3) a snag conservation and development programland use, 4) the establishment of SSAsinfrastructure, and 5) spotted owl nest site protectionservices in Odessa. These additional forest management provisions are expected to result in Identifies needed redevelopment areas, updated roadway standards and zoning ordinances. Topic/Focus Area Project/Plan Name Location Description Land Use/ Economic Development 2013 City of Xxxxxxx Comprehensive Plan Xxxxxxx County Estimates that residential land use would comprise the developmentlargest land use, retention, and/or enhancement of forest habitat with the potential for use by spotted owlsan estimated 1-3% annual population growth, as well as other fish commercial uses due to oil and wildlife species. The effects of the Applicants’ gas activities are expected to result in a net conservation benefit to the spotted owl while no measurable effects on other elements of the affected environment are expected. The actions occurring in and near the Applicants’ covered lands are expected, for the most part, to be limited to forest management activities. There are some agricultural and small home developments scattered throughout the area. For the foreseeable future, though, timber production will likely remain the dominant industry for the area adjacent to the covered lands. The effects of the forest management activities conducted by Federal, State, and private land managers and landowners are expected to be characteristically similar but would differ in degree. For example, sediment delivery to streams from Federal lands would probably be lower than from private lands as a result of the implementation of the Aquatics Conservation Strategy riparian buffers outlined in the Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late- Successional and Old-growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, i.e. Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines (USDA and USDI 1994). The aquatic conservation strategy requires wider riparian buffers than the Forest Practices Rules and would, thus, result in greater protection of streams. Forest management activities would differ between landowners with HCPs depending on their location, landscape condition, and species addressed. The difference in the forest management activities being conducted by the land managers and landowners in the analysis area would be in the frequency and level of timber harvest, and the amount of habitat retained, enhanced, and protected. The effects on the spotted owl and natural resources in and adjacent to the covered lands would be reflective of the different forest management activities implemented by the various land managers and landowners, primarily WDNR through implementation of their HCP (WDNR 1997) and the USFS through implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan (USDI 1994). Forested habitats in early seral stages for terrestrial species would be provided throughout the landscape in adequate amounts by timber harvest activities. Availability of this forested habitat in early seral stages is expected to remain similar to the current condition as private landowners manage their ownership under Forest Practices Rules and on a 40- to 45-year rotation. There is, and will continue to be, limited late successional forest on private lands in the area. Riparian zones may eventually provide late successional forest permeating the landscape. Although stands would grow to an average age of 60 years under the Proposed Action Alternative, these stands are not expected to function like an old-growth forest would for the spotted owl. Maintenance and development of older forest habitat would primarily occur on the adjacent state lands under the WDNR HCP and USFS lands as they are managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. The cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and anticipated actions by State and private land managers and landowners, as well as the USFS, is expected to result in overall improvements in habitat quality and quantity for spotted owls. Managing for spotted owl dispersal habitat and YFM habitat is expected to facilitate dispersal and demographic functions, especially within the White Salmon SOSEAPermian Basin.
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Cumulative Impacts. The NEPA process requires projects that are connected, cumulative and similar (common, timing and geography) to be considered for comparison. Cumulative impacts are defined under NEPA as “address the impact[s] on the environment that results from the incremental impacts question of the action whether this project’s proposed action, when added to considered together with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal development projects on or off the Airport, federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such actions” (40 CFR 1508.7). Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively federal, would produce a significant actions that take place over a period effect on any of timethe above impact categories listed in Task 7 EA Environmental Consequences. The Consultant Team will gather information on construction and other development projects that were completed within the last five years in addition to those that can reasonably be expected in the future. Analysis will attempt to determine the potential for cumulative impacts of past, present, and future projects and the various activities within proposed Airport improvements, when considered together. The definition of the scope planning window and geographic limit will be determined during preparation of this EA vary little the EA. Assumptions/Meetings/Deliverables: None Task 9 Environmental Consequences – Other Conditions This task addresses several items not specifically covered in previous sections. Items to be discussed include possible conflicts between the two alternativesproposed action and federal, regional, state, and local plans, policies, and goals, any inconsistency of the proposed action with federal, state, and local laws and/or administrative rules, means to mitigate adverse environmental impacts not identified in the Alternatives Considered chapter; a discussion of the degree of controversy regarding the proposed action based on environmental grounds. This section of the EA document will include the following content: • Conformance with plans, policies, and controls • Conformance with law and administrative rules • Means to mitigate adverse environmental impacts (with environmental summary table) • Degree of controversy on environmental grounds summary Assumptions/Meetings/Deliverables: None Task 10 Draft Environmental Assessment The Draft EA is a report which combines all chapters, technical reports, and appendices of the project to date. The differences between