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Abstract: Environmental assessment of
a proposal to exchange approximately 45 acres of National Forest System
(NFS) land on Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie for an approximately 110
acre tract from the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA) in Will
County, Illinois. Frank Koenig, Prairie Supervisor For more information contact: Eric Ulaszek,
Horticulturist/Botanist Table of Contents 1. Background Appendix A: Public
Comments from Initial Scoping and Agency Responses This site-specific environmental assessment (EA) documents the environmental effects of a proposed land exchange between the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA). Joliet Arsenal Development Authority proposes a land-for-land exchange with the USDA Forest Service. The proposal is to exchange approximately 45 acres of National Forest System (NFS) land for approximately 110 acres of land from JADA. The land JADA proposes to exchange is land that will be transferred from the US Army to the State of Illinois, and then administered by JADA after a comprehensive cleanup plan of hazardous materials is completed. The transfer from the Army to JADA is expected to be complete in late 1999. (Through the rest of this document this land will be referred to as JADA land). The land exchange proposed by JADA with the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is based on value-for-value, not acre-for-acre. Preliminary land appraisals were completed in March 1998 and final appraisals will be conducted prior to any exchange. The proposed land exchange was initially scoped for public involvement in December 1998 and January 1999. The alternatives presented in this EA were developed in response to public comments and key issues, and were designed to be consistent with the primary purposes of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNTP) as set forth by the Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995. These purposes are: 1) To manage the land and water resources of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in a manner that will conserve and enhance the native populations and habitats of fish, wildlife, and plants. 2) To provide opportunities for scientific, environmental, and land use education and research. 3) To allow the continuation of agricultural uses within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. 4) To provide for a variety of recreation opportunities that are not inconsistent with the preceding purposes. The act also provides for the remainder of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (JOAAP) to be used for other purposes, including a national cemetery, a county landfill, and two industrial parks, including the Deer Run Industrial Park. 2. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION 1) By creating a corridor for rail access, the land exchange would enhance the potential for development and economic benefits of the proposed intermodal rail hub at Deer Run Industrial Park. The purpose of the industrial park is to replace all or part of the economic activity lost with the closing of the JOAAP (as stated in the Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1995). 2) There is an isolated tract of NFS land in the northwestern part of Midewin, and the land exchange would physically connect this tract with the remainder of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. 3) Contiguous ownership of NFS land would provide opportunities to develop interpretive and recreational trails that parallel the Jackson Creek riparian corridor. 4) The proposed exchange would provide for additional protection and management of Jackson Creek and its riparian corridor if acquired by the Forest Service. Jackson Creek was rated as a "B stream" by Hite and Bertrand (1989), which ranks Jackson Creek as one of the least disturbed streams in northeastern Illinois. 5) If acquired through a land exchange, several existing natural communities, including mesic forests and woodlands, forested seeps, and a fen, could be ecologically restored by the Forest Service. Some of these natural communities are absent from or are poorly represented elsewhere on MNTP; the land exchange could increase the overall biological diversity present on MNTP and the number of restoration opportunities available for the Forest Service. 6) Grassland bird habitat on the upland portions of JADA lands proposed for exchange, could be enhanced and restored if acquired by the Forest Service. Restoration of these shrubby fields would also increase the long-term viability of grassland bird habitat present on the NFS land in T34N, R9E, Section 24. The proposal involves exchanging approximately 45 acres of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie administered by the Forest Service, for approximately 110 acres of land from JADA. JADA proposes to exchange real properties of equal value with the Forest Service. In the proposed exchange the Forest Service would give JADA a half-mile long corridor to develop a railroad spur from Deer Run Industrial Park to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad, and in return Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would acquire approximately 110 acres of sensitive riparian habitat along Jackson Creek and a small prairie fen (marshy area) along the northern edge of the Prairie. The Forest Service would consolidate ownership of a tract that is now isolated from other National Forest Service lands in the northwestern part of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNTP). The Prairie Supervisor will decide whether to convey approximately 45 acres of federal land in exchange for approximately 110 acres from JADA with appropriate mitigation measures, or to defer any action at this time. 5. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED LANDS The approximately 45 acres of federal lands or National Forest System (NFS) land considered for exchange are located in Channahon Township, Will County, Illinois, Township 34 North, Range 9 East, Sections 22, 23, 26 and 27. This is a narrow strip of land averaging 300 feet wide and 6000 feet in length, surrounded by both federal and private lands. The proposed land exchange borders: Joliet Army Training Area (JTA) on the north; the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA) property (pending transfer to the State of Illinois by the Department of the Army) on the east and southeast; and the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad and Mobil Corporation on the west and northwest. The remaining adjacent property is part of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, USDA-Forest Service. The Department of the Army in 1940 and 1941 initially acquired the property for the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (JOAAP). At the time, the property was used for agricultural purposes (primarily pasture and hay). There is an existing east-west road, Drummond Road, which was improved by the Army. The Army also constructed a north-south road, West Patrol Road, near the western perimeter of their property. The raised roadbeds and adjacent drainage structures altered soil moisture and drainage patterns in the immediate vicinity. The Army also constructed an east-west railroad line from the ordnance plant to the Santa Fe RR. This raised railroad bed also affected drainage patterns in adjacent wetlands, (the rails and ties were removed from this line in 1996 and 1997). The Army continued to use most of the land for agricultural purposes; some pasture/hayfield improvements were made, such as fence construction, and the introduction of Eurasian forage grasses (Hungarian brome, Bromus inermis, and reed canary grass, Phalaris arundinacea). Much of the area was used as livestock pasture, but the only recent (post-1990) grazing by livestock occurred on the land south of Drummond Road and east of West Patrol Road. The Army suppressed all wildland fires. The Army constructed a water pipeline from the Des Plaines River through the site, and allowed the construction of two high-tension utility corridors. After the closing of the ordnance plant, shrub invasion increased along fences and railroad beds, and on lands not used for agricultural purposes. In March 1997, the property was transferred to the USDA-Forest Service. Hay was harvested on a portion of this tract in August 1997; however there has been no grazing on the land north of Drummond Road since the transfer of property. The land south of Drummond Road and east of West Patrol Road was grazed shortly after the land was transferred to USDA-FS and grazing was discontinued in June 1997. Two power line corridors (Commonwealth Edison Co.) cross the proposed land exchange. An underground communication line also crosses the corridor; it parallels Drummond Road. Drummond Road crosses the land from east to west. TNT Road forms the southeast boundary of the proposed exchange land. 5.2. Joliet Arsenal Development Authority lands The approximately 110 acre parcel of JADA land is located in Channahon Township, Will County, Illinois, Township 34 North, Range 9 East, Sections 24 and 25. Federal and private lands surround the land proposed for exchange. The proposed land exchange borders Joliet Army Training Area (JTA) on the north; the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA) property on the south; and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, USDA-Forest Service, on both the east and west boundaries. The Department of the Army in 1940 and 1941 acquired the property for the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (JOAAP). The land is to be transferred from the Army to JADA in late 1999 or early in the year 2000. Portions of this property were used for agricultural purposes (primarily pasture); the woodlands were also grazed. The Army continued to use most of the land for agricultural purposes; some pasture improvements were made, such as fence construction, and the introduction of Eurasian forage grasses (Hungarian brome); grazing was discontinued in the past ten years. The Army suppressed wildland fires. The Army allowed the construction of a high-tension utility corridor. Two power line corridors (Commonwealth Edison Co.) cross the JADA lands proposed for exchange. An underground communication line also crosses the corridor; it parallels Drummond Road (on the north side of the road). Drummond Road crosses the land from east to west. Significant issues related to the proposed action were identified by reviewing appropriate source materials being used to develop the Land and Resource Management Plan, and by contacting interested and affected publics, other federal and state agencies, and USDA Forest Service employees. Scoping letters were sent out to 87 interested parties, requesting comments on the proposal for land exchange. The letter was sent out on December 21, 1998 and included a 30-day comment period. Eight written comments were received. Specific comments, issues, and concerns were identified from these sources. The interdisciplinary team reviewed the comments and the following significant issues were identified and serve as a basis for evaluating the alternatives. Issue A: Fragmentation of National Forest System Lands on Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The Interdisciplinary Team identified this issue during analysis of the alternatives. The proposed land exchange and the construction of an active rail corridor may prevent or constrain the use of prescribed fire or other management tools on adjacent NFS land, and prevent access to the land parcel east of the corridor and west of Jackson Creek, by recreation users, researchers, and land managers. Issue B: Wetlands. The Interdisciplinary Team identified this issue during analysis of the alternatives. Actual acres of wetlands were estimated on both JADA and Forest Service properties considered for exchange. The proposed land exchange and the development of an active rail corridor may have adverse impact or result in a loss of wetlands within or adjacent to the proposed land exchange. Issue C: Hydrology and Floodplain management. The proposed land exchange and the development of an active rail corridor may change the hydrologic characteristics of the Jackson Creek floodplain and adjacent Drummond Dolomite Prairie natural area. Issue D: Federal and state threatened and endangered species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state of Illinois Watch List species. The proposed land exchange and the development of an active rail corridor may impact threatened, endangered, and sensitive species within or adjacent to the proposed land exchange. The following measures are used in this analysis to determine resolution of the significant issues: · Acres of isolated tracts (fragmented) NFS lands. · Acres of wetlands lost from NFS lands. · Acres of land with hydrology significantly affected. · Number of Federal and state threatened and
