Barber Dam Project FERC No. 4881 Pre-Application Document
Diversion Water Priority Volume Owner Beneficial Uses Rate Right Date (AFA) (cfs) 63-32816 5/1/1866 Irrigation 0.02 -- Esther Simplot and Bernadine Quinn Riverside Parks 63-32350 8/30/1956 Municipal storage -- 560 City of Boise 63-32351 8/30/1956 Municipal storage -- 140 63-32352 8/30/1956 Municipal storage -- 220 Thurman Mill Canal 63-135 6/1/1864 Irrigation 3.3 -- 63-176 6/1/1869 Irrigation 1.6 -- 63-193 6/1/1876 Irrigation 0.44 -- 63-210 6/1/1880 Irrigation 2.4 -- 63-211 10/20/1880 Irrigation 0.9 -- 63-221 6/1/1883 Irrigation 0.9 -- Thurman Mill Ditch Co Aesthetic storage 0.16 -- 63-250 7/1/1895 Diversion to storage -- 23.9 Irrigation 0.5 -- 63-30125 6/1/1865 Irrigation 1.86 -- 63-30129 6/1/1872 Irrigation 2.1 -- 63-30130 6/1/1868 Irrigation 15.48 -- 63-30131 6/1/1882 Irrigation 6 -- Irrigation 2.15 -- 63-192 6/1/1876 Aesthetic storage -- 26.3 Diversion to storage 0.15 -- Irrigation 0.37 -- Warm Springs Ditch 63-216C 6/1/1889 Aesthetic storage -- 4.7 Co. Diversion to storage 0.03 -- Irrigation 4.73 -- 63-19425 6/1/1882 Aesthetic storage -- 57.8 Diversion to storage 0.33 -- Drainage District #4 63-31936 8/13/1925 Irrigation 11.42 -- Farms Union and Boise Valley Canals 63-120G 6/1/1864 Irrigation 1.8 -- 63-123C 6/1/1864 Irrigation 8.4 -- 63-124Q 6/1/1864 Irrigation 0.1 -- 63-125J 6/1/1871 Irrigation 0.26 -- Farmers Union Ditch 63-126F 6/1/1891 Irrigation 0.08 -- Co. 63-165M 6/1/1866 Irrigation 1.69 -- 63-198AG 6/1/1877 Irrigation 3.12 -- 63-248 7/2/1894 Irrigation 110 -- 63-297 7/2/1894 Irrigation 54.46 --
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Diversion Water Priority Volume Owner Beneficial Uses Rate Right Date (AFA) (cfs) 63-21729 5/20/1926 Irrigation 1.8 -- 63-2360 7/19/1921 Irrigation 1.2 -- Aesthetic 0.17 -- Aesthetic storage -- 43.8 Diversion to storage 0.71 -- Boise Valley Irrigation Irrigation 48.8 10,146.50 Ditch Co. 63-31832 6/1/1865 Irrigation from storage -- 14.5 Irrigation storage -- 14.5 Mitigation 0.05 8.8 Mitigation by non-use 0.32 67 Capitol View Irrigation 63-123E 6/1/1864 Irrigation 7 -- Inc. 63-18700 2/17/1929 Irrigation 0.91 -- Drainage District #2 63-31937 7/13/1923 Irrigation 31.02 -- Source: IDWR (2018)
4.4 Fish and Aquatic Resources
4.4.1 Existing Aquatic Habitat and Fish Communities The Boise River is a major tributary of the Snake River and drains an area of about 4,100 square miles. The headwaters of the Boise River originate in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho at elevations in excess of 10,000 feet. It flows in a westerly direction for about 200 miles to its confluence with the Snake River near Parma, Idaho. The Boise River has three major mainstem reservoirs—Anderson Ranch, Arrowrock, and Lucky Peak Reservoirs—and one large off-stream impoundment—Lake Lowell. The four large reservoirs have a combined storage capacity of 1,143,249 acre-feet, and the storage is used for irrigation, flood control, recreation, hydropower, and instream flows.
Because of its wide range in elevations, geographic features, and water uses, the Boise River has a variety of habitat types and fish species. The basin has major population centers in the state (Boise, Caldwell, and Nampa), has greater than 350,000 acres of irrigated cropland, and is home to some of Idaho’s earliest mining, logging, and hydroelectric developments. Historical human- caused impacts have severely degraded aquatic habitat in some parts of the basin.
The Project (RM 59) is located in the lower Boise River segment of the Boise River Watershed, which begins at Lucky Peak Dam and flows for 64 miles to its confluence with the Snake River. This reach includes a variety of urban and agricultural settings and has been heavily affected by associated land and water uses (MacCoy, 2004). Flows are regulated for both agricultural demands and flood control, and the regulated flows have altered the channel throughout this reach. From the mouth of the Boise River upstream to Star, Idaho (RM 39), low summer flows and poor water quality affect sport fish production. This section of river, however, supports a warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. From Star upstream to Lucky Peak Dam, which includes the Project reach, the river changes from a
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warmwater to a coldwater fishery. Mountain whitefish make up the bulk of the game fish biomass with hatchery rainbow trout, wild rainbow trout, and brown trout supporting the bulk of the fishery. When available, surplus hatchery Chinook salmon adults are stocked in the summer, and hatchery steelhead adults are stocked in the fall, creating intense fisheries in this reach (IDFG, 2013). The Boise River, however, is no longer accessible to anadromous species, which currently ascend the Snake River as far upstream as the Hells Canyon Dam (constructed in 1967). Hells Canyon Dam is located more than 100 miles downstream of the Boise River’s confluence with the Snake River. The Hells Canyon/Oxbow/Brownlee Dam Complex does not have fish passage facilities for passing fish upstream of the complex.
The Project reach of the Boise River extends from Boise River Diversion Dam, located about 2.4 river miles upstream of Barber Dam, to a low-head diversion dam located about 0.6 river mile downstream of the Project near the Eckert Road Bridge (Figure 4-13). Existing habitat in the upstream segment within approximately 1 mile of Boise River Diversion Dam transitions from shallow riverine riffle/run to deeper run, entering the backwater from Barber Dam. The former shallow impoundment associated with Barber Dam (constructed in 1904 to create a log-holding pond to support the nearby Barber Lumber Mill [Corps, 2002a]) has mostly filled in with sediment, and the Boise River flows through multiple channels around islands in the former impoundment area (Figure 4-1). These channels are primarily run habitat with a sand/gravel substrate, becoming more lacustrine closer to the dam. The Project impoundment has an area of 75 acres at the normal pool elevation of 2,778.2 feet and averages 4 feet in depth. The 0.6-mile downstream segment of the Boise River downstream of Barber Dam is primarily riffle/run with a substrate of gravel/cobble. The Boise River downstream of the diversion dam at the Eckert Road Bridge supports substantial recreational fishing and boating/floating.
IDFG, USGS, Trout Unlimited, and Braun and Walser (2011) conducted several fisheries surveys on the lower Boise River including the Project reach since 1974; they are summarized by Boise River Enhancement Network (2016). These surveys demonstrate that although the Project is located in the lower reach of the Boise River most heavily affected by humans, the Project vicinity still supports a coldwater fishery consisting of both wild and hatchery rainbow and brown trout, but mountain whitefish dominate the coldwater fish community. However, IDFG creel surveys found that wild trout compose only a minor portion of the angler harvest in the lower Boise River (less than 5 percent), while hatchery rainbow trout compose 40 to 60 percent of the harvest (Boise River Enhancement Network, 2016). IDFG (2017) recently conducted an electrofishing survey in the lower Boise River within the Project vicinity: from the Boise River Diversion Dam to Barber Dam and from Barber Dam to the East Parkcenter Bridge, about 2 miles downstream of Barber Dam. During the survey, IDFG found wild juvenile rainbow trout in both reaches, although higher numbers were found downstream of Barber Dam. IDFG (2017) also reports that hatchery rainbow trout dominated the angler harvest with the wild trout population underutilized by anglers. No threatened or endangered species of fish have been reported for the lower Boise River (IDFG, 2018). The Boise River is within the historical range of the federally listed threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), but none have been reported in the lower Boise River.
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Source: ESRI (2018b) Figure 4-13. Boise River Project Reach
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Table 4-8 lists the common and scientific names of fish species reported in the Project reach of the Boise River. Table 4-8. Fish Species Found in Barber Dam Hydroelectric Project Area of the Boise River
Common Name Scientific Name Resident Species Mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Rainbow trout Oncorynchus mykiss Umatilla dace Rhinichthys umatilla Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae Redside shiner Richardsonius balteatus Chiselmouth Acrocheilus alutaceus Bridgelip sucker Catastomus columbianus Largescale sucker Catastomus macrocheilus Mottled sculpin Cottus bairdi Shorthead sculpin Cottus confusus Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Stocked Species Steelhead trout Oncorynchus mykiss Rainbow trout Oncorynchus mykiss Brown trout Salmo trutta Chinook salmon Oncorynchus tshawytscha Sources: Corps (2002a); MacCoy (2006); IDFG (2013)
4.4.1.1 Mussels Specific mussel surveys were not identified for the lower Boise River, but review of A Guide to Southern Idaho’s Freshwater Mollusks (Lysne, 2009) found that several species of snails and clams, including some invasive species, may occur in the lower Boise River. However, no threatened or endangered mussel species have been reported for the lower Boise River (IDFG, 2018).