preliminary Draft EA will be sent to AERO, the two alternatives are related FAA, and the Sponsor for review and comment prior to being released for public and agency review. The FAA, AERO, and the Sponsor will each provide a consolidated set of comments reflecting their own organization’s guidance to the amount Consultant Team within 30 days of voluntary habitat enhancement and protection measures that will occur through the Applicants’ forest management activities conducted according to Washington and Oregon Forest Practices Rules. This cumulative-impacts analysis focuses on the spotted owl conservation provisions and on forest management activities, because these are the focus receipt of the SHA Draft EA. Following approval and concurrence to release the basis for Draft EA, the Federal action. The time period for analysis is the 60-year Permit duration. The direct and indirect effects Consultant Team will produce up to 20 printed copies of the Proposed Action Alternative on Draft EA for distribution. Copies will be distributed by the spotted owlConsultant Team to the appropriate federal, spotted owl habitatstate, and local agencies, and other elements of the affected environment were described previously. To summarizeinterested groups and individuals as directed by AERO, the Applicants’ forest management activities would be conducted according to Forest Practices Rules complemented with voluntary measures that include 1) harvest rotations that are longer than the what would occur under the No Action Alternative, 2) commercial thinning to accelerate spotted owl habitat development, 3) a snag conservation and development program, 4) the establishment of SSAs, and 5) spotted owl nest site protection. These additional forest management provisions are expected to result in the development, retention, and/or enhancement of forest habitat with the potential for use by spotted owls, as well as other fish and wildlife species. The effects of the Applicants’ activities are expected to result in a net conservation benefit to the spotted owl while no measurable effects on other elements of the affected environment are expected. The actions occurring in and near the Applicants’ covered lands are expected, for the most part, to be limited to forest management activities. There are some agricultural and small home developments scattered throughout the area. For the foreseeable future, though, timber production will likely remain the dominant industry for the area adjacent to the covered lands. The effects of the forest management activities conducted by Federal, State, and private land managers and landowners are expected to be characteristically similar but would differ in degree. For example, sediment delivery to streams from Federal lands would probably be lower than from private lands as a result of the implementation of the Aquatics Conservation Strategy riparian buffers outlined in the Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late- Successional and Old-growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, i.e. Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines (USDA and USDI 1994). The aquatic conservation strategy requires wider riparian buffers than the Forest Practices Rules and would, thus, result in greater protection of streams. Forest management activities would differ between landowners with HCPs depending on their location, landscape condition, and species addressed. The difference in the forest management activities being conducted by the land managers and landowners in the analysis area would be in the frequency and level of timber harvestFAA, and the amount of habitat retainedSponsor. Copies will also be made available to the public in community offices, enhancedlibraries, and protectedother public locations as directed by the Airport in hard copy and electronic form (via the Airport/City project websites) for a minimum of 30 days. All hard copies distributed and made available are included in the 20 total copies proposed. The effects Consultant Team will prepare language for the notification of Draft EA availability and the Public Hearing. The Sponsor will be responsible for publishing the Notice of Availability and the Notice of Public Hearing in the local paper at the appropriate time within legal public notice requirements. Assumptions: Two rounds of edits to address comments from the Airport, FAA, and AERO on the spotted owl Draft EA are included in this Scope. Meetings: Four teleconferences to address AERO, FAA, and natural resources in Sponsor comments on the Draft EA are anticipated. Deliverables: The following deliverables are associated with this task: • The Consultant Team will develop and adjacent distribute the Draft EA to the covered lands would be reflective Sponsor, AERO, and the FAA for review and comment. Each agency will receive two (2) printed and one (1) electronic PDF copies for each round of edits. • Once the Draft EA is finalized, the Consultant Team will produce up to 20 printed copies of the different forest management activities implemented by Draft EA for agency and public review. • The Consultant Team will ship the various land managers and landowners, primarily WDNR through implementation of their HCP (WDNR 1997) and the USFS through implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan (USDI 1994). Forested habitats in early seral stages for terrestrial species would be provided throughout the landscape in adequate amounts by timber harvest activities. Availability of this forested habitat in early seral stages is expected Draft EA to remain similar to the current condition as private landowners manage their ownership under Forest Practices Rules and on a 40- to 45-year rotation. There is, and will continue to be, limited late successional forest on private lands in the area. Riparian zones may eventually provide late successional forest permeating the landscape. Although stands would grow to an average age of 60 years under the Proposed Action Alternative, these stands are not expected to function like an old-growth forest would for the spotted owl. Maintenance and development of older forest habitat would primarily occur on the adjacent state lands under the WDNR HCP and USFS lands as they are managed under the Northwest Forest Plan. The cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and anticipated actions by State and private land managers and landowners, as well as the USFS, is expected to result in overall improvements in habitat quality and quantity for spotted owls. Managing for spotted owl dispersal habitat and YFM habitat is expected to facilitate dispersal and demographic functions, especially within the White Salmon SOSEAeach recipient via FedEx or UPS.
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Samples: Agreement