endangered species significantly affected. 8. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES 8.1. Alternatives Considered But Dropped From Detailed Analysis Alternative 1: This alternative would carry out the proposed exchange. The rail corridor would be located on an abandoned railroad that had been used by the Army. The NFS lands involved in this exchange would be on T34N, R9E, Sections 26 and 27 (see Appendix B, Figure 1). Alternative 2: This alternative would carry out the proposed exchange. The rail corridor would be located on Drummond Road. The NFS lands involved in this exchange would be on T34N, R9E, Sections 22, 23, 26, and 27 (see Appendix B, Figure 2). Because of significant impacts to a federal endangered species, the leafy prairie clover, in addition to significant impacts on wetlands, Regional Forester's sensitive species, state-listed species, and natural communities, Alternatives 1 and 2 were both dropped from further consideration, and will not be discussed further. 8.2. Alternatives Considered In Detail 8.2.1. Alternative 3 (Preferred Alternative) This alternative carries out the proposed exchange. The rail corridor would be located parallel to an existing buried water pipeline that had been used by the Army. The NFS lands involved in this exchange would be on T34N, R9E, Sections 23 and 26 (see Appendix B, Figure 3). In this alternative the Forest Service would give JADA a corridor to develop a railroad spur from Deer Run Industrial Park to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad, and in return Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would acquire approximately 110 acres of important sensitive riparian habitat along Jackson Creek and a small graminoid fen along the northern edge of the Prairie. The Forest Service would consolidate ownership of a tract that is now isolated from other National Forest Service lands in the northwestern part of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. All further analysis is concerned with effects of this alternative. The rail corridor needed by JADA would also cross Army lands (Joliet Army Training Area) north of MNTP in this alternative. The Army lands are not being evaluated in this environmental assessment (EA). A separate EA is being prepared by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd, for JADA to assess environmental effects to land owned by the Army. However, foreseeable and cumulative impacts to federal threatened or endangered species and wetlands are being considered in this document. 8.2.2. Alternative 4 (No-action Alternative) Under this alternative there would be no exchange of land between JADA and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. If an Action Alternative is selected, these mitigation measures will be implemented where applicable to ensure quality in project implementation and to reduce the impacts of the land exchange to the environment. Under Executive Order 11988 USDA-FS is required to place deed restrictions on building construction within the 100-year floodplain for any NFS land that lies within a floodplain and that is being proposed for exchange, to prevent threat to and loss of life. Executive Order 11990 states that agencies "shall take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands…" As currently proposed, the land exchange would result in an exchange of approximately 9.5 acres of wetlands from NFS in exchange for approximately 8.6 acres of wetlands from JADA lands, which would result in a net loss of approximately 0.9 acres from federal lands (Salminen, Ulaszek, and Miller 1999). Additional changes in the configuration of the NFS land proposed for exchange have been made to reduce the net loss to approximately 0 acres. This required the narrowing of the north leg of the corridor to 260 feet to exclude approximately 0.9 acres of wetlands. Some further boundary adjustments may be necessary to ensure that there is no net loss of wetlands from NFS lands. Approximately 0.4 acres of dolomite prairie will be lost from NFS land. Prior to the construction of the railroad spur, JADA and partners must clearly mark the ownership line with signage and/or fences to prevent further direct impacts on dolomite prairie and wetlands adjacent to the rail corridor. These measures will reduce the possibility of incidental trespass and damage to these areas by vehicles and construction equipment. The Forest Service will place a deed restriction on lands conveyed to JADA requiring development of a design from JADA that will not cause a reduction of floodplain or changes to surface water hydrology on adjacent wetlands on NFS property. Mitigation for any loss of wetlands not on NFS lands is beyond the scope of this analysis. The loss of approximately 3.9 acres on Joliet Army Training Area from the proposed railroad corridor is under the jurisdiction of the appropriate regulatory agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District. 9.3 Threatened and Endangered Species Mitigation The Forest Service will mitigate loss of a total of 28.7 acres of habitat for area-sensitive grassland birds, including loggerhead shrike, upland sandpiper, northern harrier, bobolink, and Henslow's sparrow through restoration of former grassland bird habitat on lands acquired through the exchange. Loss of small populations or portions of larger populations of Sullivant's coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii), glade mallow (Napaea dioica), and false mallow (Malvastrum hispidum) will be mitigated by the following: restoration of suitable habitat elsewhere on MNTP; by re-establishment of populations of these species in that habitat; and by protection of known or newly discovered populations of Sullivant's coneflower and glade mallow on land received from JADA. Additionally, some seeds or other propagules of these three species will be taken from those populations present on land proposed for exchange and used to develop seed sources for restoration of these species' population on MNTP. Potential adverse effects to these species include incidental trespass of construction equipment, herbicide drift, or alterations in surface hydrology. These impacts can be prevented through agreements and the installation of fences as described under wetland mitigation. 9.4 Fragmentation/Consolidation of Federal Lands Mitigation At present, approximately 215 acres of NFS land (the Jackson Creek/Brown Circle tract) are isolated from the remainder of MNTP. The land exchange would result in fragmentation of two additional tracts: 9 acres between the northbound spur and southbound spur of the railroad corridor; and approximately 350 acres between the rail corridor and Baseline Road. The 9-acre tract is being retained as NFS land to minimize loss of wetlands. Even with access across the railroad corridors, management would be difficult because of safety issues concerning land management personnel and railroad traffic. Maintaining an easement for a railroad crossing at Drummond Road would mitigate for isolation of the 350 acres between the railroad corridor and Baseline Road. MNTP personnel also have access to the entire length of Drummond Road from Baseline Road to the railroad corridor; access would be recognized through an agreement or easement. Additional easements or agreements can be developed to guarantee public access to this tract from Baseline Road. Proposals from JADA for raising the grade of Baseline Road at the Jackson Creek crossing create opportunities to link this 350-acre tract with the Jackson Creek/Brown Circle tract. These actions would reduce the isolation of 565 acres from the remainder of MNTP, including the existing 215 acres of the Jackson Creek/Brown Circle tract. 9.5 Hazardous Materials Mitigation Soils along fence lines will need to be tested for the presence of hazardous materials. If the soils are contaminated with hazardous materials, then the hazardous materials must be removed and replaced with clean fill material, or remediated in situ. The responsibility for this remediation, if found to be necessary, may lie with the Army and not with the Forest Service. 10. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES This section describes the existing conditions (that is, the affected environment) considered in the proposed land exchange, and the environmental consequences that can be expected from implementing the preferred Action Alternative or taking no action. These consequences are summarized in Table 1 (page 21). 10.1. Wetlands -- Affected Environment Wetlands at MNTP provide habitat for native wildlife and plants, including many species of concern (Federal Endangered, Regional Forester's Sensitive, and those listed by the state of Illinois). Wetland functions also include filtering of pollutants, recharging of groundwater, retention of floodwaters, buffer for open water habitats, nutrient and mineral recycling, and providing open land for appropriate recreation activities. 10.1.1. Wetlands -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 The proposed corridor for Alternative 3 contains 9.5 acres of wetlands; these are all shallow-water, intermittently flooded or saturated wetlands dominated by herbaceous vegetation or young to submature trees and shrubs, including marsh, wet meadow, dolomite prairie, and successional shrubland/woodland communities. These wetlands have been degraded by past grazing, invasion by non-native plants, and hydrological alterations. An additional 3.89 acres of wetlands, present on the adjacent US Army Joliet Training Area, is also in the proposed rail corridor (J. Filipiak, Christopher Burke Engineering Ltd., pers. comm.). At least some of these wetlands lost from NFS lands will be significantly impacted by the proposed action; the exact amount is uncertain, and is largely dependent on the design and construction of the railroad corridor. Some wetlands will be destroyed or adversely affected by the construction and maintenance of a rail corridor in Alternative 3; adjacent acreage of wetlands on NFS may be adversely affected by incidental trespass of construction equipment, herbicide drift, or alterations in surface hydrology if mitigating measures are not followed. 10.1.2. Wetlands -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) This alternative would not have adverse impacts on wetlands. 10.2. Hydrology -- Affected Environment The proposed land exchange lies within the 100-year floodplain of Jackson Creek. At least three times since 1995, overflow from Jackson Creek has been observed to inundate areas up to one mile southwest of the proposed rail corridor. These areas function as temporary storage for overflow from Jackson Creek; then these floodwaters move off as surface flow, to the south, entering Grant Creek watershed. 10.2.1. Hydrology -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 The construction of a rail corridor in Alternative 3 would affect the surface movement of floodwaters within adjacent areas. An existing raised road and pipeline levee already blocks surface flow to some degree, but there is flow through culverts under the road and over the road, primarily within 2000 feet of Jackson Creek. A raised railroad bed in this alternative would require culverts or other modifications to allow floodwaters to flow southwestward into Grant Creek watershed. Without design specifications that allow for surface flow, areas northeast of Alternative 3 would likely be inundated longer, by deeper water during flood events, and areas south and southwest of Alternative 3 would likely receive reduced or no surface flow from the north. Such changes might result in impacts on vegetation, natural communities, wetlands, and habitat for species of concern; also, the retention of floodwaters north of this alternative might result in damage to the raised railroad bed. This alternative, if constructed without design specifications to allow for surface flow of floodwaters to the south, would effectively reduce the area of the 100-year floodplain by almost half (from approximately 370 acres to 160 acres), at least for this portion of Jackson Creek on MNTP. Such changes could have impacts on floodwater retention, which could have effects downstream in the watershed. 10.2.2. Hydrology -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) This alternative would have no adverse impacts on hydrology. 