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4.4.2 Essential Fish Habitat The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires federal agencies to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service on all actions that may adversely affect essential fish habitat (EFH). Because all anadromous species are blocked from upstream passage at the Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River, no EFH is located in the lower Boise River or in the Project area, and no EFH consultation is required.
4.4.3 Effects of Project on Temporal and Spatial Distribution and Any Associated Trends Project operations have minimal effects on the fishery resources in the lower Boise River. Instead, the operation of the large upstream reservoirs (Anderson Ranch, Arrowrock and Lucky Peak) control the flow regime of the lower Boise River, managing these flows for irrigation, flood control, recreation, and instream flows. Flows released from these upstream reservoirs are passed through the Project on a run-of-river basis because the Project has minimal reservoir storage capacity and the capability to regulate flow releases. Barber Dam is one of several dams on the lower Boise River, most of which are used for irrigation diversions and flood control, so aquatic habitat on the river is already segmented in multiple locations. While Barber Dam blocks the upstream movement of resident fishes in the short river reach downstream of the dam, these species do not require upstream passage to complete their life history requirements, and, in fact, recent fishery surveys show continued natural production of wild trout. The Project does not obstruct the downstream movement of resident fishes; downstream-migrating fishes can pass over the spillway or through the powerhouse turbines. The lower Boise River, including the Project vicinity, supports a substantial recreational fishery.
4.5 Wildlife and Botanical Resources
4.5.1 Wildlife Resources The area around the Barber Dam impoundment is generally known as Barber Pool and is considered a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife, including fish, waterfowl, birds of prey, gamebirds, aquatic furbearing animals, and small and large mammals. The 425-acre BPCA, which includes the 75-acre Barber Dam impoundment, was the subject of a 2002 Corps study that documented the BPCA wildlife resources and wildlife habitat (Corps, 2002a,b). Several species of deer and elk are known to use the Project vicinity during migration periods and the winter (Table 4-9). Table 4-9 presents a list of the predatory mammals and a number of small mammals found in the area of the BPCA (Corps, 2002a). Idaho state-listed sensitive species are marked with an asterisk (IDFG, 2017).
Table 4-9. Mammals Associated with Barber Pool Conservation Area
Common Name Scientific Name Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans Little Brown Myotis* Myotis lucifugus Long-eared Myotis Myotis evotis Silver-haired Bat* Lasionycteris noctivagans Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus
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Common Name Scientific Name Hoary Bat* Lasiurus cinereus Townsend’s Big-eared Bat* Corynorhinus townsendii Long-legged Myotis Myotis volans Western Small-footed myotis* Myotis ciliolabrum Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus Mountain Cottontail Sylvilagus nuttallii Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus Least Chipmunk Tamias minimus Yellow-bellied Marmot Marmota flaviventris Townsend’s Ground Squirrel Spermophilus townsendii Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger Townsend’s Pocket Gopher Thomomys townsendii American Beaver Castor canadensis Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Merriam’s Shrew Sorex merriami Bushy-tailed Woodrat Neotoma cinerea Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Meadow Vole Microtus pennsylvanicus Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis House Mouse Mus musculus Coyote Canis latrans Red Fox Vulpes Common Raccoon Procyon lotor Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata Mink Mustela vison Ermine Mustela erminea Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus American Badger Taxidea taxus Western Spotted skunk Spilogale gracilis Striped skunk Mephitis River Otter Lutra canadensis Bobcat Lynx rufus Cougar Felis concolor Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus
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Common Name Scientific Name White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Elk Cervus elaphus Source: Corps (2002a)
The Project vicinity supports a diverse avian population including waterfowl, gamebirds, birds of prey, songbirds, and shore and wading birds. More than 200 bird species have been documented in the BPCA (Corps, 2002b). Table 4-10 presents a list of birds found in the BPCA. Idaho state- listed sensitive species are marked with an asterisk (IDFG, 2017).
Table 4-10. Birds associated with the Barber Pool Conservation Area
Common Name Scientific Name Common Loon* Gavia immer Western Grebe* Aechmophorus occidentalis Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena American White Pelican* Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Great blue Heron Ardea herodias Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax American Bittern* Botaurus lentiginosus Great Egret Ardea alba Snowy Egret Egretta thula Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Green Heron Butorides virescens Canada Goose Branta canadensis Greater white-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Snow Goose Chen caerulescens Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Northern Pintail Anas acuta American Wigeon Anas americana Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Gadwall Anas strepera Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Green-winged Teal Anas crecca
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Common Name Scientific Name Wood Duck Aix sponsa Redhead Aythya americana Canvasback Aythya valisineria Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Common Merganser Mergus merganser Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Osprey Pandion haliaetus Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus Merlin Falco columbarius American Kestrel Falco sparverius Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Blue Grouse Dendragapus obscurus Sage Grouse* Centrocercus urophasianus California Quail Callipepla californica Mountain Quail* Oreortyx pictus Gray Partridge Perdix Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
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Common Name Scientific Name Sandhill Crane* Grus canadensis Sora Porzana carolina American Coot Fulica americana American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Long-billed Curlew* Numenius americanus Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Willet Catoptrophorus emipalmatus Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Common Snipe Gallinago California Gull* Larus californicus Ring-billed Gull* Larus delawarensis Franklin’s Gull* Larus pipixcan Herring Gull Larus argentatus Caspian Tern* Sterna caspia Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri Rock Dove Columba livia Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Yellow-billed Cuckoo* Coccyzus americanus Barn owl Tyto alba Western Screech Owl Otus kennicottii Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Long-eared Owl Asio otus Short-eared Owl* Asio flammeus Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma Western Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Common Nighthawk* Chordeiles minor
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Common Name Scientific Name White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Vaux’s Swift Chaetura vauxi Black Swift* Cypseloides niger Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Lewis’s Woodpecker* Melanerpes lewis Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tryrannus Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri Olive-sided Flycatcher* Contopus borealis Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Cordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax occidentalis Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii Western Wood Pewee Contopus sordidulus Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota Bank Swallow Riparia Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Violet-green Swallow Tachycinata thalassina Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Stellar Jay Cyanocitta stelleri Black-billed Magpie Pica Clark’s Nutcracker* Nucifraga columbiana
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Common Name Scientific Name Common Raven Corvus corax American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus Mountain Chickadee Parus gambeli American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta Canadensis Brown Creeper Certhia Americana House Wren Troglodytes aedon Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus Winter Wren Troglodytes Bewick’s wren Thryomanes bewickii Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis American Robin Turdus migratorius Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius Sage Thrasher* Oreoscoptes montanus Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi Mountain Bluebird Sialia currocoides Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea American Pipit Anthus rebescens Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Cassin’s Vireo Vireo cassinii
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Common Name Scientific Name Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica virens Townsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi Black and White Warbler Mnioltilta varia Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla MacGillivray’s Warbler Oporornis tolmiei Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana House Sparrow Passer domesticus Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii Northern Oriole Icterus galbula Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Cassin’s Finch Carpodacus cassinii Black Rosy Finch* Leucosticte atrata
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Common Name Scientific Name Gray-crowned Rosy Finch Leucosticte tephrocotis Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea House Sparrow Passer domesticus Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Swamp Sparrow Melospiza Georgiana White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricaphilla Harris’ Sparrow Zonotrichia querula Dark-eyed Junco Hybci gtenakus Red Crossbill Loxia curvirosta Source: Corps (2002a)
The BPCA also provides habitat for a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Several amphibian and reptile species listed by USFWS as species of concern may be found in the BPCA. These species include Woodhouse’s toad (Bufo woodhousii), western toad (Bufo boreas), northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), Columbia spotted frog (Rana lutieventris), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), night snake (Hypsiglena torquata), rubber boa (Charina bottae), striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus), and ground snake (Sonora semiannulata) (Corps, 2002a). Of these, western toad, Woodhouse’s toad, northern leopard frog, and Columbia spotted frog are listed as sensitive species in the state of Idaho (IDFG, 2017). A 2002 survey by the Idaho Conservation Data Center found only the western toad and common garter snake in the BPCA (Corps, 2002a).
