B08-Attachment_1A-03_YELL_326141_Final_Specification_Appendicies_2026_07_22.pdf

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APPENDICES

YELL326141

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APPENDIX A

Categorical Exclusion Documents

Project Title: ________________________________________________________________________

PEPC Project Number: __________________________

Recommended by the following compliance specialists:

Digital Signature: _____________________________________ NEPA - Compliance Branch Chief

NHPA - Cultural Resources Branch Chief Digital Signature: _____________________________________

Superintendent Approval Digital Signature: _____________________________________

Superintendent Review and Approval

The Environmental Screening Form has been reviewed.

AND

The Assessment of Actions Having an Effect on Historic Properties has been reviewed. The proposed work conforms to the NPS Management Policies and Cultural Resource Management Guideline, and I have reviewed and approve the recommendations, stipulations, or conditions noted in Section C of this form.

AND

The Categorical Exclusion has been reviewed. Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion below. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply.

Compliance Package Prepared By: __________________________________________

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Yellowstone National Park Date: 09/16/2025

Categorical Exclusion Documentation Form (CE Form)

Project: Canyon Ballfield Modulars (Goal I Housing) PEPC Project Number: 121583 Description of Action (Project Description):

Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is located in a remote area, mostly surrounded by publicly-owned land. Housing costs in Gardiner and the surrounding area have risen sharply in recent years, with the average home price in Gardiner being in the $850,000 range. Consequently, few of the park's employees can afford to live outside the park. Housing inside the park is scarce and often in poor condition, although YNP is in the midst of a multi-year effort to improve existing housing. However, the park does not contain enough housing to accommodate the year-round employees necessary for park operations. The housing shortage has negatively impacted YNP's ability to attract qualified employees to fill permanent positions. As a result, YNP is proposing to increase employee housing units in a variety of locations and configurations, including in the Canyon administrative area.

Yellowstone National Park proposes to install 10 modular employee housing units along the existing Canyon Government Area Road/Badger Road. The area is currently used as a boneyard for material storage and is situated between existing National Park Service employee housing and office space and a contractor RV park. The proposed residential units would be of modular construction, two-bedroom and two-bathroom, single-family homes with gabled roofs and front porches, installed on concrete foundations. They would be similar in type and construction to other recent housing in YNP. Additionally, the necessary utilities would be installed, and the existing dirt road would be widened and paved. See attached plans.

Temporary staging of construction materials would take place on the project site. The proposed action would be performed by an independent contractor beginning in May 2026.

YNP Cultural Resources staff determined that the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on historic properties.

The housing units themselves would not be in view of any historic properties. Paving the area's access road, which ties into the Grand Loop Road, would not be an adverse effect the Grand Loop Road Historic District as there are currently dozens of paved access roads connecting to the district. There are no known archaeological resources within the area of potential effect.

WY SHPO concurred Feb 20, 2025.

USFWS concurred with YNP's determination that the Project 'may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the Canada lynx, and the grizzly bear, is 'not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the monarch butterfly and the Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee, would have 'no effect on the North American wolverine, the yellow-billed cuckoo, and the Ute ladies-tresses, and 'would not destroy or adversely modify designated Canada lynx critical habitat. The Services biological opinion states that the Project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the whitebark pine with the incorporation of conservation measures. The anticipated level of whitebark pine removal caused by the proposed action would not appreciably reduce the overall population, reproduction, and distribution of whitebark pine throughout its range. See attachments within Other Compliance.

Certifications/Permitting:

The Environmental Protection Agency is the only valid certification authority for water quality. All necessary and required certifications (CWA 401, 402) and permits (CWA 404) must be in place before commencement of the activities described in this categorical exclusion.

Project Locations:

Location County: Park State: WY

Mitigation(s):

• All wetlands within or adjacent to project areas must be avoided. Wetlands to be avoided will be marked on the maps/plans provided to construction contractor and flagged prior to start of work. Contact YNP Vegetation Program to schedule flagging.

• The Environmental Protection Agency is the only valid certification authority for water quality. All necessary and required certifications (CWA 401, 402) and permits (CWA 404) must be in place before commencement of the activities described in this categorical exclusion.

• UTE LADIES'-TRESSES Conservation Measures: • Herbicide spot treatments for infrastructure activities will maintain a minimum distance of 1 m (3.3 ft) from Ute ladies-tresses. Ground-based broadcast applications will maintain a minimum distance of 3 m (10 ft) from Ute Ladies-tresses. • Train project personnel to identify the species to ensure project activities do not result in more adverse effects than described in the project description. • Limit soil disturbance and compaction by limiting the use of mechanical equipment such as heavy equipment and vehicles.