10.3. Vegetation and Natural Communities -- Affected Environment Alternative 3 Prior to 1830 the natural vegetation on the land affected by the proposed exchange probably consisted of a mosiac of typic prairie, dolomite prairie, sedge meadow, and marsh, with limited areas of mesic woodland, seep, fen, savanna, and floodplain forest along Jackson Creek (Ecological Services 1995). Since 1830, most natural vegetation has been removed or highly altered by farming, grazing, fire exclusion, drainage, and invasion by non-native plants. Most of the NFS land proposed for exchange is grassland. North of Drummond Road, the dominant species is reed canary grass; other common species include Hungarian brome, redtop (Agrostis alba), a sedge (Carex pellita), and tall goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). South of Drummond Road, the dominant species is Hungarian brome. Other common species include Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), redtop, and quackgrass (Agropyron repens). There are scattered stands of young trees and shrubs, primarily along the northeast boundary of the proposed land exchange. Common woody species include eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), green ash (Fraxinus pensylvanicus), box elder (Acer negundo), black willow (Salix nigra), sandbar willow (Salix interior), red hawthorn (Crataegus mollis), Osage orange (Maclura pomifera), pale dogwood (Cornus obliqua), and common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). Most of the trees present are under 45 cm Diameter at Breast Height. Grasslands south of Drummond Road were grazed until 1997 and some of these grasslands were periodically cut for hay. Small wetlands are scattered throughout the NFS land, dominated by stands of graminoids: reed canary grass, common reed (Phragmites australis), cattails (Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia), sedges (Carex pellita, C. trichocarpa, and C. vulpinoidea), redfoot spikerush (Eleocharis erythropoda), or prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata). Approximately 1.7 acres of these wetlands are classified as a native marsh community; this marsh is dominated by cattails, bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), sedges (Carex spp.), and redfoot spikerush. This native marsh community is also largely free of invasive plants, such as reed canary grass, common reed, and willows. Also present on the NFS land is a small (0.4 acres) area of dolomite prairie. This is approximately 0.06 percent of the remaining dolomite prairie in the lower Des Plaines River Valley south of Joliet, and 0.3 percent of the dolomite prairie present on MNTP. Dolomite prairie is considered the rarest of the different types of prairie communities remaining in Illinois (White 1978). The dominant plants in the dolomite prairie within the proposed railroad corridor include the following: big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), nodding wild onion (Allium cernuum), Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), flattened spikerush (Eleocharis compressa), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa), red bulrush (Scirpus pendulus), sedges (Carex pellita, C. granularis, and C. crawei), bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), and prairie St. John's-wort (Hypericum sphaerocarpum). The JADA land proposed for exchange to the USDA-Forest Service consists of a mix of successional fields, native forest/woodland, and wetlands. The successional fields are former pasture that is being invaded by woody plants. The most common herbaceous species in these fields are Hungarian brome, Kentucky bluegrass, wild carrot, tall goldenrod, hairy aster (Aster pilosus), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), red clover, sweet clovers (Melilotus spp.), and fleabanes (Erigeron spp.). Common shrubs include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), and black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis). Young trees form dense thickets in this field. Species present include honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), Osage orange, red hawthorn, prairie crabapple (Malus ioensis), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). The JADA land available for exchange includes 7.3 acres of natural communities: seeps and fens (0.8 acres), mesic upland forest (5.9 acres), mesic floodplain forest (0.3 acres), and wet-mesic floodplain forest (0.3 acres). All of the forest and woodland communities have been degraded by past grazing, limited logging, fire suppression, invasion by non-native plants, increased hydrological fluctuations, and silt deposition from erosion upstream in the watershed, but are restorable to a higher quality. The seeps, however, are of much higher quality than any currently present on NFS land at MNTP; one is a forested seep, and the other a graminoid fen. The forests and woodlands on this tract have been long degraded by grazing, with the understory dominated by thorny shrubs and invasive exotic plants: Missouri gooseberry (Ribes missouriense), prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), Amur honeysuckle, and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Native woodland species are locally common: toothwort (Dentaria laciniata), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), and wild ginger (Asarum canadense). Bur oak is the dominant canopy tree. Other species, especially in the riparian corridor along Jackson Creek, include hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), black walnut (Juglans nigra), basswood (Tilia americana), American elm (Ulnus americana), eastern cottonwood, and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). The JADA land also includes Jackson Creek, a permanent tributary of the Des Plaines River. For most of the riparian corridor on JADA lands, Jackson Creek is fringed with forest vegetation. The streambed consists of exposed dolomite bedrock, cobble of eroded dolomite and glacial rocks, gravel, and sand. Two notable natural wetland features are present on the JADA land; both are seeps, or wetlands created by natural ground-water discharge. One, near the western boundary of the proposed land exchange, is a graminoid fen degraded by past grazing. Common plant species include spotted joe-pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum), orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), skunk-cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), swamp goldenrod (Solidago patula), bottlebrush sedge (Carex hystricina), bulrushes (Scirpus validus and S. atrovirens), rough agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala), common cattail (Typha latifolia), and calico aster (Aster lateriflorus). The dominant plant is scouring-rush (Equisetum hyemale), probably a consequence of past disturbance by cattle. The other seep along Jackson Creek near the northern boundary of the proposed land exchange, is a forested seep. Adjacent trees that are not rooted in the wetland shade this community. Common herbaceous species include orange jewelweed, skunk cabbage, swamp goldenrod, tall coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), swamp buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis), wood reed (Cinna arundinacea), calico aster, golden ragwort (Senecio aureus), marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris), wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), and sedges (Carex spp.). The most frequent woody plants are American elm, black maple (Acer nigrum), box elder, and hackberry. 10.3.1. Vegetation and Natural Communities -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 Approximately 0.4 acres of dolomite prairie and 1.7 acres of marsh are present on NFS land proposed for exchange by Alternative 3. Most, perhaps all of this acreage will be destroyed or adversely affected by the construction and maintenance of a rail corridor in Alternative 3. Adjacent acreage may be adversely affected by incidental trespass of construction equipment, herbicide drift, or alterations in surface hydrology. 10.3.2. Vegetation and Natural Communities-Environmental Consequences, Alternative 4 (No Action) Alternative 4 is the no action alternative and there would be no adverse impacts from this project on natural communities and the vegetation. 10.4. Federally endangered, threatened, or proposed species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state-listed species -- Affected Environment Two federal endangered species, four Regional Forester's sensitive species, five state endangered species, three state threatened species, and four state watch-list species were identified as present or with potential habitat present within the lands proposed for exchange. Two Regional Forester's sensitive species, (migrant loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus migrans, and Henslow's sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii) are also listed by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board as threatened, and endangered, respectively. Additionally, Regional Forester's Sensitive Species (RFSS) list for Region 9 is being updated; species proposed for addition to this list are noted in the individual species' account. Regional Forester's sensitive species are known to occur within NFS land considered for exchange: Migrant loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) - requires relatively short grassland with nearby thorny shrubs for breeding habitat; thorny shrubs are used for nesting and prey impalement. Breeding habitat for this species (11.7 acres) is present, and breeding pairs have been identified within or adjacent to these NFS lands since 1996. Henslow's sparrow (Ammodromus henslowii) - requires relatively tall grassland for breeding habitat; 10.5 acres of breeding habitat is present within the federal lands proposed for exchange, and breeding pairs have been identified within or adjacent to this NFS property since 1997. Sullivant's coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii) - occurs in dolomite prairie present at the northwest end of the corridor, and at several localities on the west side of the pipeline. All but one of these populations are small (>50 rosettes); one larger population (>250 flowering stems in September 1999) occurs 250 feet north of Drummond Road. Additional populations occur immediately southwest of the proposed land exchange in dolomite prairie. Glade mallow (Napaea dioica) - occurs at one locality immediately east of the pipeline, approximately 50 feet north of Drummond Road. This is a small group of glade mallow plants (5 flowering stems in 1998) probably representing one genetic individual. Additional plants occur west of the land exchange in stands of reed canary grass. State Listed Endangered Species There are five species listed as Endangered by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (1998a and 1998b) that are either present or with potential habitat present within the proposed corridor of NFS lands: False mallow (Malvastrum hispidum) - present on 0.4 acres of dolomite prairie within the proposed corridor for Alternative 3. The total number of plants on these dolomite prairies fluctuates from year to year (false mallow is an annual herb), but a few hundred plants are probably present. These may represent less than 1% of the total population of false mallow at Drummond Dolomite Prairie. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. Glade quillwort (Isoetes butleri) - there are 0.3 acres of potential habitat for glade quillwort (dolomite prairie). The closest known population is 0.25 miles south of the proposed rail corridor. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) - breeding habitat (28.7 acres) is present. Northern harriers have nested in the vicinity of Drummond Dolomite Prairie several times within the past decade. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. Upland sandpiper (Batramia longicauda) - breeding habitat (11.7 acres) is present. Upland sandpipers nest on an annual basis at Drummond Dolomite Prairie, including every year since 1996. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. King rail (Rallus elegans) - breeding habitat (10.5 acres) is present. King rails have been recorded nesting at Drummond Dolomite Prairie in the past decade. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. State Listed Threatened There are three species listed as Threatened by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (1998a and 1998b) with potential habitat present within the federal lands proposed for exchange. Spreading Sandwort (Arenaria patula) - there are 0.3 acres of potential habitat for spreading sandwort (dolomite prairie). The closest known population is 50 feet south. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. Red-veined Prairie Leafhopper (Aflexia rubranura) - occurs at Drummond Dolomite Prairie, but has not been found within NFS lands considered for exchange. However, approximately 0.4 acres of habitat occurs here. This insect's food plant, prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), does not occur, but is present approximately 100 feet south of the west end of this parcel. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) - occurs at Drummond Dolomite Prairie, including areas immediately adjacent to this parcel. This land may provide seasonal habitat for Blanding's turtle. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. State Watch List There are four species placed on the Watch List by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (1995) present within the proposed railroad corridor of Alternative 3: Sora (Porzana carolina) - breeding habitat (10.5 acres) is present. Soras probably nest annually at Drummond Dolomite Prairie. Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) - breeding habitat (10.5 acres) is present. Virginia rails probably nest annually at Drummond Dolomite Prairie. Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) - breeding habitat (10.5 acres) is present. Common snipes probably nest at Drummond Dolomite Prairie. Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivora) - breeding habitat (approximately 10.6 acres) is present. Bobolinks nest annually at Drummond Dolomite Prairie. This species has been proposed for inclusion on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species. The two federal endangered species listed below were identified as having potential to be adversely affected by this alternative. The Biological Assessment and Evaluation (Ulaszek 1999) addresses potential effects of this exchange on federal endangered, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state-listed species. Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) - habitat for Indiana bat is present immediately east of the proposed corridor, in the riparian woodlands along Jackson Creek. This habitat is not present within the lands proposed for exchange, but could be impacted by changes in hydrology caused by a raised railroad bed (see Hydrology). The presence of Indiana bat in this habitat is uncertain, perhaps unlikely; no Indiana bats were captured in 1993 during bat surveys conducted along Jackson Creek or elsewhere on JOAAP (Glass 1994). Conversations with US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel confirmed that MNTP is outside the normal breeding range of Indiana bat in Illinois (L. Clemency, personal communication). Leafy prairie clover (Dalea foliosa) - some potential habitat for the leafy prairie clover will be adversely affected by this alternative. Approximately 0.4 acres of dolomite prairie habitat suitable for leafy prairie clover occurs within the proposed corridor for exchange Alternative 3. However, no plants of leafy prairie clover are known to be present within the proposed corridor for Alternative 3. The nearest plants are approximately 0.25 miles south of the northwest end of this corridor. There may be some indirect impacts on this population caused by this alternative, caused by changes in management or hydrology. The land exchange is also likely to have effects on the Regional Forester's sensitive species listed below: It is likely that populations of migrant loggerhead shrike and Henslow's sparrow would be adversely affected by the land exchange; however, this alternative would not reduce the amount of habitat at Drummond Dolomite Prairie below the critical minimum required by these area-sensitive grassland birds. Several populations of Sullivant's coneflower would be adversely affected, perhaps with most plants destroyed. The adjacent population of Glade mallow (Napaea dioica) would not be directly impacted, but might be affected by any changes in hydrology caused by a raised railroad bed. The few individual plants of glade mallow present within the rail corridor would probably be destroyed by construction activities. State Listed Endangered Species Many of the false mallow (Malvastrum hispidum) plants and their habitat within the rail corridor would be destroyed or otherwise adversely affected. Although no glade quillworts would be directly affected, there may be some indirect impacts on this population caused by changes in hydrology. It is likely that there would be some adverse affect on northern harriers because of habitat loss. However, this alternative would not reduce the amount of habitat at Drummond Dolomite Prairie below the critical minimum required by this area-sensitive raptor. It is likely that there would be some adverse affect on upland sandpipers because of habitat loss. However, this alternative would not reduce the amount of habitat at Drummond Dolomite Prairie below the critical minimum required by this area-sensitive grassland bird. Potentially, Alternative 3 could have some impacts on breeding king rails if hydrologic changes occur on adjacent wetlands. State Listed Threatened Alternative 3 would directly affect no spreading sandworts, although there may be some indirect impacts on this population caused by changes in hydrology. A railroad would also hinder movement of Blanding's turtles between different portions of the Drummond Dolomite Prairie area. State Watch List It is likely that Alternative 3 would have some adverse effects on breeding Virginia rails, soras, and common snipes if hydrologic changes occur on adjacent wetlands. It is likely that there would be some adverse affect on bobolinks because of habitat loss, however Alternative 3 would not reduce the amount of habitat at Drummond Dolomite Prairie below the critical minimum required by this area-sensitive grassland bird. 10.4.2. Alternative 4 (No Action) This alternative would have no adverse impacts on federal endangered species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, or state-listed species. 10.5. Wildlife-General Wildlife Species. -- Affected Environment This area at MNTP provides habitat for a diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, including white-tailed deer, coyote, raccoon, striped skunk, opossum, eastern cottontail rabbit, fox squirrel, meadow vole, deer mouse, northern short-tailed shrew, red-tailed hawk, great blue heron, blue-winged teal, eastern meadowlark, grasshopper sparrow, savannah sparrow, northern yellowthroat, red-winged blackbird, eastern kingbird, song sparrow, sedge wren, plains garter snake, common garter snake, fox snake, blue racer, painted turtle, tiger salamander, northern leopard frog, western chorus frog, and American toad. MNTP also offers the opportunity for restoration of several species of wildlife that have been extirpated from Illinois, including bison and elk. 10.5.1. Wildlife -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 The presence of a rail corridor within Alternative 3 would likely have adverse affects on some species of wildlife. Because of the tight turning radius of the rail spur, it is unlikely that train-wildlife collisions would be a hazard to most mammals or birds; however, if the corridor is fenced, then it might pose a barrier to the movement of larger mammals. This alternative could also lead to fragmentation of grassland habitat, especially if taller woody vegetation is allowed to develop within the corridor. The railroad corridor could also pose a physical barrier to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, preventing movement to breeding sites or foraging habitat. Small vertebrates crossing the railroad bed during the day would be vulnerable to predators, desiccation, and train mortality, especially amphibians and reptiles. As alternative 3 parallels an existing levee above a water pipeline, two of these impacts are already occurring. The construction of a railroad on the proposed land exchange could also have impacts on potential areas for reintroduced bison or elk. If restored herds of bison or elk were present on land adjacent to the railroad corridor, fences would be needed to prevent collisions, and also to prevent bison or elk from moving off MNTP by following the railroad corridor. "Escaped" bison or elk could damage crops or pose a threat to life and property through automobile collisions. The presence of the corridor would also fragment the west side of MNTP; the resulting acreage available for bison and elk east of the railroad corridor is approximately 575 acres, well below the minimum required to sustain viable herds of either species (approximately 2000 acres). 10.5.2. Wildlife -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) Because alternative 4 is the no action alternative there would be no adverse impacts from this project on wildlife. 10.6. Heritage Resources -- Affected Environment The proposed land exchange has been surveyed for heritage resources. No historic or prehistoric sites were located on NFS land (Carr 1998; concurrence from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Appendix B). A survey of the JADA land has not been conducted. 10.6.1 Heritage Resources -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 As no heritage resources were located on NFS land proposed for exchange, there would be no adverse affects on this resource. If any historic or prehistoric sites were discovered on lands received from JADA, these resources would be protected consistent with federal laws. 10.6.2 Heritage Resources -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) This alternative would have no adverse impact on heritage resources. 10.7. Social and Economic Considerations -- Affected Environment The communities closest to the lands considered for exchange are Elwood and Wilmington, both in Will County, Illinois. Economic activity is centered in services, manufacturing and wholesale/retail trade, however agriculture is also a significant employer in southeastern Will County. The area lies between two interstate highways and several railroads. The vision for the Deer Run Industrial Park is development of an intermodal rail hub connecting with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad on the west and the Union Pacific Railroad on the east, and with the network of highways nearby. JADA expects many new construction jobs building the facility and numerous permanent jobs once the rail hub is developed. Due to the proximity to the populated Chicago area, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and other nearby publicly owned recreation sites, attract a large number of people seeking outdoor recreation opportunities. While planning and construction of recreational facilities on MNTP is not complete at this time, it is expected there will be heavy demand for educational and recreational opportunities at MNTP including hiking, biking, camping, and hunting. 10.7.1. Social and Economic Considerations -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 Implementation of Alternative 3 and exchanging parcels of land as described above, would result in development of a rail corridor linking the Deer Run Industrial Park to the Burlington Northern railway. It is expected that Deer Run Industrial Park clean up and development would continue at an accelerated pace. Through a land exchange, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would acquire a tract of land providing increased opportunities for trail development and environmental education along Jackson Creek. 10.7.2. Social and Economic Considerations -- Environmental Consequences Alt 4 (No Action) The no action alternative could have major effects on the development plans for Deer Run Industrial Park if no corridor to build a railway to connect to existing railroads was available. If the no action alternative were approved there would be less opportunities to develop educational and recreational trails along Jackson Creek, as a portion of this land would remain under administration by JADA. 10.8. Restoration Activities -- Affected Environment Prior to 1830 the natural vegetation in the vicinity of the land exchange area probably consisted of a mosaic of prairie, wetland, and woodland communities. Most of the native vegetation has been destroyed or degraded so that less than five percent resembles the original condition. Managing and enhancing the existing natural communities, and restoring additional native vegetation to the area in and adjacent to the three action alternatives would require the following activities: prescribed burning, removal of drainage tile, plugging of existing culverts, filling of drainage ditches, control and removal of non-native and invasive, native woody plants, removal of unnecessary road and railroad beds, and replanting of native vegetation. 10.8.1. Restoration Activities -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 The presence of a railroad corridor in Alternative 3 could affect restoration activities. Trains could block access across the railroad during prescribed burns and prescribed burns would require coordination with industrial park authorities to prevent collisions or other accidents. The corridor could become a source for non-native and invasive native plant species. A raised rail bed and the physical presence of the railroad could reduce hydrological restoration by requiring drainage, or preventing removal of drainage tile or other structures. 10.8.2. Restoration Activities -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) Alternative 4, the no action alternative, would have no adverse impacts on restoration activities. 10.9. Scenery Management -- Affected Environment Two major power transmission corridors traverse or are immediately adjacent to the lands proposed for exchange. An underground communication line also crosses the corridor; it parallels Drummond Road. A major rail line (Burlington Northern/Santa Fe) is present immediately west of the NFS land proposed for exchange. An active oil refinery is west of this railroad; the stacks, condensers, and other refinery structures are visible from NFS land. On JADA land there is an abandoned industrial area (ordnance plant) immediately east and south east of the project area. Drummond Road crosses the land from east to west and TNT Road forms the southeast boundary of the proposed exchange land. 10.9.1. Scenery Management -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 The JADA land on Deer Run Industrial Park is likely to be converted into an active industrial area within the next 2-10 years, probably consisting of a rail/trucking goods distribution facility or intermodal rail hub. Alternative 3 was the farthest north of the three action alternatives originally considered, and it would probably have the lowest impacts on sounds and scenery perceived within the interior of MNTP. However, trains within this rail corridor will still be visible and audible to prairie visitors from adjacent portions of MNTP. 10.9.2. Scenery Management -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) This alternative would have no adverse impacts on scenery management. 10.10. Hazardous Materials - Affected Environment Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was created of lands that were a portion of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. Hazardous materials, including industrial by-products, waste, and substances used for maintenance, are present at several locations on both MNTP and on lands retained by the Army. 10.10.1. Hazardous Materials -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 3 Surveys of the three action alternatives did not find physical evidence of hazardous materials nor do JOAAP records indicate that Alternative 3 contains land contaminated with hazardous materials, except the possibility of arsenic present in soil along security fence lines (T N & Associates, Inc. 1999). An arsenic-based pesticide was used by the Army to control vines and other unwanted plants growing on or through the security fences on JOAAP. A security fence is present immediately north of Drummond Road on both land tracts involved in the exchange. 10.10.2. Hazardous Materials -- Environmental Consequences Alternative 4 (No Action) This alternative will have no impacts from hazardous materials.