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4.5.1 Botanical Resources and Habitat Types The riparian vegetation present in the Project vicinity provides habitat and foraging ground for many of the wildlife species listed in Section 4.5.1. As described in Section 4.6, forested, scrub- shrub, and emergent wetlands are all located within the Project vicinity. Forested wetlands consist of willow, locust, cottonwood, aspen, and poplar trees along the Boise River in the Project vicinity. The predominant tree on both sides of the river and on the islands in Barber Pool is black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). Smaller shrubs include chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and wild rose (Rosa sp.) (Bloom and Ada County, 1981). Palustrine scrub-shrub vegetation consists of coyote willow (Salix exigua) and yellow willow (S. lutea). The palustrine emergent vegetation is dominated by cattails (Typha latifolia) with some reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and sedges (Carex lanuginose) (Corps, 2002a).
Riparian vegetation is generally confined to the areas immediately adjacent to the Boise River, and outside that area, the land generally consists of pasture, crops, and residential development (Bloom and Ada County, 1981). Shrub-steppe vegetation is found in these areas away from the river and is composed mainly of gray rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum).
4.6 Wetlands and Riparian and Littoral Habitat Wetlands are transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water (USFWS, 2003). Wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes (plants specifically adapted to live in wetlands); (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric (wetland) soil; and (3) the substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year (USFWS, 2003). Types of wetlands are classified according to their hydrologic, geomorphic, chemical, and biological characteristics.
Wetlands in the Project vicinity were mapped using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) (USFWS, 1981). Types and location of wetlands in the Project vicinity are shown on Figure 4-14. A total of 97.4 acres of wetlands is present in the Project vicinity. The majority of these wetlands are classified as Riverine (68.8 acres), followed by Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands (28.4 acres). A small amount of Freshwater Emergent Wetlands (0.2 acre) and Freshwater Pond (0.1 acre) are also present in the Project vicinity. Table 4-11 presents detailed wetland classifications and total acreages.
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Sources: USFWS (2018); ESRI (2018b) Figure 4-14. Wetlands in the Vicinity of the Barber Dam Hydroelectric Project
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Table 4-11. Wetland Descriptions and Acreage in the Project vicinity.
Total Wetland Type Code Description Acres R—Riverine: This type includes all wetlands and deepwater habitats contained within a channel, with the exception of wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergent, emergent mosses, or lichens. 3—Upper Perennial: This type is characterized by a high gradient. There is no tidal influence, and some water flows all year, except during years of extreme drought. The substrate consists of rock, cobbles, or gravel with occasional patches of sand. The natural dissolved oxygen concentration is normally near Riverine R3UBH 64.2 saturation. The fauna is characteristic of running water, and there are few or no planktonic forms. The gradient is high compared with that of the Lower Perennial Subsystem, and very little floodplain development exists. UB—Unconsolidated Bottom: This type includes all wetlands and deepwater habitats with at least 25% cover of particles smaller than stones (less than 2.4 to 2.8 inches), and a vegetative cover less than 30%. H—Permanently Flooded: Water covers the substrate throughout the year in all years. R—Riverine: See above. 3—Upper Perennial: See above. US—Unconsolidated Shore: This type includes all wetland habitats having two characteristics: (1) unconsolidated substrates with less than 75% areal cover of stones, boulders, or bedrock and; (2) less than 30% areal cover of vegetation. Landforms such as Riverine R3USC 3.2 beaches, bars, and flats are included in the Unconsolidated Shore class. C—Seasonally Flooded: Surface water is present for extended periods especially early in the growing season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in most years. The water table after flooding ceases is variable, extending from saturated to the surface to a water table well below the ground surface. R—Riverine: See above. 4—Intermittent: This type includes channels that contain flowing water only part of the year. When the water is not flowing, it may remain in isolated pools or surface water may be absent. Riverine R4SBC 1.3 SB—Streambed: This type includes all wetlands contained within the Intermittent Subsystem of the Riverine System and all channels of the Estuarine System or of the Tidal Subsystem of the Riverine System that are completely dewatered at low tide. C—Seasonally Flooded: See above.
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Total Wetland Type Code Description Acres R—Riverine: See above. 5—Unknown Perennial: This type was created specifically for use when the distinction between lower Riverine R5UBH < 0.1 perennial, upper perennial, and tidal cannot be made from aerial photography and no data is available. UB—Unconsolidated Bottom: See above. H—Permanently Flooded: See above. P—Palustrine: This type includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean-derived salts is below 0.5 part per thousand (ppt). It also includes wetlands lacking such vegetation but having all of the following four characteristics: (1) area less than 20 acres; (2) active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline features lacking; (3) water depth in the deepest part of basin less than 8.2 feet at low water; and (4) salinity due to ocean-derived salts less than Freshwater 0.5 ppt. Forested/Shrub PFO1/USA 20.4 FO—Forested: This type is characterized by woody Wetland vegetation that is 20 feet tall or taller 1—Broad-leaved Deciduous: This type has woody angiosperms (trees or shrubs) with relatively wide, flat leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season; e.g., black ash (Fraxinus nigra). US—Unconsolidated Shore: See above. A—Temporarily Flooded: Surface water is present for brief periods (from a few days to a few weeks) during the growing season, but the water table usually lies well below the ground surface for the most of the season. P—Palustrine: See above. Freshwater FO—Forested: See above. Forested/Shrub PFO1A 6.4 Wetland 1—Broad-leaved Deciduous: See above. A—Temporarily Flooded: See above. P—Palustrine: See above. SS—Scrub-Shrub: This type includes areas dominated by woody vegetation less than 20 feet tall. The species Freshwater include true shrubs, young trees (saplings), and trees Forested/Shrub PSS1A 1.5 or shrubs that are small or stunted because of Wetland environmental conditions. 1—Broad-leaved Deciduous: See above. A—Temporarily Flooded: See above.
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Total Wetland Type Code Description Acres P—Palustrine: See above. EM—Emergent: characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens. This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands are Freshwater PEM1C 0.2 usually dominated by perennial plants. Emergent Wetland 1—Persistent: This wetland type is dominated by species that normally remain standing at least until the beginning of the next growing season. This subclass is found only in the Estuarine and Palustrine systems. C—Seasonally Flooded: See above. P—Palustrine: See above. UB—Unconsolidated Bottom: See above. Freshwater Pond PUBHh 0.1 H—Permanently Flooded: See above. h—Diked/Impounded: These wetlands have been created or modified by a human-made barrier or dam that obstructs the inflow or outflow of water. Source: USFWS (1993)
4.7 Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species The USFWS iPaC system was used to identify species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and critical habitat for any listed species that may exist in the Project vicinity (USFWS, 2018a). Two species are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in the Project vicinity—yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) and slickspot peppergrass (Lepidum papilliferum). No critical habitat for either species is located in the Project vicinity.
Nine bird species that are protected under either the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection act may occur in the Project vicinity. Table 4-12 presents these bird species and the breeding season for each species Idaho state-listed sensitive species are marked with an asterisk (IDFG, 2017).
Table 4-12. Protected Bird Species that may occur in the Project Vicinity
Species Breeding Season Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) December 1 to August 31 Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri) May 15 to August 10 Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) December 1 to August 31 Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) Breeds May 1 to August 10 Lewis’s Woodpecker* (Melanerpes lewis) April 20 to September 30 Olive-sided Flycatcher* (Contopus cooperi) May 20 to August 31 Sage Thrasher* (Oreoscoptes montanus) April 15 to August 10
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Species Breeding Season Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus May 1 to July 31 thyroides) Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii) May 20 to August 31
4.7.1 State and Federally Listed Species Habitat Requirements Habitat requirements for each federally listed species occurring in the Project vicinity follow.
The yellow-billed cuckoo lives in wooded habitat with dense cover and water nearby, including woodlands with low, scrubby, vegetation, overgrown orchards, abandoned farmland, and dense thickets along streams and marshes. In the Midwest, the yellow-billed cuckoo can be found in shrublands of mixed willow and dogwood and in dense stands of small trees such as American elm. In the central and eastern United States, the yellow-billed cuckoo nests in oaks, beech, hawthorn, and ash. In the West, this species often nests in willows along streams and rivers, and nearby cottonwoods serve as foraging sites (USFWS, 2018b).
Slickspot peppergrass occurs in specialized habitats known as slickspots, which are mini-playas or natric (high sodium soil) sites with distinct clay layers. Slickspot peppergrass tends to be highly reflective, is usually relatively light in color, and occurs dispersed throughout the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem in southwest Idaho. More than 90 percent of the occupied slickspot peppergrass habitat occurs on federal lands with the remaining occupied habitat owned by the state of Idaho private land owners. Slickspot peppergrass grows only in the sagebrush-steppe habitats of southwestern Idaho, including the Snake River Plain, Owyhee Plateau, and adjacent foothills (USFWS, 2018c).
