Summary of Expected Impacts

Initial agency scoping of this federally assisted action indicates that the Rehabilitation Project may cause significant impacts on the environment. Ron Alvarado, NRCS Oregon State Conservationist, has determined that the preparation of an EIS is needed for this Rehabilitation Project.

This EIS will be prepared as required by section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA); the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); and NRCS regulations that implement NEPA in 7 CFR part 650.

Species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) may be affected by the proposed action. The reservoir behind the dam is designated as critical habitat for Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus). The Middle Fork Hood River sub-basin supports spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), winter Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Bull Trout, and Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii). Winter steelhead and bull trout are listed as threatened under ESA and critical habitat for both of these species is designated in the Middle Fork Hood River sub-basin. Critical habitat for the Lower Columbia River Chinook Salmon Evolutionarily Significant Unit is designated in the Middle Fork Hood River sub-basin. Critical habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is mapped near the confluences of Clear Branch, Pinnacle Creek, Coe Branch, and Eliot Branch. U.S. Forest Service Road 2840 accesses the dam and the Laurance Lake recreation facilities. Some alternatives may involve excavation, grading, surveying, limited closure, blocking, or detouring traffic in the right of way during construction.