The area of consideration for cumulative effects includes Will County, Illinois. Will County covers 543,043 acres of land. It is estimated that this region is about 46 percent cropland, 9.9 percent urban, 30.4 percent pasture and other grasslands, 2.7 percent open water, 3.1 percent wetland, and 7.7 percent forest. The county includes the watersheds of the Kankakee, Des Plaines, and Calumet rivers; the Kankakee and the Des Plaines rivers are the only two major rivers in the county. The landscape of Will County is primarily open farmland with a large concentration of urban land along the northern borders, and smaller urban concentrations are present along the Des Plaines River corridor and major transportation routes. Will County has one of the largest concentrations of open grassland in the state of Illinois, however much of the crop fields and grasslands in the northern portion of the county are rapidly being converted to urban land uses (residential subdivisions and commercial complexes). At present, USDA Forest Service administers approximately 15,000 of NFS land within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and is expected to receive up to 4,000 additional acres from the Army through transfer. The USDA Forest Service may also receive additional land through purchase, donations, or other agreements. Nearly two-thirds of MNTP is currently in row crop or hay production. The remaining land is pasture, abandoned fields, fencerows, abandoned home sites, structures built for JOAAP, and remnants of native vegetation (forest, prairie, wetlands). JADA is receiving approximately 1900 acres from the Army for the Deer Run Industrial Park. This land includes an abandoned industrial site (ordnance plant) with the remainder in cropland, pasture, abandoned pasture, wetlands, and forest (degraded woodlands). Past activities that occurred on all JOAAP land prior to 1940 include timber cutting, wetland drainage, and conversion of natural vegetation to row crop fields, pasture and hayfields. Most of these activities continued under the Army, but industrial areas were created on several tracts. The Army also improved existing roads and added infrastructure such as railroads, roads, power lines, security fences, buildings, drainage ditches, reservoirs, wells, water towers, and water lines to support the ordnance plant. At the same time, the Army also demolished or converted all former private residences present on the JOAAP. Present and potential future activities for NFS land include prescribed burning, exotic species control, hydrologic restoration, natural community restoration, grassland bird habitat management (including grazing by livestock), stream rehabilitation, building demolition, hazardous materials cleanup, bison and elk reintroduction, scientific research, environmental education, trails and recreation facilities construction, and road removal. The precise locality, timing, and feasibility of some activities are dependent on the final land and resource management plan, which will be completed sometime after April 2000. Present and anticipated future activities for JADA land include demolition and removal of structures, cleanup of hazardous materials, and construction of railroad lines, roads, a power plant, water treatment facilities, warehouses, and utilities. If the proposed exchange were implemented, there would be an exchange of approximately 45 acres of NFS land for approximately 110 acres of JADA land. The USDA Forest Service would add a tract that would link NFS land in Section 19, T34N, R9E and Section 24, T34N, R10E to the remainder of MNTP. This land would increase the amount of the riparian corridor of Jackson Creek on NFS lands. The land would be available for native vegetation restoration, native wildlife habitat, scientific research and environmental education, and compatible recreation uses. A railroad access corridor would be constructed on the land received by JADA, linking the Deer Run Industrial Park with the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad. The existence of this railroad connection could affect the degree to which the industrial park is developed, as the proposed development is dependent on development of an intermodal distribution complex. The presence of an active railroad, however, could also limit vegetation management and restoration activities, recreational use, and access for research and environmental education activities. If the land exchange is not implemented, there will no change to the NFS land; no railroad corridor will exist to impede natural resource management, research or environmental activities or recreation use. There would be no opportunity for contiguous trails to the NFS tract currently isolated. This tract would most likely be developed as part of the Deer Run Industrial Park, and there would be no restoration or natural resource management for this segment of the Jackson Creek corridor. 11.1. Vegetation and Natural Communities -- Cumulative Effects Since 1830, most of the natural vegetation of Will County has been converted to agricultural, residential, industrial, or commercial uses. At present, less than one-hundredth of one percent of Will County reflects these conditions; however, a somewhat larger amount of degraded natural vegetation remains, perhaps almost three percent of the county. Some, perhaps most, of these remnants of natural vegetation are being protected and managed by various public agencies. The remaining remnants are likely to be destroyed or suffer further degradation because of conversion to other uses or through lack of management. If Alternative 3 is implemented, 0.4 acres of dolomite prairie and 1.7 acres of marsh will be lost from NFS land. Although the total acreage of both dolomite prairie and marsh on MNTP are expected to rise as restoration activities proceed, the remaining natural communities could be adversely affected by the land exchange unless mitigation measures are implemented. Some additional acreage of dolomite prairie and marsh in the ownership of the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad may be lost through construction of sidings and rail spurs for access to the Deer Run Industrial Park; the areas affected probably total less than 2 acres. Through the exchange Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will receive 7.3 acres of other natural communities: seeps (0.8 acres), mesic upland forest (5.9 acres), mesic floodplain forest (0.3 acres), and wet-mesic floodplain forest (0.3 acres), plus additional areas of oak woodlands, floodplain forests, and seeps too severely degraded for consideration as natural communities. All these natural communities would probably be restored and managed as needed; they could eventually exist within a matrix of reconstructed vegetation. If the land exchange is not implemented, there will no loss of dolomite prairie and marsh natural communities from the Drummond Dolomite Prairie area on NFS land or on adjacent railroad property. Natural communities on JADA are likely to continue to degrade or be destroyed by development of the JADA land. No federal endangered species will be directly affected by adverse or appreciable cumulative affects caused by the land exchange. However, there may be adverse affects on one species, the leafy prairie clover (Federal Endangered) in the foreseeable future caused by incidental trespass by construction equipment, vehicles, or pesticide drift during construction and maintenance of the railroad corridor. There may also be impacts on this species from hydrological changes, if the railroad is not designed appropriately. Past activities in Will County which have probably affected federal endangered species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state-listed species include: conversion of natural vegetation to cropland and pasture, grazing, mowing of grassland for hay, fire suppression, erosion and sedimentation from agricultural activities, timber cutting, drainage of wetlands, extirpation of large ungulates (elk, bison) and large predators (gray wolf, puma, and black bear), introduction of non-native animal and plant species, and development of a urban area and rural communities with transportation and energy transmission infrastructure. Not all of these activities have adversely affected these species. For example, upland sandpiper habitat on pastures was maintained by livestock grazing. Some, perhaps most of the species of concern present on private land in Will County are likely to decrease, largely because of habitat destruction. However, it is likely that some habitat for these species will become state, county, and municipal conservation lands in Will County. Present or reasonably foreseeable future activities on NFS land which may affect federal endangered species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state-listed species include: restoration of native vegetation, restoration of natural hydrology, removal of invasive, non-native plant species, grazing of livestock, reintroduction of bison and elk, and construction and use of trails. Present or reasonably foreseeable future activities on JADA land which may have an adverse impact on these species include development of open land and runoff from construction and industrial activities into Jackson Creek, which would adversely impact the ellipse (Venustaconcha ellipsiformis), a freshwater mussel that has been placed on the watch list in Illinois (Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board 1992). Jackson Creek supports what may be the largest remaining population in northeastern Illinois (Glass 1994); the species is now rare or extirpated through much of its range (Cummings and Mayer 1992). No other federal, Regional Forester's sensitive or state-listed species are known to occur on the JADA land proposed for exchange. If the exchange is implemented the amount of NFS land will be consolidated and one result would be greater protection for the riparian corridor of Jackson Creek, which supports a large population of the ellipse. Some habitat for grassland and wetland birds will be lost because of construction of a rail corridor. However, the grasslands in the vicinity of Drummond Dolomite Prairie should remain well above the minimum size needed to support breeding populations of area-sensitive species. Rehabilitation of former pastures on this site (up to 60 acres) may partially compensate for the loss of grassland bird habitat on NFS exchange lands and elsewhere on JADA. These pastures, if managed, would maintain the total grassland area on NFS land in the vicinity of the Drummond Road/Baseline Road intersection above the minimum required by area-sensitive grassland birds. Mitigation for wetlands lost from NFS lands through the exchange could provide additional habitat for wetland birds. Small populations or portions of larger populations of the following plant species would likely be destroyed or otherwise adversely affected by the land exchange: Sullivant's coneflower (Regional Forester's sensitive species), glade mallow (Regional Forester's sensitive species), and false mallow (Illinois state endangered species, proposed Regional Forester's sensitive species). These losses should not affect the viability of these three species at MNTP, especially as restoration and enhancement of these species' habitat is likely to occur. In addition, the USDA Forest Service would receive one large population (>500 flowering stems in 1999) and several smaller populations (>50 flowering stems) of Sullivant's coneflower through the exchange. A railroad corridor built on the land exchange could have impacts on movements of the state threatened Blanding's turtle (proposed Regional Forester's sensitive species). Culverts or other structures allowing surface water flow under the corridor may provide suitable travel routes for the Blanding's turtle. Mitigation measures must be followed to prevent additional adverse affects in the foreseeable future from incidental trespass by construction equipment, vehicles, or pesticide drift during construction and maintenance of the railroad corridor. There may also be impacts to species of concern from hydrological changes, if the railroad is not designed appropriately. The exchange may also affect some species present on adjacent private land. The rail corridor to Deer Run Industrial Park will probably require construction of a rail siding and additional spurs on Burlington Northern, Santa Fe Railroad property. Populations of false mallow (Illinois state endangered species, proposed Regional Forester's sensitive species), glade quillwort (Illinois state endangered species, proposed Regional Forester's sensitive species), spreading sandwort (Illinois state threatened species, proposed Regional Forester's sensitive species), and the red-veined prairie leafhopper (Illinois state threatened species, proposed Regional Forester's sensitive species) occur within the railroad right-of-way, and may be damaged or destroyed by construction activities. If the exchange does not occur there will be no adverse or appreciable cumulative effects on any federal endangered species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state-listed species within or adjacent to the NFS lands proposed for exchange. Development on JADA land proposed for exchange, however, will probably have adverse effects on the ellipse (state watch list species). 