4.8 Recreation and Land Use
4.8.1 Recreation The Project is located in northern Ada County, which encompasses greater than 1,000 square miles in southwestern Idaho and is the most populous county in the state, having an estimated population of more than 450,000 people (Ada County, 2016). Boise’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities and four-season climate make it one of the most desirable locations to live in the Intermountain Northwest Region for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Boise River flows through downtown Boise and provides a scenic waterway in a metropolitan corridor that provides recreational access along an extensive riverside greenbelt trail system (Figure 4-15). The Boise River Greenbelt is a paved non-motorized urban pathway that runs along the river for most of its linear distance from Lucky Peak Dam downstream to the city of Eagle, Idaho. The Greenbelt diverts from the river near the Eckert Road Bridge downstream of Barber Dam to Warm Springs Avenue and away from the Project vicinity.
Upstream of the Project, the Lucky Peak State Park recreation area, including Sandy Point Park, is popular with recreationists and provides boating, fishing, biking, walking, and swimming.
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Sources: City of Boise GIS (2018a,b); IDPR (2018); ESRI (2018b) Figure 4-15. Recreation in the Vicinity of the Barber Dam Project
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Several large developed parks and facilities extend from just downstream of Barber Dam to the city of Eagle along the Boise River. Barber Park, owned and operated by Ada County, is a multi-use area with rafting access to the river. Downstream of Barber Park, a “ribbon of jewels” park system—Maryann Williams, Ann Morrison, Julia Davis and Esther Simplot Whitewater parks—managed by Boise Parks and Recreation resides along the river through downtown Boise and provides large open grassy areas, picnic shelters, and restrooms. These parks are used year-round for events and festivals. Not along the river, but just southwest of the Project area, the Simplot Sports Complex provides a large area for soccer and football fields and has restroom facilities (Figure 4-15).
Downstream of the Project on the north side of river near Eckert Road Bridge is where the conceptual Alta Harris Park is proposed to be located. Plans for this park include relocating the Greenbelt adjacent to the park and closer to the Boise River and the Project between the Eckert Road Bridge and Warm Springs Avenue.
Currently, the Project features available for public recreational use include a canoe/kayak takeout and stairway located at river right (north) of the powerhouse and intake and a graveled portage footpath trail that traverses up and over the embankment dam and then skirts outside the fenced area from the north abutment to downstream of the tailrace area. Public access to the powerhouse, intake, and dam is restricted by a fence for security and public safety reasons. In addition, a safety cable with grab lines is strung across the river channel upstream of the intake to assist boaters who may be drawn toward the intake as they approach the portage take-out. The portage trail is popular with local walkers and fishermen to access the river downstream of the Project. Power plant operations staff reports that the canoe portage gets little use, most of which occurs on weekends. The Project was exempted from FERC Form 80 recreation use reporting requirements per FERC Order dated April 10, 1997, after reporting no use in March 1997.
Management of the shoreline and lands surrounding the Barber Dam impoundment is directed by IFPL’s Barber Pool Conservation Area Master Plan, which serves as the guiding document for future management of the BPCA and excludes further development on the river upstream of Barber Dam to the Highway 21 Bridge (Corps, 2002b). Existing landowners on the south side of the Project, and users of the existing canoe and kayak portage near the powerhouse can access the BPCA on non-motorized boats (Figure 3-2).
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The Project vicinity is not located within or adjacent to a National Wild and Scenic River System waterway, and it is not under study for inclusion in the National Trails System or Wilderness Area. Further, the Boise River is not designated as part of, or under study for inclusion in, the National Wild and Scenic River System and it is not a state-protected river segment.
4.8.2 Land Use The Project area is located along the Boise River in an area classified as Parks/Open Space (Ada County, 2007) surrounded by urban residential housing developments. The existing Project boundary encompasses the immediate area of the dam, powerhouse, and tailrace area downstream of the dam, and approximately 1 mile upstream into the BPCA. The Project facilities and most of the immediately surrounding Project lands are owned by Ada County and are leased by Fulcrum. IFPL owns and manages most of the land surrounding the Barber Dam impoundment as part of the BPCA. In addition, Ada County and Fulcrum are currently revising the Project boundary to incorporate additional land rights recently or soon to be acquired for dam safety purposes.
The BPCA is a locally important wildlife viewing and habitat area that supports a population of wintering bald eagles and has quality wetland, riparian, and shrub-steppe habitat that is home to more than 200 species of birds and 60 species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals (Corps, 2002a). This area is managed to restrict human access effects on wildlife and their habitat.
Lands to the north and south of the Project have experienced rapid urbanization in recent years as part of the Harris Ranch and the Surprise Valley housing developments. Before these developments, much of this land was used for agriculture and grazing after the Barber Mill burned down and was removed.
A mix of older, established residential properties and agriculture occur along the border of the southern extent of the Project boundary upstream and downstream of Barber Dam and will remain during any new license period.
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Source: Ada County (2018) Note: Zone codes and definitions follow this figure. Figure 4-16. Land Use and Ownership in the Barber Dam Hydroelectric Project Vicinity
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Zone Code Zone Code Definition A-1 Open Space A-1/DA Open Space/Development Agreement District A-2 Open Space C-4D Planned Commercial C-2 General Commercial L-OD/DA Limited Office/Development Agreement District M2 General Industrial R-1B Single-Family Residential R-1BDA Single-Family Residential/Development Agreement District R-1C Single-Family Residential R-1C/DA Single-Family Residential/Development Agreement District R-2D/DA Combined Residential/Development Agreement District R1 Estate Residential R6 Medium Density Residential RP Rural Preservation RUT Rural-Urban Transition SP-01 Harris Ranch Specific Plan District SP-02 Barber Valley Specific Plan District
4.9 Aesthetics and Visual Resources The main scenic and aesthetic resources in the Project area are the Boise River and its adjacent riparian habitat and the BPCA, which will be protected from future development and the effects of surrounding urbanization. The Project’s continued run-of-river operation will not affect this unique setting.
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The Boise foothills provide a scenic backdrop to the north of the Project. Visitors on the river access the portage and footpath and will continue to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and historic nature of the Project facilities.
During the irrigation season (April through mid-October), river flows not used for power production cascade over the spillway section of Barber Dam and provide a scenic visual experience to visitors below the dam. During the non-irrigation season (November through March) the pool above the dam is held just below the elevation of the spillway to prevent icing and spalling of the concrete.
4.10 Cultural Resources Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as amended and its implementing regulations found at 36 CFR 800 require that the effects of a federal undertaking on historic properties be assessed. In this case, the federal “undertaking” is the relicensing of the Project.
Historic properties are defined as any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). The term “cultural resources” includes properties that have not been evaluated for eligibility for listing in the National Register. Traditional cultural properties are a type of historic property eligible for the National Register because of their association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that: (1) are rooted in that community’s history; or (2) are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community (Parker and King, 1998).
4.10.1 Project History In 1902, the Barber Lumber Company of Wisconsin purchased 25,000 acres of land along Grime and More Creeks northeast of Boise. James T. Barber, Sumner G. Moon, and their colleagues sought a local means to process lumber acquired from these lands, and in 1904, they constructed a mill, dam, and power plant on the Boise River just southeast of town. By November 1905, the power plant was in operation and provided electricity to Boise under contract with Capital Electric Light, Motor, and Gas Company. However, the Barber Lumber Company had difficulty transporting logs down the two creeks to the Boise River where they would then be carried to the
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mill. Heavy snow precluded transport during the winter, and during the warmer seasons, high water and silt from upstream mining operations clogged the log pond. The only option was to store the logs in the water during the winter, which resulted in a lower-grade lumber product. The mill closed in 1908 but was reopened in 1915 after the Intermountain Railroad Company constructed a railroad between Centerville and Barber Dam. At this same time, the Barber Lumber Company merged with the Payette Lumber and Manufacturing Company to become the Boise Payette Lumber Company. The mill operated until 1934 when it was closed and dismantled. Eventually, the original power plant also became non-operational.
In 1982, Ada County, the City of Boise and Arthur L. Bloom filed an application to construct a new powerhouse at Barber Dam; FERC’s December 29, 1983, Order Issuing License approved this proposal. New headgates were proposed for the powerhouse in 1987 to facilitate periodic access to the turbines, and this work required modifications inside and outside the powerhouse structure. In its documentation of the proposed work provided to the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) (Blaser, 1987), Ada County provided Project details and proposed measures to avoid or minimize effects on the historic structural features. In a letter dated August 21, 1987, the Idaho SHPO commented that installing the new gates could result in an adverse visual effect on the powerhouse unless carefully designed. The Idaho SHPO also expressed concern about the proposed removal of the log screen and the original wood gates and requested that the Licensees initiate Section 106 consultation to seek a way to avoid or mitigate these effects. In a subsequent letter dated October 21, 1987, the Idaho SHPO provided additional comments on the proposed rehabilitation effort and determined that the overall Project would not adversely affect the historic character of the power plant and dam. However, the Idaho SHPO requested that that these be addressed and stated that the structures should be documented according to Historic American Engineering Record guidelines prior to commencement of modifications. On November 9, 1987, the Applicants filed a Cultural Resources Management Plan with FERC that included copies of the two letters from the Idaho SHPO. This plan did not include Historic American Engineering Record documentation but provided other measures designed to mitigate the impacts of the rehabilitation project on the historic dam and powerhouse. The Commission approved the Cultural Resources Management Plan in its Order issued on December 15, 1987.