Control runoff of soil during project activities and avoid using machinery in wet soils and areas prone to ruts. • Minimize creation of dust when using mechanical equipment (heavy equipment and vehicles).

• YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO: • Managers will ensure all participants, including collaborators, and volunteers, are given orientations on how to avoid disturbing or encountering a yellow-billed cuckoo and other wildlife, including regulations regarding vehicle speed limits, food storage, disposal of garbage and other attractants, and approaching or harassing wildlife. • When possible, managers will limit employee camps and equipment storage areas to existing support facilities to reduce disturbance. • Any observation of a yellow-billed cuckoo within the proposed action area would be reported to the wildlife biologist and appropriate action would be taken to reduce potential effects.

• GRIZZLY BEAR Conservation Measures: • Managers will ensure all participants, including contractors, collaborators, and volunteers, are given orientations on how to avoid disturbing or encountering bears and other wildlife, including regulations regarding vehicle speed limits, food storage, disposal of garbage and other attractants, and approaching or harassing wildlife. • Unless authorized, workers in YNP will avoid designated closure areas that have high historic use by grizzly bears during spring and summer, as well as closure areas around active bear dens to minimize wildlife disturbance and human-wildlife interactions. • When possible, managers will limit employee or contractor camps and equipment storage areas to existing support facilities to reduce disturbance. • During and after management activities, managers will take prevention and restoration measures to avoid the introduction of exotic invasive species and discourage the establishment of herbaceous foods such as clover.

• CANADA LYNX Conservation Measures: • Managers will ensure all participants, including contractors, collaborators, and volunteers, are given orientations on how to avoid disturbing, approaching, or harassing lynx and other wildlife. • When possible, managers will limit employee or contractor camps and equipment storage areas to existing support facilities to reduce disturbance. • Any observation of Canada lynx within the action area would be reported to the wildlife biologist and appropriate action would be taken to reduce potential effects.

• WHITEBARK PINE Conservation Measures: • Conduct pre-project surveys to identify WBP individuals of all age classes. • When marking is appropriate, clusters of whitebark pine trees will be marked (so they may be avoided) in a manner that does not cause damage to the tree or introduce disease.• Avoid ground disturbance from heavy equipment within whitebark pine stands and within 10 m (33 ft) of known whitebark pine trees, which will protect the roots and soil within the drip line of large, mature trees. • If using heavy equipment in whitebark pine stands cannot be avoided, equipment will be used sparingly and will be cleaned before entering and leaving work sites to prevent the spread of invasive species, pathogens, and pests. • Avoid off road motorized travel in whitebark pine habitat. • When working in whitebark pine stands, ensure work does not introduce or spread Ribes species that are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. • Herbicide spot treatments for infrastructure activities will maintain a minimum distance of 1 m (3.3 ft) from a whitebark pine tree. Ground-based broadcast applications will maintain a minimum distance of 3 m (10 ft) from the trunk of a whitebark pine tree. • Train project personnel to identify the species regardless of their age class (seedling, sapling, and mature trees) to ensure project activities do not result in more adverse effects than described in the project description. • Wherever possible, avoid removing or damaging healthy, unsuppressed whitebark trees. Limit soil disturbance and compaction by limiting the use of mechanical equipment such as heavy equipment and vehicles. Control runoff of soil during project activities and avoid using machinery in wet soils and areas prone to ruts. • Minimize creation of dust when using mechanical equipment (heavy equipment and vehicles).

• SUCKLEY'S CUCKOO BUMBLE BEE Conservation Measures: • To the extent feasible, no nectar feeding plants or host plant species for Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee will be removed during management activities. • If habitat disturbance is necessary, project managers will try to adjust the timing of activities in areas containing plants used by Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee to avoid interfering with breeding or feeding. • To the extent feasible, managers will avoid using pesticides or herbicides in Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee habitat that could result in direct mortality or eliminate host and nectar plants. • If pesticide application is necessary near Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee habitat, managers will select chemical formulations specific to the targeted pest, time applications to avoid activity periods, establish buffers, and minimize drift to non-target areas by direct ground application.

• MONARCH BUTTERFLY Conservation Measures: • To the extent feasible, no nectar feeding plants or host plant species for monarch butterflies or caterpillars will be removed during management activities.

• If habitat disturbance is necessary, project managers will try to adjust the timing of activities in areas containing plants used by monarchs to avoid interfering with breeding or feeding.

• To the extent feasible, managers will avoid using pesticides or herbicides in monarch butterfly habitat that could result in direct mortality or eliminate host and nectar plants.