11.3. Wildlife -- Cumulative Effects Past activities in Will County which have had effects on wildlife are almost identical to those discussed under (Federally endangered, threatened, or proposed species, Regional Forester's sensitive species, and state-listed species -- Cumulative Effects). Not all of these activities have adversely affected all wildlife species; for example, elimination of large predators has allowed for population increases of smaller predators, such as raccoon and coyote. Some, perhaps most of the wildlife species present on private land in Will County are likely to decrease, largely because of habitat destruction. However, it is likely that some habitat for these species will become state, county, and municipal conservation lands in Will County Present or reasonably foreseeable future activities on NFS land which may impact wildlife include: restoration of native vegetation, restoration of natural hydrology, removal of invasive, non-native plant species, grazing of livestock, reintroduction of bison and elk, and construction of trails. Present or reasonably foreseeable future activities on JADA land, which may have an adverse impact on wildlife, include development of open land, and increased construction and commercial traffic on Baseline and Drummond roads. Surface water runoff from construction and industrial activities into Jackson Creek would adversely impact aquatic invertebrates and fish. If the exchange is implemented the amount of NFS land will be consolidated, resulting in greater protection for the riparian corridor of Jackson Creek, which supports a rich assemblage of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Mitigation for grasslands and wetlands lost from NFS lands through the exchange could provide additional habitat for grassland and wetland birds. A railroad corridor built on the land exchange could have impacts on movements of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. There could also be collisions between wildlife and trains. Fences would be needed to prevent collisions that would threaten human life and property; culverts, installed to maintain surface water flow, could provide travel routes for smaller vertebrates. Bison and elk, if reintroduced at MNTP, would probably be excluded from any NFS lands east of the proposed railroad corridor; any beneficial ecological effects from the activities of these animals would not occur. However, there may be additional adverse affects in the foreseeable future if incidental trespass by construction equipment, vehicles, or pesticide drift during construction and maintenance of the railroad corridor occurs. There may also be impacts to wildlife from hydrological changes, if the railroad is not designed appropriately. If the exchange does not occur there will be no adverse or appreciable cumulative effects on wildlife species within or adjacent to the NFS lands proposed for exchange. If development were to occur on JADA lands proposed for exchange, there would probably be adverse effects on most wildlife species. 11.4. Wetlands -- Cumulative Effects Wetlands formerly covered between forty and sixty-one percent of Will County (Suloway and Hubbell 1994); now less than 3.1% of Will County remains as wetlands (Illinois Department of Natural Resources 1996). On private lands within Will County, the total amount of wetlands is likely to decrease through drainage and conversion to other uses. Wetlands on public lands (state, county) are likely to be protected, and may increase through restoration. If the exchange occurs, then there will be construction and maintenance of a railroad corridor linking the Deer Run Industrial Park with the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad. There are approximately 13 acres of wetlands in this corridor; approximately 9 acres are on NFS land, with approximately 3.9 acres on Army land (JTA). Not all these wetlands will be permanently lost because of construction of the rail corridor; however, it is likely that some of all of these wetlands will be disturbed, degraded or destroyed by construction activities. The amount of wetlands directly affected by construction activities is highly dependent on the design of the railroad. Those wetlands adjacent to the railroad corridor must be protected from further adverse affects from the land exchange, including incidental trespass of construction equipment, herbicide drift, or alterations in surface hydrology. Through the land exchange the USDA Forest Service will receive approximately 9 acres of wetlands present on the approximately 110 acres from JADA. Boundary adjustments will be made to ensure that there is no net loss of wetlands from NFS lands. Additional losses of wetlands may occur on Burlington Northern, Santa Fe Railroad property through construction of railroad sidings or other improvements associated with the railroad access to the Deer Run Industrial Park. Mitigation for effects on JTA and private wetlands will be as directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, Section 404 permit. If the land exchange is not implemented, there will be no loss or degradation of wetlands from the Drummond Dolomite Prairie area on NFS land. The approximately 9 acres of wetlands on JADA may be destroyed or otherwise adversely affected by development of the land. 11.5. Hydrology -- Cumulative Effects Past activities on both the NFS and JADA land which have affected hydrology on the lands proposed for exchange include: conversion of natural vegetation to cropland and pasture, grazing, erosion and sedimentation from agricultural activities, installation of ditches and drainage tiles, construction of a buried water pipeline covered by a low levee between Jackson Creek and Drummond Dolomite Prairie, construction of a raised road bed for Drummond Road, and channelization of Jackson Creek by the Army. Present or reasonably foreseeable future activities on NFS land which may impact (either positively or adversely) the hydrology include: restoration of native vegetation, restoration of natural hydrology, grazing of livestock, restoration of Jackson Creek to its original channel, and construction of trails. It is also likely that there will be increased development of private land in Will County and the Jackson Creek watershed; this will probably involve conversion of cropland and other open land to residential, commercial, and industrial uses. These uses will change characteristics of the stream flow, including frequency, intensity, and duration of flooding events, sediment loading, and water quality. If the land exchange is implemented as proposed in Alternative 3, the USDA-FS will receive 30 acres of 100-year floodplain and JADA will receive approximately 40 acres of 100-year floodplain. The USDA-FS will also receive approximately 0.7 stream miles of Jackson Creek. Construction of a railroad corridor may affect the floodplain and its floodwater storage capacity; this may have consequences immediately upstream and downstream of the proposed exchange. The importance of this capacity may increase as land use changes in the Jackson Creek watershed. Deed restrictions are necessary to prevent the construction of buildings, roads, or other structures, which may adversely impact hydrology or could be damaged by floodwaters. Design of the corridor must allow for surface water flow to the west, to prevent the loss of 160 acres of 100-year floodplain and to retain hydrology necessary for wetlands. If the land exchange is not implemented, there should be no changes in hydrology on NFS land, except for those related to restoration of the natural channel of Jackson Creek, which may actually improve floodwater storage capacity. Development of JADA land without proper retention basins may increase runoff into Jackson Creek. Even with retention basins, there will probably be changes in the quality of the water in the storm runoff. 11.6. Heritage Resources -- Cumulative Effects There will be no known cumulative affects as there are no known heritage resources. However, implementation of the exchange could provide protection (consistent with federal law) to heritage resources that may be found on the JADA land available for exchange. 11.7. Scenery Management -- Cumulative Effects Activities that have affected the appearance of the landscape of Will County include conversion of a natural landscape to agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Transportation and utility infrastructure that support these activities (roads, transmission lines) are often dominant features of the landscape, with strong visual or audible impacts. Areas not converted to other uses eventually changed because of hydrologic fluctuations, fire suppression and invasion by exotic plant species. It is likely that industrial, commercial, and residential uses will increase in Will County within the near future; buildings and associated infrastructure will come to dominate a greater proportion of the landscape. Present and reasonably foreseeable activities on NFS land that will effect scenery management include ecological restoration of the landscape, exotic species control, grazing (including cattle, bison, or elk), construction of trails and other amenities for recreation use and environmental education. Further impacts on scenery management at MNTP are likely to occur as land immediately adjacent to MNTP is developed for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Present and reasonably foreseeable activities on JADA land that will effect scenery management include the construction of a intermodal rail-transport hub, which will include the construction of warehouses, railroad yards, roads, parking lots, a power plant, and water treatment plants. Transportation access to this site will include upgrading Baseline Road and railroad lines from the Union-Pacific RR. If implemented, the rail corridor will certainly have impacts on visitor experiences in the vicinity of the Drummond Dolomite Prairie. However, this area is already affected by an active railroad and oil refinery on adjacent land, and will be further affected by the construction and operation of the proposed intermodal hub. The additional impacts of a railroad corridor on the land proposed for exchange will not significantly add to the impacts from adjacent commercial and industrial uses. Planting trees, and other viewshed management could mitigate these impacts. The No Action Alternative will not have impacts to scenery management on NFS lands. 