Repairs to the Project spillway were proposed in 2007. By letter filed with FERC on February 19, 2008, the Idaho SHPO expressed concern regarding the potential effects of these repairs on the dam and historic timber crib and stated that the work would result in an adverse effect to the structure. It its letter, the Idaho SHPO stated that consultation had resulted in agreement on a number of measures that would be undertaken to resolve these effects. Documentation of completion of these measures was submitted to the Idaho SHPO on April 8, 2009, and a Final Construction Report was filed with FERC on May 20, 2009. The Project has not had any major modifications since that time.
4.10.2 Cultural Sites The Applicants conducted a record search of archives housed at the Idaho SHPO to determine if any “existing discovery measures” such as surveys, inventories, and limited subsurface testing work had been previously undertaken within or adjacent to the Project boundary. The results of the record search indicated that of 60 cultural resource investigations that have been conducted
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within 1 mile of the Project area, only 2 of these studies had been conducted within the Project boundary itself. These studies include a study completed by the Idaho State Historical Society for the Boise River Drainage System (Idaho State Historical Society, 1976) and a study of the Barber Mill and Penitentiary Canal completed for Harris Family Ranch (Science Applications International Corporation [SAIC], 1999). Cultural resources surveys of two transmission line projects (SAIC, 1997a,b) and an area associated with the Surprise Valley Development (SAIC, 1994) were also conducted directly adjacent to the Project boundary. An additional study was also referenced on two of the archaeological site records provided with the record search results. These records indicated that a reconnaissance survey was conducted for Ada County (Ada County, 1989, as referenced by Davis and Bauer, 1989b,c). The Applicants are also aware of other studies undertaken within the Project boundary that are not part of the SHPO’s records. These include two supplemental cultural resources surveys (SAIC, 2006, 1996a) and an oral history summary of the Harris Ranch area conducted with Harris family members and ranch hands (Belt Collins Northwest, LLC, 2006).
Together, these studies resulted in the documentation of 46 cultural resource sites (21 archaeological sites, 16 historic-era resources, 8 linear resources, and 1 historic district) within 1 mile of the Project area. Within the Project boundary, five historic-period resources have been previously recorded and no prehistoric sites have been documented. Table 4-13 provides a summary of these five resources. No traditional cultural properties are known to be present within the Project boundary.
Table 4-13. Previously Recorded Cultural Resources within the Barber Dam Hydroelectric Project Boundary
Site National Register Number Description Source for Recordation Date Eligibility 01-2629 Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Idaho State Historical Society Listed Historical Archaeological Site (1978) 10AA137 Barber Dam and Powerhouse Ostrogorsky (1977); Davis and Undetermined Bauer (1989a) (January 1, 1977) 10AA439 Barber Lumber Mill Idaho State Historical Society Listed (1978); SAIC (1996b) 01-15201 Barber Dam Brick-lined Cistern Davis and Bauer (1989b) Unknown 01-15202 Barber Dam Wooden Structure Davis and Bauer (1989c) Unknown
4.10.2.1 Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site (01-2629) The Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site consists of a cottage and outbuilding, several concrete foundations, the remains of a railroad spur, the powerhouse, dam, and earth embankment. This site was documented in 1977 and listed on the National Register in 1978 as a significant example of early hydropower technology, for its contribution to the economy of Idaho, and for its potential to provide important historical and industrial data (Idaho State Historical Society, 1978). The boundaries of the site include two individual sites 10AA137 (Barber Dam and powerhouse, residence, and historic debris) and 10AA439 (Barber Dam Lumber Mill).
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4.10.2.2 Barber Dam and Powerhouse (10AA137) Barber Dam and powerhouse were originally recorded in 1977 and described as including the Barber Dam and powerhouse, a caretaker’s residence and outbuildings, and brick and metal construction debris (Ostrogorsky, 1977). Additional information was provided in an updated site record prepared in 1989 (Davis and Bauer, 1989a). While a table provided by the Idaho SHPO with the record search results indicates that the National Register eligibility of this site is “undetermined,” it as part of the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site (01-2629), which is listed on the National Register. The site itself is therefore eligible for listing. This eligibility is confirmed by information provided on the 1989 site record and subsequent correspondence with the Idaho SHPO.
4.10.2.3 Barber Dam Lumber Mill (10AA439) This site was originally recorded in 1977 as part of the documentation of the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site (01-2629). A cultural resources survey for the Harris Ranch project (SAIC, 1996a) and updated site record describes it as the remains of the 1906 Barber Lumber Mill consisting of concrete foundations; two concrete standing structures; bricks, wire, iron, and concrete debris (SAIC, 1996b). The record notes that the entire site appeared to have been bulldozed. The Harris Ranch survey report concludes that while the site is in “poor condition,” because portions of it were previously recorded as part of the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site (01-2629), which is listed on the National Register, all structures and materials associated with the mill are also eligible for listing.
4.10.2.4 Barber Dam Brick-lined Cistern (01-15201) This structure was recorded in 1989 (Ada County, 1989a, as cited on record). While the site record does not provide a detailed description of the cistern, attached photographs indicate that it consists of a circular brick structure containing metal piping. The record notes that the cistern may have originally been used for agricultural purposes.
The site record states that the condition of the cistern was poor but that it had not been evaluated for listing on the National Register. The record suggests that it “may be associated with the Barger Dam” and the Harris Ranch report (SAIC, 1996b) indicates that the cistern is contained within the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site (01-2629). However, the National Register Nomination Form for the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site does not discuss the cistern. Additionally, although not to scale and hand- drawn, the map of the dam and mill site included with the nomination form indicates that its boundary does not extend past the embankment that parallels the Project access road; the cistern is located outside of this boundary.
4.10.2.5 Barber Dam Wooden Structure (01-15202) This structure was recorded in 1989 (Ada County, 1989a, as cited on record). The site record only describes it as the “ruins” of a wooden structure but does not provide a detailed description. Attached photographs do not provide clarification of site components.
The site record states that the site not been evaluated for listing on the National Register but suggests that it “may be associated with the Barger Dam…this should be revisited at a later time when the river is down.” The Harris Ranch report (SAIC, 1996a) also indicates that the wooden
66 November 30, 2018 Barber Dam Project FERC No. 4881 Pre-Application Document structure is contained within the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site (01-2629). However, the National Register Nomination Form for the Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site does not discuss the structure. Additionally, although not to scale and hand-drawn, the map of the dam and mill site included with the nomination form indicates that its boundary does not extend upstream of Barber Dam; the wooden structure is located on a small island upstream of the dam.
4.10.3 Tribal Resources The term “tribal resources” is typically applied to Indian Trust Assets and agreements that may exist between tribes and other entities. Indian Trust Assets are legal interests in property held in trust by the United States for Indian tribes or individual Native Americans and include lands, including reservations and public domain allotments, mineral and water rights, hunting and fishing rights, other natural resources, and claims. No known Indian Trust Assets are located in the immediate vicinity of the Project. Federally recognized Indian tribes within the State of Idaho include (BIA, 2018): • Coeur D’Alene Tribe • Kootenai Tribe of Idaho • Nez Perce Tribe • Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation The Nez Perce Tribe is the only federally recognized Indian tribe located near Boise, Idaho. As part of the development of this PAD, the Applicants solicited input from the tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and inquired whether the tribes wished to be active participants in the Project relicensing; no response or input was provided as a result of that initial effort.
4.11 Socioeconomic Resources The Project is located in Ada County, Idaho, approximately 6 miles southeast of downtown Boise. Boise is the state capital and the county seat of Ada County. Boise is also the most populous city in the state. It is estimated that 226,570 people, more than half the population of Ada County, live in Boise as of 2017, an 8.7 percent increase from 2010. During the same time period, the population of Ada County increased by 16.4 percent. This reflects the rapid urbanization in recent years in the immediate Project area, including the Harris Ranch and Surprise Valley housing developments as well as the Riverstone International School (K-12, private) and other businesses. Much of this land was used for agriculture/grazing historically after the Barber Mill burned down and was removed.
The city of Boise is one of the most densely populated areas in the state. The city’s population density is 2,591.5 people per square mile, compared to 372.8 for Ada County and 19 for the state of Idaho. See Table 4-14 for a summary of the population, percent change, and density.
