Summary of Major Impacts 



The most significaatimpacts which are likely to result from the proposed 

 facility are summarized below. k k ^ 



, .. Loss of the Harlequin Du ck Population . The destruction of feeding and 

 loating habitat, as well as two or more years of construction-related dis- 

 turbance, IS expected to eliminate the present harlequin duck population from 

 the area. No effective methods of mitigation or in-kind compensation of this 

 impact have been identified. The harlequin duck is very rare in Montana, and 

 the study area represents the only readily accessible viewing area outside a 

 national park. Observing a harlequin duck in Montana is an uncommon experience, 

 and the importance of the viewing opportunity provided by the Falls is likelv 

 to increase with time. 



Loss of Rip arian Habitat and As sociated WilHlifp Pnni^i^tinns Even with 

 the most successful restoration and reclamation, a net loss of riparian shore 

 tree, and shrub habitats would result from the proposed facility. These habi- 

 tats are unusually diverse and productive, and their continuing attrition has 

 recently become a matter of national concern. Approximately half of the Kootenai 

 Kiver in Montana has been impounded by Libby Dam, and another 20 percent would 

 be impounded by the proposed LARUD project; the little riparian habitat remaining 

 thus assumes key importance. 



B ighorn Sheep Losses . The bighorn sheep population located near the pro- 

 ject area could be affected by (1) shrub invasion of grasslands on winter- 

 spring range due to raised water table; (2) increased stress due to construction- 

 related displacement; and (3) increased mortality due to illegal shooting by 

 construction workers. These effects taken together could be expected to at 

 least temporarily reduce the harvestable surplus - and hence the number of 

 permits issued for the herd. Bighorn sheep are one of the most highly 

 prized game animals in Montana, and the number of permits applied for greatly 

 exceeds the number issued. Any losses in hunting or viewing opportunities for 

 this species are thus of relatively great concern. 



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