11.8. Social and Economic Considerations -- Cumulative Effects The communities closest to the lands considered for exchange are Elwood and Wilmington, both in Will County, Illinois. Economic activity is centered in services, manufacturing and wholesale/retail trade, however agriculture is also a significant employer in southeastern Will County. The area lies between two interstate highways and several railroads. Given current trends, it is likely that the population of Will County will increase and the economy will expand in the foreseeable future, creating more jobs, but also placing increased demand on physical infrastructure, schools, local governments, and recreation areas. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is most likely to affect the local social setting and economy through money spent by visitors to the Prairie, services fulfilled by local contractors (grazing leases, construction, road removal), and revenue sharing programs. Environmental education opportunities at MNTP may also compensate for limitations in staffing, facilities, and equipment available in local school districts. Present and reasonably foreseeable activities on JADA land that will affect the local social and economic setting include the construction and operation of an intermodal rail-transport hub. JADA expects many new construction jobs building the facility and numerous permanent jobs once the rail hub is developed. The land exchange would create a corridor for construction of a railroad line linking the Deer Run Industrial Park to the Burlington Northern, Santa Fe Railroad. This would allow access from two railroads (Union Pacific RR is on the east side of the proposed industrial park). This is likely to enhance the demand for this facility, as it will be the only site with access from both railroad lines between Chicago and St. Louis. This is expected to affect employment at this facility. The increased truck and rail traffic, however, may have some negative affects on visitors to MNTP. Concerns for visitor safety and visual/sound impacts may eliminate certain opportunities for visitor access, recreational experiences, and environmental education. If the land exchange does not occur, then a railroad corridor linking Deer Run Industrial Park will not be built, at least not at that location. Industrial park development may not reach the same intensity as predicted, or development could be more diversified, with less dependence on an intermodal facility. Either scenario could have impacts on employment opportunities in the region. 11.9. Hazardous Materials -- Cumulative Effects Past activities affecting hazardous materials on the JOAAP include all manufacturing processes carried out at the ordnance plant, and maintenance activities including the application of herbicides. Present and reasonably foreseeable activities that may be affected by the presence of hazardous materials on MNTP include transfer of land, ecological restoration, removal of buildings, fences, and roads, agricultural activities, scientific research, environmental education, and recreation uses. Present and reasonably foreseeable activities that may be affected by the presence of hazardous materials on JADA include transfer of land, construction and development of an industrial park, removal of existing buildings, fences and roads, treatment of contaminated soils, and maintenance of the industrial park. If the land exchange in Alternative 3 is implemented, the USDA Forest Service will receive approximately 800 feet of security fence corridor, which may or may not contain soil contaminated with arsenic, for approximately 300 feet of security fence, which may or may not contain soil contaminated with arsenic. These soils, if contaminated, will require remediation. If the land exchange is not implemented, the USDA Forest Service will retain approximately 300 feet of security fence, which may or may not contain soil contaminated with arsenic. These soils, if contaminated, will eventually require remediation. The USDA Forest Service is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to analyze the significance of the effects. The alternatives were evaluated as to whether they may individually or cumulatively with other activities, have significant environmental effects, as referred to in the NEPA regulations 40 CFR 1508.27. The geographic and social context of the environmental effects of the proposed land exchange, considered either singly or cumulatively, are limited to the locality on which they occur and to the specific persons interested in the specific resources. The only regional effect that can be reasonably expected is the economic impetus provided by the availability of nearby railway lines to the Deer Run Industrial Park. Resource-specific areas of analysis and extent of effects (both short and long term) are described in this document and in specialist reports in the Project Record at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie headquarters office. The severity of the environmental effects of the proposed land exchange, considered alone or cumulatively with others, were tested against ten criteria listed in the NEPA regulations 40 CFR 1508.27. 12.2.1. Impacts that may be both beneficial and adverse. The anticipated environmental effects and their intensity have been disclosed for each alternative in this EA. The severity of any adverse impacts was viewed in the wider contexts of time and space. 12.2.2. Effects on public health and safety. Public health and safety were considered under fragmentation/consolidation impacts and social and economic impacts. There are potential conflicts at trail or road crossings between commercial traffic (railroad and truck) and MNTP visitors. Potential safety conflicts will be identified in cooperation with JADA and will be dealt with through appropriate standards and guidelines. 12.2.3. Unique characteristics of the geographic area. Floodplains and wetlands were considered under wetlands and hydrology, respectively. The land exchange contains portions of the 100-year floodplain of Jackson Creek. Approximately 40 acres of this floodplain would be transferred to JADA, and the USDA Forest Service will receive 30 acres of 100-year floodplain. The exchange will not result in a net loss of wetlands from NFS land; approximately 9 acres will be exchanged for approximately 9 acres. Additional adjustments may be needed to ensure that there is no net loss from NFS lands. Deed restrictions, easements, and other agreements will be made to prevent any significant impacts on these features. 12.2.4. The degree to which the effects on the quality of the human environment are likely to be highly controversial. The land exchange proposed in the Action Alternative would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment, and effects are unlikely to be highly controversial in a scientific sense. 12.2.5. The degree to which the possible effects on the human environment are highly uncertain or involve unique risks or unknown risks. Surveys of the area did not find physical evidence of hazardous materials, except the possibility of arsenic present along security fence lines. The effects of the proposed land exchange on wildlife and plant habitats, visual quality, recreation, cultural resources, soils, watershed, air quality and socio-economic concerns have been analyzed to the best of our present knowledge and are disclosed in this document. No unique risks are involved, and there is no basis for suspecting unknown risks. 12.2.6. The degree to which the action may establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects or represents a decision in principle about a future consideration. No precedents are established as a result of the decision being made or of the Action Alternative. The land exchange is specific to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Future proposals within the area or in surrounding areas can be analyzed on their merits and implemented or not, independent of the action currently proposed. 12.2.7. Cumulative significant effects of actions. Section 11 of this EA summarizes the potential cumulative effects of past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions on particular resources. The planning team determined that there would be no significant cumulative effects associated with the proposed alternatives. 12.2.8. The degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligible in the National Historic Register or Historic Places, or may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or historical resources. The NFS lands have been professionally surveyed for heritage resources. No sites were found. Any sites located on JADA land to be acquired by the Forest Service will be protected by standard protection measures. Therefore, no significant effects are foreseen, and no loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or historic resources is anticipated. 12.2.9. The degree to which the action may adversely affect an endangered or threatened species or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Possible effects on federally listed species and on Forest Service sensitive plant and wildlife species were analyzed and evaluated, and that analysis is included in the Biological Assessment for Threatened and Endangered wildlife and plant species. 12.2.10. Legality of the action. None of the alternatives would violate Federal, State or local laws or regulations imposed for the protection of the environment. The following resources will be monitored if the land exchange or action alternative are selected for implementation. Monitoring will be conducted by Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie personnel and volunteers, using standard monitoring techniques. Periodic field surveys will be conducted to determine if there are any significant changes to wetlands adjacent to the land exchange or to those received by the Forest Service through the land exchange. These surveys will focus on changes to the vegetation caused by potential hydrologic alteration, such as changes in dominant plant species (i.e., replacement of wetland species by upland species). 13.2. Effect on Threatened, Endangered, and Regional Forester Sensitive Species - Periodic field surveys will be conducted to determine if there are significant, long-term changes to populations of any TES species known to present within areas affected by the land exchange. Habitat improvement projects done for mitigation must be monitored with periodic field surveys to determine if they are successful. Techniques will be selected based on their suitability for the species being monitored; for example, census plots would be suitable for monitoring plants, while census point counts would be suitable for monitoring grassland birds. Eric Ulaszek, M.Sc. Botany, Southern Illinois University, 1988, B.Sc. Plant and Soil Science, Botany, Southern Illinois University, 1982, Horticultural Specialist with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 4 years. Renee Thakali, M.Sc. Forest Management, Michigan State University, 1985, B.Sc. Natural Resources Environmental Education, Michigan State University, 1977, Parklands Coordinator with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, USDA Forest Service, 14 years. Carr, John A. 1998. A Phase I Archeological Survey of Will County, Elwood, Joliet Arsenal, Joliet Arsenal Development Authority, Geotech Project #12903. Report to Geotech, Inc. from The C.A.V.E. Group, Inc. 23 pp. Cummings, K.S., and C.A. Mayer. 1992. Field guide to freshwater mussels of the Midwest. Illinois Natural History Survey Manual 5. 194 pp. Ecological Services. 1995. Native Vegetation, Wetlands, Watersheds, Panoramic Views at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and Joliet Training Area. Report to the Illinois Department of Natural resources. 22 pp. + maps. Glass, W.D. 1994. A Survey of the Endangered and Threatened Plant and Animal Species of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and Joliet Training Area, Will County, Illinois. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation. Springfield, Illinois. 92 pp. Herkert, J.R. Editor. 1991. Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution. Volume 1 - Plants. Endangered Species Protection Board, Springfield. 