The median household income in Ada County is $58,099, which is higher than the overall state average of $49,174. However, the median household income for the city of Boise is only $52,249, which is closer to the state average than to the county. The poverty rate was higher in
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Boise at 14.1 percent than in the rest of the county at 10.8 percent and the state 12.8 percent. Table 4-15 presents a summary of income distributions. For the city of Boise, Ada County, and the state of Idaho, the highest number of people were employed in the healthcare and social assistance industry. The second highest was retail trade, then third was accommodation and food services. Table 4-16 shows a distribution of industry in the Project vicinity (U.S. Census, 2017).
Table 4-14. Population, Percent Change, and Density for the City of Boise, Ada County, and State of Idaho
City of Boise Ada County State of Idaho Population 2010 208,344 392,377 1,567,650 Population 2017 (estimate) 226,570 456,849 1,716,943 Percent Change 8.7% 16.4% 9.5% Population per square mile 2,591.5 372.8 19.0
Table 4-15. Income Distributions for the City of Boise, Ada County, and State of Idaho
City of Boise Ada County State of Idaho Median Household Income $52,249 $58,099 $49,174 Per Capita Income $30,798 $30,086 $24,280 Percent in Poverty 14.1% 10.8% 12.8%
Table 4-16. Distribution of Industries for the City of Boise, Ada County, and State of Idaho
Industry City of Boise Ada County State of Idaho Agriculture, forestry, fishing 738 16 3,359 and hunting Mining, quarrying, and oil 124 69 2,584 and gas extraction Utilities 1,954 1,792 3,586 Construction 18,515 12,755 38,254 Manufacturing 23,600 14,137 60,078 Wholesale trade 16,447 13,977 31,319 Retail trade 34,275 25,025 84,071 Transportation and 8,055 5,703 18,457 warehousing Information 8,393 7,502 13,103 Finance and insurance 10,646 9,494 22,432 Real estate, rental and 3,695 3,119 7,320 leasing
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Industry City of Boise Ada County State of Idaho Professional, scientific and 15,248 13,724 32,852 technical services Management of companies 6,273 5,975 7,713 and enterprises Administrative and support 17,566 15,095 39,761 and waste management and remediation services Educational services 4,123 2,325 14,934 Health care and social 40,370 32,282 91,190 assistance Arts, entertainment, and 4,117 3,149 9,010 recreation Accommodation and food 25,708 20,170 61,928 services Other services (except 10,177 7,848 20,209 public administration) Industries not classified 61 58 122
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5.0 PRELIMINARY ISSUES AND STUDIES LIST (18 CFR § 5.6 (D)(4))
This section identifies preliminary issues pertaining to the Applicant’s continued operation of the Project based upon existing resource information summarized in Section 4 and consultation with federal and state agencies. For the purposes of this PAD, Project issues are any new changes to the natural and human environment attributable to licensing the continued operation of the Project.
Identification of issues is a key step in the relicensing process because any specific concerns or questions arising from the proposed continued Project operations may need to be addressed in the context of the relicensing proceeding. The Applicants has attempted to identify all the issues that have a nexus to licensing continued Project operations. It should be noted that the list of issues is not final, given that the agencies and other interested parties have not had the opportunity to review this PAD. During the public scoping process, which FERC staff will initiate upon issuing the Notice of Commencement, federal and state resource agencies, Indian tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals will be invited to participate in refining the resource issues to be analyzed in the Applicant’s license application.
5.1 Issues Pertaining to the Identified Resources
5.1.1 Geology and Soils The Project will continue to operate in a run-of-river mode, and any water level fluctuations will only be attributable to flow releases from Lucky Peak Dam and natural flow conditions. Therefore, it is not anticipated that Project operations will adversely affect shoreline erosion, and no issues relating to geology and soils are currently known at the Project.
5.1.2 Water Resources Issues The Project will continue to operate in a run-of-river mode and continue to maintain the Barber Dam impoundment at seasonal levels based on flows as discussed in Section 3.4. It is not anticipated that the continued run-of-river Project operations will adversely affect water use or quality. The Applicants do not propose any changes to current operations for the next license term; therefore, continued operations are expected to provide and maintain existing water quality.
5.1.3 Fish and Aquatic Resources Issues Several measures are already in place to protect aquatic resources in the Project area. Those measures include maintaining run-of-river operations and maintaining the Barber Dam impoundment at seasonal levels based on flows (see Section 3.4). No additional protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures are proposed at this time.
5.1.4 Wildlife and Botanical Resources Issues Wildlife or botanical resources found in the Project area have become established since Barber Dam was originally constructed in 1904 and under the existing run-of-river operating regime in place since the powerhouse was reconstructed in 1989. The Applicants propose to continue this
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run-of-river operation over the next license term. Consequently, no issues relating to wildlife or botanical resources are currently known at the Project.
5.1.5 Wetlands and Riparian and Littoral Habitat Issues As shown in Figure 4-12, wetlands within the Project area consist primarily of the Boise River and the Barber Dam impoundment. The Project will continue to operate in a run-of-river mode with any water level fluctuations being due solely to flow releases from Lucky Peak Dam and natural inflows. Any natural resources found along the shores within the Project boundary have become established since Barber Dam was originally constructed in 1904 and under the existing run-of-river operating regime in place since the powerhouse was reconstructed in 1989. The Applicants propose to continue this run-of-river operation over the next license term. Consequently, no issues relating to wetlands, riparian, or littoral resources are currently known at the Project.
5.1.6 Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Issues As discussed throughout this document, the Barber Pool, created by construction of the Barber Dam, is a locally important wildlife viewing and habitat area that is home to more than 200 species of birds and 60 species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The federally listed species that have the potential to occur within the Project vicinity are the yellow-billed cuckoo and slickspot peppergrass. The state-listed bird species that have the potential to occur in the Project vicinity are Lewis’s woodpecker, olive-sided flycatcher, and sage thrasher. In addition, nine bird species, protected under either the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, may occur in the Project vicinity. Project operations are not anticipated to adversely affect these species. Consequently, no issues relating to rare, threatened, and endangered species are currently known at the Project.
5.1.7 Recreation and Land Use Issues Recreational opportunities are limited within the Project area. The only formal recreation facility in the Project vicinity is the canoe/kayak portage and graveled footpath trail outside the fenced area that runs from the north abutment to downstream of the tailrace area. Because of the limited recreation opportunities at the Project, FERC approved a request by the Applicants to be exempted from filing Form 80 monitoring reports. No issues relating to recreation and land use are currently known at the Project.
5.1.8 Aesthetics and Visual Resources Issues No issues relating to aesthetic resources are currently known at the Project.
5.1.9 Cultural Resources Issues It is not clear that a full cultural resources survey of all lands within the Project boundary has been conducted. Additionally, the site records for all five documented resources are more than 20 years old and the information on the record is either minimal or outdated. Ground disturbance associated with Project-related land clearing and/or construction activities could affect these known cultural resources or expose previously unidentified culturally resources, making them susceptible to alteration, damage, and theft/vandalism. Operation and maintenance of Project facilities may also affect significant historic properties.
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No ground-disturbing activities or modifications to Project facilities are proposed as part of the relicensing. The Applicants anticipate that the Project would be operated without changes to its facilities or operations. However, relicensing efforts could find that changes to the Project or other activities may be necessary during or after a license has been issued. These activities could affect documented or previously unidentified historic properties. The Applicants will consult with the Idaho SHPO prior to conducting the activity to: (1) establish an area of potential effects in accordance with 36 CFR 800.4(1); (2) determine the need for any cultural resources surveys; and (3) develop appropriate management measures for any affected historic properties. With no planned ground disturbance or construction activities, no issues relating to cultural resources are currently known at the Project.
5.1.10 Tribal Resources No issues relating to tribal resources are currently known at the Project.
5.1.11 Socioeconomic Resources Issues No issues relating to socioeconomic resources are currently known at the Project.
5.2 Potential Studies or Information Gathering This section identifies potential studies or information gathering that may be needed to analyze the preliminary resource issues identified in Section 5.1. In accordance with 18 CFR § 4.38(b), within 60 days of the Joint Meeting, each stakeholder (i.e., interested resource agency, Indian tribe, and member of the public) must provide any and all study requests to the Applicants. In order for the Applicants to address stakeholders’ study requests and develop effective data that will best serve all parties throughout the relicensing process, stakeholders should generally follow the study request guidelines as set forth by the Commission and outlined below.
1. Describe the goals and objectives of each study proposal and the information to be obtained. 2. If applicable, explain the relevant resource management goals of the agencies or Indian tribes with jurisdiction over the resource to be studied. 3. If the requester is not a resource agency, explain any relevant public interest considerations in regard to the proposed study. 4. Describe existing information concerning the subject of the study proposal, and the need for additional information. 5. Explain any nexus between Project operations and effects (direct, indirect, and/or cumulative) on the resource to be studied, and how the study results would inform the development of license requirements. 6. Explain how any proposed study methodology (including any preferred data collection and analysis techniques, or objectively quantified information, and a schedule including appropriate field season(s) and the duration) is consistent with generally accepted practice in the scientific community or, as appropriate, considers relevant tribal values and knowledge.
