5) Estimated L Qg ggg Du£ tQ the Proj ect 



- Quantitative loss estimate: 



- 40 black bears lost due to inundation of habitat (25,536 

 acres) resulting in a reduction in the ability of the habitat 

 to support these animals. 



- 3 black bears lost due to the relocation of the Burlington 

 Northern Plailroad grade resulting in a loss of habitat 

 (2,000 acres) and a reduction in the ability of the habitat 

 to support bears. 



- Qualitative loss estimate - high. 



6) Deriva-ion of Loss Estimates 



The loss estimates were calculated using the density estimate 

 of 1.0 black bear per 640 acres. The reservoir inundated approxi- 

 mately 25,536 acres of terrestrial habitat reducing the black bear 

 population by 40 animals (25,536/640). The railroad grade reloca- 

 tion removed 2,000 acres of habitat, primarily riparian types, 

 resulting in an estimated loss of three black bears (2,000/640). 

 Ihese estimates assume all the lost habitats were utilized by black 

 bears. The density estimate obtained from Jonkel and Cowan (1971) 

 was based on similar reasoning. Bears, which included the high 

 quality habitat inundated by the reservoir as part of their home 

 range, experienced a reduced reproductive rate and survival of 

 young. This was related to the loss of high quality habitat and 

 maintenance (foraging and denning) of the bears on poorer quality, 

 high elevational ranges. This was an unmeasurable direct loss to 

 the black bear population, and emphasizes the fact the loss esti- 

 mates identify the absolute minimum numbers of black bears af- 

 fected . 



The qualitative loss estimate was determined by using criteria 

 (a) through (d) on page 9. It was determined the inundated habitat 

 was important to the maintenance of a segment of the black bear 

 population within the Kootenai River valley, and influenced the 

 reproductive success and survivability of black bears utilizing 

 adjacent areas. 



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