158 pp. Herkert, J.R. editor. 1992. Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution. Volume 2 - Animals. Endangered Species Protection Board, Springfield. 142 pp. Herkert, J.R. 1994. Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution. Volume 3 - 1994 Changes to the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species. Endangered Species Protection Board, Springfield. 33 pp. Hite, R.L., and B.A. Bertrand. 1989. Biological stream characterization (BSC): a biological assessment of Illinois stream quality. Illinois State Water Plan Task Force Special Report No. 13:1-42 + map. Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 1996. Illinois Land Cover, An Atlas. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield IL, IDNR/EEA-96/05. Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board. 1995. Illinois Watch List Species. Unpublished List. Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board. 1998a. Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Fauna, 1998 Revision. Unpublished List. Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board. 1998b. Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Flora, 1998 Revision. Unpublished List. Salminen, N., E. Ulaszek, and J. Miller. 1999. Wetlands evaluation for the JADA land exchange proposal dated 9 November 1999. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie administrative report. 4 pp. and 1 map. Suloway, L. and M. Hubbell. 1994. Wetland resources of Illinois: an analysis and atlas. Illinois Natural History Survey Special Publication 15. 88 pp. Ulaszek, E. 1999. Biological evaluation for the JADA land exchange proposal dated 17 August 1999. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie administrative report. 20 pp. Ulaszek, E. 1999. Addendum to biological evaluation for the JADA land exchange proposal dated 14 October 1999. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie administrative report. 2 pp. USDA-Forest Service. 1998. USFS Eastern Region (R9) Sensitive Species List (Draft): Animals USDA-Forest Service. 1998. USFS Eastern Region (R9) Sensitive Species List (Draft): Plants U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Dalea foliosa (leafy prairie clover) determined to be endangered. Federal Register 56 (84):19953-19959. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Leafy Prairie-clover Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 74 pp. White, J. 1978. Illinois Natural Areas Inventory Technical Report, Volume I: Survey Methods and Results. Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, Urbana, Illinois. 426 pp. White, J. and M. Madany. 1978. Classification of Natural Communities in Illinois, pp. 309-426, Appendix 30, in J. White, Illinois Natural Areas Inventory Technical Report, Volume I: Survey Methods and Results. Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, Urbana, Illinois. 426 pp. Midewin file Appendix
A: Response to Public Comments received from scoping on a proposed land exchange with Joliet Aresenal Development Authority. 1. Comment: Access to rail service is vital to redevelopment of industrial park. 1. Response: Your comment was considered in Chapter 10-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, Social and Economic Considerations. 2. Comment: Alternative 3 is a fair exchange of property. 2. Response: Thank you for your comment. 3. Comment: Alternative 3 is the only alternative that protects the dolomite prairie while allowing for the intended rail access to Deer Run Industrial Park. 3. Response: The present configuration of Alternative 3 minimizes impacts to the dolomite prairie while allowing for a railroad access corridor to Deer Run Industrial Park. Engineering requirements required a reconfiguration of the curve for the southern spur of the rail access to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe RR. Analysis of the impacts revealed that approximately 0.4? acres of dolomite prairie will be lost from NFS land (approximately 130 acres of dolomite prairie are present on NFS land within the vicinity of the proposed exchange). Some of this acreage may be destroyed or otherwise degraded by construction activities; the remainder may be unavailable for future ecological restoration and management. However, Alternative 3 has the least direct impacts on the dolomite prairie communities of the three action alternatives; Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would each result in the loss of 22 acres and 10 acres of dolomitie prairie, respectively. 4. Comment: The proposed land exchange shall serve the interests of both parties. 4. Response: Thank you for your comments. 5. Comment: The exchange will provide much needed rail access to make the Deer Run Industrial Park economically viable. 5. Response: Your comment was considered in Chapter 10-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, Social and Economic Considerations. 6. Comment: The exchange will provide rail access to the industrial park , as stipulated by the Joliet Arsenal Citizen Planning Commission, which states that "rail access to both industrial sites will be accomodated". 6. Response: While this exchange does fulfill the spirit of the document produced by the Joliet Arsenal Citizen Planning Commission, it should be noted that use of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Forest Service land) for access to the industrial parks is regulated by federal law, including the Illinois Land Conservation Act of 1996. 7. Comment: The proposed railroad connection is sited to preserve the dolomite prairie. 7. Response: Please refer to the response for Comment #3. 8. Comment: Midewin receives approximately 70 acres of upland grassland, while losing approximately 30 acres of a riparian area; also, no highly sensitive areas are lost. 8. Response: Through the land exchange Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would receive 40-60 acres of land that could be restored to grassland bird habitat, plus approximately 30 acres of riparian corridor along Jackson Creek. Midewin NTP would also receive 1.9 acres of seep communities, a highly sensitive habitat. Midewin NTP would loose a maximum of 29 acres of grassland bird habitat, and approximately 0.4 acres of dolomite prairie. 9. Comment: The acquired parcel will allow Midewin greater access to Jackson Creek and better access to the Jackson Creek wooded area near the old officers' quarters. 9. Response: Yes, the tract that Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would receive in exchange would allow for greater access to Jackson Creek, with the established standards and guidelines established for management and protection of riparian areas. However, the area to the east of Baseline Road would remain separated from the remainder of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie by a public road that will actively used by the Deer Run Industrial Park. 10. Comment: Alternative 3 looks sensible and acceptable to me and I have no reason not to go along with it. 10. Response: Thank you for your comments. 11. Comment: The preservation of Jackson Creek is important for environmental reasons and the USFS is in the best position to facilitate that preservation. 11. Response: Jackson Creek rated a "B" in state-wide inventory of high-quality streams. Few streams were of sufficient quality to receive any ranking in this inventory, and Jackson Creek is considered one of the highest quality streams in northeastern Illinois. This stream also supports a population of the ellipse, a mussel on the Illinois Watch List and proposed for the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list. Forest Service standards and guidelines concerning riparian corridors, watersheds, and Regional Forester's sensitive species should be sufficient to protect that portion of Jackson Creek on Forest Service lands. 12. Comment: This will be very beneficial to the proposed industrial parks that are being created in the former Joliet Arsenal because of the Burlington/Santa Fe Railroad now having access to this property. 12. Response: Your comment was considered in Chapter 10-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, Social and Economic Considerations. 13. Comment: The exchange will also give the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie the area known as Jackson Creek which will definitely be an environmental plus to our area. 13. Response: Thank you very much for your comments. See response to comment #11 above. 14. Comment: We have been extremely pleased with what Midewin has done with the area they have already received and feel confident that they will continue to improve this area in the same manner they have done with their other newly acquired land. 14. Response: Thank you for your comments. 15. Comment: We recommend that the Forest Service could retain ownership of the parcel and grant an easement or license for rail construction. 15. Response: At present, the policy of the USDA-FS is to not issue permanent easements; such easements require long-term administration, and are discouraged to increase administrative efficiency. Instead, similar corridors require a special use permit, which also requires a long-term administrative investment, including regular inspections, billings, and periodic re-issueing of permits. 16. Comment: We recommend that the Forest Service retains certain rights to the parcel to minimize impacts to Midewin; the Forest Service could swap parcels but retain easements, conservation easements, and/or other rights. At a minimum, the FS could retain the right to cross the strip with trails and/or roads. 16. Response: For this project, the USDA-FS is proposing a land exchange with deed restrictions to limit the use of the corridor to railroad purposes, and to protect floodplains, wetlands, and other resources. The USDA-FS is also reserving one or more easements to ensure access to adjacent NFS lands, including one crossing of the corridor. 17. Comment: A railroad connection between the Deer Run Industrial Park and the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe RR was always agreed upon; the land exchange is in accordance with that agreement. 17. Response: Please refer to response #6. 18. Comment: Rail access is absolutely crucial to the development of the industrial park and thus to the economic viability of the region. 18. Response: Your comment was considered in Chapter 10-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, Social and Economic Considerations. 19. Comment: The proposed exchange of land between the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority and the US Forest Service shall serve the best interests of both parties 19. Response: Thank you for your comments. 20. Comment: The land will not only benefit the efforts of JADA to develop Deer Run Industrial Park, but will also enhance the efforts of the Forest Service to develop the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. 20. Response: Your comment was considered in Chapter 10-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, Vegetation and Natural Communities and Social and Economic Considerations. 21. Comment: The land transfer is consistent with the original goals of the plan developed by the Joliet Arsenal Citizen Planning Commission, which included the provision of rail access to the industrial parks. 21. Response: Your comment was considered in
Chapter 10-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, Social and
Economic Considerations. Appendix B:
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available Appendix C:
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when scan is available Appendix
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available Appendix E: Figure 1. Proposed Land Transfer within the Local Area Figure 2. Wetlands within the Proposed Land Transfer Figure 3. 100-year Floodzone within the Proposed Land Transfer Figure 4. Native
Vegetation within the Proposed Land Transfer
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