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7. Describe considerations of level of effort and cost, as applicable, and why any proposed alternative studies would not be sufficient to meet the stated information needs. The Applicants are not proposing any additional resource studies for the relicensing at this time. The Applicants recognize that there is further opportunity during the public scoping process for stakeholders including federal and state resource agencies, Indian tribes, and non-governmental organizations to participate in refining the resource issues to be analyzed in the Applicants’ license application. If Project-related impacts are identified during this process, the Applicants will work closely with the stakeholders to define study requests for this resource, if necessary.
5.3 Relevant Comprehensive Waterway Plans Section 10(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Power Act, 16 USC § 803(a)(2)(A), requires FERC to consider the extent to which a project is consistent with federal or state comprehensive plans for improving, developing, or conserving a waterway affected by the project.
FERC Order No. 481-A, issued on April 27, 1988, established that FERC will accord Section 10(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Power Act comprehensive plan status to any federal or state plan that: • Is a comprehensive study of one or more of the beneficial uses of a waterway or waterways;
• Specifies the standards, the data, and the methodology used; and
• Is filed with the Secretary of the Commission.
Based on FERC’s January 2018 revised list of comprehensive plans for Idaho, 13 plans may be relevant to the Project area: • Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2013. Fisheries management plan, 2013–2018. Boise, Idaho. 2013.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Bonneville Power Administration. 1986. Pacific Northwest Rivers Study. Final report. Boise, Idaho.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2005. Idaho comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy. Boise, Idaho. September 2005.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2014. Idaho Elk management plan: 2014–2024. Boise, Idaho. June 2014.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2008. Idaho mule deer management plan: 2008– 2017. Boise, Idaho. March 2008.
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. 1992. Idaho water quality standards and wastewater treatment requirements. Boise, Idaho. January 1992.
• Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. 2013. Idaho Outside: Idaho’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan (SCORP): 2013––2017. Boise, Idaho.
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• Idaho Water Resource Board. 2012. Idaho State water plan. Boise, Idaho. November 2012.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2010. Mule deer initiative action plan. Boise, Idaho. 2010.
• Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 2016. The Seventh Northwest Conservation and Electric Power Plan. Portland, Oregon. Council Document 2016-02. February 2016.
• Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 1988. Protected areas amendments and response to comments. Portland, Oregon. Council Document 88-22. September 14, 1988.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Whooping Crane Recovery Plan. Department of the Interior, Albuquerque, New Mexico. December 23, 1986.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. n.d. Fisheries USA: the recreational fisheries policy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C.
In conducting its research and outreach to identify relevant Comprehensive Plans, the Applicants have attempted to identify additional plans which may be relevant to the Project as Resource Plans, but which have not been certified by the Secretary of the Commission as Comprehensive Plans. The resource management plans listed below were identified as relevant to the Project.
• Ada County. 2016. Ada County 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Boise, Idaho. November 2016.
• Ada County Department of Parks and Waterways. 2007. Ada County Park and Open Space Master Plan. April 2007.
• Boise River Enhancement Network. 2015. Boise River Enhancement Plan. Boise Idaho.
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2017. State Wildlife Action Plan. Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, Oregon. January 2017.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2002. Barber Pool Conservation Area Master Plan. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, Washington. September 2002.
• City of Boise Department of Parks and Recreation. 2014. Boise River Resource Management and Master Plan. City of Boise Department of Parks and Recreation, Boise, Idaho. December 2014.
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6.0 REFERENCES
Section 3—Project Location, Facilities, and Operation Ada County. 2015. Ada County Environmental Advisory Board Meeting Minutes. August 18, 2015. Available at: https://adacounty.id.gov/Portals/Operations/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Environmental %20Advisory%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes%20081815.pdf?ver=2015-08-24- 142838-217.
Cripe, C. 2016. Engineered logjams, boulders to improve Boise River fish habitat near Barber Park. Idaho Statesman. November 30, 2016. Available at: https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/playing-outdoors/article117892993.html.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018a. World Street Map.
ESRI. 2018b. World Imagery.
Kleinfelder (Kleinfelder Northeast, Inc.). 2016. Barber Hydroelectric Project, Supporting Technical Information Document. March 2016 (CEII).
MJA (McMillen Jacobs Associates). 2018. Technical Memorandum. Barber Dam Turbine Intake Debris. October 3, 2018.
4.1—General Description of the River Basin Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2002a. Barber Pool Conservation Area Inventory and Analysis. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District. September 2002. Available at: http://www.boiseriverenhancement.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/04/BarberPool_inventory_analysis_2002-1.pdf.
Corps. 2018. Lucky Peak Dam and Lake, Project Fact Sheet. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, Washington. Available at: http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Locks-and-Dams/Lucky-Peak-Dam- and-Lake/. Accessed 10/10/2018.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018b. World Imagery.
FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). 2018. Lucky Peak Environmental Inspection Report. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Portland Regional Office, Portland, Oregon. July 19, 2018.
IDEQ (Idaho Department of Environmental Quality). 1999. Lower Boise River Subbasin Assessment, Total Maximum Daily Loads. September 29, 1999. Available at: http://deq.idaho.gov/media/451243- _water_data_reports_surface_water_tmdls_boise_river_lower_boise_river_lower_entire. pdf.
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U.S. Climate Data. 2018. U.S. Climate Data for Boise, Idaho, Website. https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/boise/idaho/united-states/usid0025. Accessed on 10/8/2018. Accessed on 10/9/2018.
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). 2018a. National Hydrography Dataset.
4.2—Geology and Soils ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018b. World Imagery.
IGS (Idaho Geological Survey). 2018. Interactive Map Website. Available at: https://www.idahogeology.org/webmap. Accessed October 9, 2018.
Kleinfelder (Kleinfelder Northeast, Inc.). 2016. Barber Hydroelectric Project, Supporting Technical Information Document. March 2016 (CEII).
Othberg, K.L. 1994. Geology and Geomorphology of the Boise Valley and Adjoining Areas, Western Snake River Plane, Idaho. Idaho Geological Survey, University of Idaho. January 1994. Available at: https://www.idahogeology.org/product/b-29.
Othberg, K.L. and W.L Burnham. 1990. Geologic Map of the Lucky Peak Quadrangle, Ada County, Idaho. Idaho Geological Survey, University of Idaho. May 1990. Available at: https://www.idahogeology.org/product/t-90-4.
NRCS (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2018a. Web Soil Survey Website. Available at: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. Accessed October 9, 2018.
NRCS. 2018b. Soil Survey Geographic Database for Ada County, Idaho.
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). 2018b. Earthquake Catalog Website. Available at: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/search/. Accessed October 23, 2018.
USGS. 2018d. Quaternary Fault and Fold Database of the United States Website. Available at: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/qfaults/. Accessed on October 23, 2018.
USGS. 2017. State Geologic Map Compilation Geodatabase of the Coterminous United States.
USGS and Idaho Geological Survey. 2006. Quarternary Fault and Fold Database Geospatial Data. Available at: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/qfaults/. Accessed October 23, 2018.
4.3—Water Resources Ada County. 2011. Ada County Irrigation Districts. July 21, 2011. Available at: https://adacounty.id.gov/Portals/0/DVS/PLN/Map/Map_Irrigation_Districts.pdf
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BDPR (City of Boise Department of Parks and Recreation). 2014. Boise River Resource Management and Master Plan. December 29, 2014. Available at: https://parks.cityofboise.org/media/994797/boise-river-resource-management-and- master-plan_final-12-29-14.pdf.
BDPW (City of Boise Department of Public Works). 2017. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Program, 2017 Annual Report. December 21, 2017. Available at: https://www.partnersforcleanwater.org/aboutpartners/annual-report/.
Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2002a. Barber Pool Conservation Area Inventory and Analysis. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Cripe, C. 2017. Boise’s Wildlife-friendly Barber Pool Shows What the Valley Used to Look Like. Idaho Statesman. April 10, 2017. Available at: https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/playing-outdoors/article143889784.html.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018b. World Imagery.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). 2015. National Flood Hazard Layer. Available at: https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/national-flood-hazard-layer-nfhl. Accessed November 13, 2018.
IDEQ (Idaho Department of Environmental Quality). 2017. Idaho’s 2014 Integrated Report. February 2017. Available at: http://www.deq.idaho.gov/media/60179654/idaho-2014- integrated-report.pdf.
IDEQ. 2015. Lower Boise River TDML, 2015 Total Phosphorus Addendum. August 2015. Available at: http://deq.idaho.gov/media/60177413/lower-boise-river-tmdl-total- phosphorus-addendum-0815.pdf.
IDEQ. 2013. IDAPA 58.01.02 State Water Quality Standards. Available at: https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2013/58/0102.pdf. Accessed October 11, 2018.
