%0 Book %I [Alaska Energy Authority] %C Anchorage %G English %B Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document ; %T Dall's sheep distribution and abundance, Study plan Section 10.7, Initial Study Report %U https://www.arlis.org/docs/vol1/Susitna2/ISR/SuWa223sec10-7ptA.pdf %U https://www.arlis.org/docs/vol1/Susitna2/ISR/SuWa223.html %X A study to obtain information on population size, summer distribution, and current use of mineral licks by Dall's sheep--an important species of big game in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project area-- is needed in evaluating potential Project-related effects and identifying measures to avoid, minimize, or otherwise mitigate those effects. Airplane surveys and visits to mineral lick sites were carried out between May and July 2013 to obtain sufficient information on population size, summer distribution, and current use of mineral licks by Dall's sheep to evaluate potential Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project-related effects on the species. The study's four objectives are to: (1) estimate the current minimum population size of Dall's sheep in the study area; (2) delineate the summer range of Dall's sheep in the study area; (3) evaluate the current condition of mineral licks in and near the Project area; and (4) analyze and synthesize data from historical and current studies of Dall's sheep in the study area. The study area consists of that portion of Game Management Unit 13E east of the Parks Highway and south of the Denali Highway; the area is bounded on the south by the Talkeetna River and on the east by Kosina Creek and west of the Susitna River (between Oshetna River and Denali Highway). This document details Alaska Energy Authority's status in implementing the study as set forth in the FERC-approved Revised study plan.