IDEQ. 2009. Lower Boise River TDML Five-Year Review. February 2009. Available at: http://deq.idaho.gov/media/451665- _water_data_reports_surface_water_tmdls_boise_river_lower_boise_river_lower_five_y ear_review_final_0209.pdf.
IDEQ. 2002. Subbasin Assessment for Upper Boise River Watersheds. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Boise Regional Office.
IDEQ. 1999. Lower Boise River Subbasin Assessment, Total Maximum Daily Loads. September 29, 1999. Available at: http://deq.idaho.gov/media/451243- _water_data_reports_surface_water_tmdls_boise_river_lower_boise_river_lower_entire. pdf.
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IDWR (Idaho Department of Water Resources). 2018. Water Right and Adjudication Search Website. Available at: https://www.idwr.idaho.gov/apps/ExtSearch/WRAJSearch/SearchPage.aspx. Accessed October 11, 2018.
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). 2018c. National Water Information System Website. Gage No. 13202000 Boise River near Boise, ID. Available at: https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory/?site_no=13202000&agency_cd=USGS. Accessed October 11, 2018.
USGS. 2018d. National Water Information System Website: Gage No. 13206000 Boise River at Glenwood Bridge near Boise, ID. https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory/?site_no=13206000&agency_cd=USGS. Accessed October 11, 2018.
4.4—Fish and Aquatic Resources Boise River Enhancement Network. 2016. Boise River Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat. Prepared by Ecosystem Sciences Foundation. June 2016. 36 pp.
Braun, C.D. and C.A. Walser. 2011. Distribution and Diet of Largemouth Bass (Micropterous salmoides) in the Lower Boise River, Idaho. Western North American Naturalist 71(3):316–326.
Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2002a. Barber Pool Conservation Area Inventory and Analysis. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Corps. 2002b. Barber Pool Conservation Area Master Plan. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, Washington. September 2002.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018b. World Imagery.
IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2018. Idaho Species: Species Conservation Status Website. Available at: https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/list?usesa. Accessed October 15, 2018.
IDFG. 2017. Southwest Region Fisheries Management Report—Lower Boise River Fall Fry Monitoring. 18 pp.
IDFG. 2013. Fisheries Management Plan, 2013–2018: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Idaho’s Fisheries Resources. 367 pp.
Lysne, S. 2009. A Guide to Southern Idaho’s Freshwater Mollusks. Prepared by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain
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Research Station, Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, The College of Idaho, Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History.
MacCoy, D.E. 2006. Fish Communities and Related Environmental Conditions of the Lower Boise River, Southwestern Idaho, 1974–2004. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5111. 36 p.
MacCoy, D.E. 2004. Water‐quality and Biological Conditions in the Lower Boise River, Ada and Canyon Counties, Idaho, 1994–2002. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004‐2158.
4.5—Wildlife and Botanical Resources Bloom and Ada County (Arthur S. Bloom and Ada County). 1981. Barber Dam Hydroelectric Project Application for License Exemption. Prepared by J-U-B Engineers, Inc. June 1981.
Corps (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). 2002a. Barber Pool Conservation Area Inventory and Analysis. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, Washington. September 2002.
Corps. 2002b. Barber Pool Conservation Area Master Plan. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, Washington. September 2002.
IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2017. State Wildlife Action Plan. Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Office of Migratory Birds & State Programs, Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration. January 2017.
4.6—Wetlands, Riparian and Littoral Habitat ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018b. World Imagery.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2018. National Wetlands Inventory Wetland Mapper. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. Available at: https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/Mapper.html. Accessed October 23, 2018.
USFWS. 1993. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual 660 FW 2: Wetlands Conservation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Division of Habitat Conservation. June 1993.
USFWS. 1981. National Wetlands Inventory Website. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. Available at: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/.
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4.7—Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2017. State Wildlife Action Plan. Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Office of Migratory Birds & State Programs, Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration. January 2017.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2018a. IPaC—Information for Planning and Consultation. Available at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Accessed October 10, 2018.
USFWS. 2018b. Species profile for Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS). Available at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?sId=3911. Accessed October 11, 2018.
USFWS. 2018c. Species profile for Slickspot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office. Available at: https://www.fws.gov/idaho/promo.cfm?id=177175828. Accessed October 11, 2018.
4.8—Recreation and Land Use Ada County. 2018. Ada County Zoning Geographic Information System (GIS) Layer. Provided by Ada County GIS on November 26, 2018.
Ada County. 2007. Ada County Park and Open Space Master Plan. Ada County Department of Parks and Waterways. April 2007.
Ada County. 2016. Ada County 2025 Comprehensive Plan. November 2016. Boise, Idaho.
City of Boise Geographic Information System (GIS). 2018a. Greenbelt, Foothills, and River to River Trails. Available at: http://data.gis.idaho.gov/. Accessed October 28, 2018.
City of Boise GIS. 2018b. Parks and Recreation Managed Land. Available at: http://data.gis.idaho.gov/. Accessed October 25, 2018.
Corps. 2002b. Barber Pool Conservation Area Master Plan. Submitted to The Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area. Boise, Idaho. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, Washington. September 2002.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute). 2018b. World Imagery.
IDPR (Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation). 2018. IDPR Managed Land. Available at: http://data.gis.idaho.gov/. Accessed October 25, 2018.
4.10—Cultural Resources Ada County. 1989a (as referenced on Davis and Palmer, 1989b, 1989c). Ada County Historic Resources: A Reconnaissance Survey. Boise Idaho
November 30, 2018 Barber Dam Project FERC No. 4881 Pre-Application Document
Belt Collins Northwest, LLC. 2006. Harris Ranch Oral Histories Summary (letter report). Belt Collins Northwest, LLC, Seattle, Washington.
Blaser, B. 1987. Historic Preservation Certification Application, Part 2: Description of rehabilitation, Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Archeological Site. Interwest Hydro Inc., Boise, Idaho.
BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs). 2018. Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. National Archives, Federal Register, 83 FR 4235.
Davis, B. and B. Bauer. 1989a. Barber Dam and Powerhouse Site Record (10AA137). Record housed at the Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, Idaho.
Davis, B. and B. Bauer. 1989b. Barber Dam Brick Lined Cistern Site Record (01-01501). Record housed at the Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, Idaho.
Davis, B. and B. Bauer. 1989c. Barber Dam Wood Structure Site Record (01-01502). Record housed at the Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, Idaho.
Idaho State Historical Society. 1978. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Barber Dam and Lumber Mill Historical Archaeological Site. Form on file at Idaho State Historical Society.
Idaho State Historical Society. 1976. Boise River Drainage Archaeological Survey, Progress Reports 1-10. Idaho SHPO Report No. 5175. Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, Idaho.
Ostrogorsky, M. 1977. Barber Dam Site Record (10AA137). Record housed at the Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, Idaho.
Parker, P.L. and T.K. King. 1998. Guidelines for documenting and evaluating traditional cultural properties. National Register Bulletin 38. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register, History and Education, National Register of Historic Places. Washington, DC.
SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation). 2006. Harris Ranch Supplemental Cultural Resources Survey, Archaeological and Historical Survey Report, Archaeological Survey of Idaho. Report prepared for LeNir, Ltd., Boise Idaho.
SAIC. 1999. Historical Investigations at Barber Mill and the Penitentiary Canal. Idaho SHPO Report No. 734. Report prepared for Harris Family Ranch, LLP, Boise, Idaho.
SAIC. 1996a. Harris Ranch Cultural Resources Survey, City of Boise, Ada County, Idaho. Report prepared for Harris Ranch, Boise Idaho.
November 30, 2018 Barber Dam Project FERC No. 4881 Pre-Application Document
SAIC. 1996b. Barber Mill Site Record (10AA439). Record housed at the Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, Idaho.
SAIC. 1997a. Cultural Resources Survey of Idaho Power Company Transmission Line 904 between Brownlee Dam and Boise Bench Substation, FERC No. 1971, Ada, Gem, Payette, and Washington Counties, Idaho. Idaho SHPO Report No. 242. Report Prepared for Idaho Power Company, Boise, Idaho.
SAIC. 1997b. Cultural Resources Survey of Idaho Power Company Transmission Line 911 between Brownlee Dam and Boise Bench Substation, FERC No. 1971, Ada, Gem, Payette, and Washington Counties, Idaho. Idaho SHPO Report No. 243. Report Prepared for Idaho Power Company, Boise, Idaho.
SAIC. 1994. Cultural Resources Survey of Area Adjacent to Surprise Valley Development, Ada County, Idaho. Idaho SHPO Report No. 458. Report prepared for Surprise Valley Partnership, Boise, Idaho.
4.11—Socioeconomic Resources U.S. Census (U.S. Census Bureau). 2018. Quick Facts. Available at: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/id,adacountyidaho,boisecitycityidaho/PST0 45217. Accessed October 10, 2018.
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