• If pesticide application is necessary near monarch butterfly habitat, managers will select chemical formulations specific to the targeted pest, time applications to avoid monarch activity periods, establish buffers, and minimize drift to non-target areas by direct ground application.

• WOLVERINE Conservation Measures: • Managers will ensure all participants, including contractors, collaborators, and volunteers, are given orientations on how to avoid disturbing or encountering wolverines and other wildlife, including regulations regarding vehicle speed limits, food storage, disposal of garbage and other attractants, and approaching or harassing wildlife.

• When possible, managers will limit employee or contractor camps and equipment storage areas to existing support facilities to reduce disturbance.

• Any observation of wolverines within the proposed action area would be reported to the wildlife biologist and appropriate action would be taken to reduce potential effects.

• All equipment and tools shall be cleaned completely prior to entering the work zone to prevent the spreading of non-invasive plant seeds. Equipment shall be inspected for compliance. (This General Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• All erosion and sediment control devices shall be adequately maintained to assure continued performance of their intended function. Those that have sustained damage or have reached their capability shall be replaced or maintenance performed. (This General Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• All material brought into the park from outside sources must be certified weed-free fill obtained from a recently certified facility. Please contact the Yellowstone Center for Resources (YCR) for the most up to date list of certified facilities in the GYE. (This General Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Ground disturbance from heavy equipment will be avoided within whitebark pine stands and within 10 meters (m;

33 feet) of known whitebark pine trees, which will protect the roots and soil within the drip line of large, mature trees. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• When marking is appropriate, clusters of whitebark pine trees will be marked (for avoidance) in a manner that does not cause damage to the tree or introduce disease. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Off road motorized travel in whitebark pine habitat will be avoided. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Train project personnel to identify the species regardless of their age class (seedling, sapling, and mature trees) to ensure project activities do not result in more adverse effects than described in the project description. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Wherever possible, avoid removing or damaging healthy, unsuppressed whitebark trees. Limit soil disturbance and compaction by limiting the use of mechanical equipment such as heavy equipment and vehicles. Control runoff of soil during project activities and avoid using machinery in wet soils and areas prone to ruts. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Herbicide spot treatments for infrastructure activities will maintain a minimum distance of 1 m (3.3 feet) from a whitebark pine tree. Ground-based broadcast applications will maintain a minimum distance of 3 m (10 feet) from the trunk of a whitebark pine tree. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Ensure work crews adhere to bear safety and food storage regulations.

• The project lead will ensure that all project-related employees, such as contract employees, would be given orientation on how to avoid disturbing or encountering bears and how to minimize unavoidable effects or encounters. Orientation would include information about park regulations regarding food storage, disposal of garbage and other bear attractants, and approaching or harassing wildlife.

• If using heavy equipment in whitebark pine stands cannot be avoided, equipment will be used sparingly and will be cleaned before entering and leaving work sites to prevent the spread of invasive species, pathogens, and pests. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• Pre-project surveys will be conducted to identify whitebark pine individuals of all age classes. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• When working in whitebark pine stands, work will not introduce or spread Ribes species that are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. (This Whitebark Pine Conservation Measure was specified in USFWS Biological Opinion).

• All workers will be informed of the criminal penalties for illegally collecting historic objects and/or artifacts or intentionally damaging any archeological or historic property. Workers will also be informed of the correct procedures should cultural resources be uncovered during construction activities. Cultural resources will be identified and documented by a professional archaeologist, historian, or museum curator (as appropriate) that meets SOI and NPS standards, and an appropriate mitigation strategy will be developed, if necessary, in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations, including the stipulations of the 2008 Programmatic Agreement Among the National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers.

• If previously unknown archeological resources are discovered during construction activities, all ground disturbing activities in the immediate vicinity (300 feet) of the discovery shall be halted and the Park Archaeologist notified immediately. Cultural resources will be identified and documented by an archaeologist meeting the NPS Qualification Standards and the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards. An appropriate mitigation strategy will be developed, if necessary, in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations.

• In the event that human remains or other items that fall under the purview of NAGPRA are discovered during construction activities, all work on the project must stop and the park archeologist contacted immediately. As required by law, the coroner will be notified first. All provisions outlined in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990) will be followed.

• Project will ensure vegetation continues to screen views of development (such as the NPS government areas) from the Grand Loop Road Historic District (48YE520) by retaining trees of varied maturation that provide both understory and canopy trees.

• To avoid impacts to migratory birds during nesting season, please consider conducting all vegetation removal activities outside of March 1 - August 15th for raptors, and May 1 - August 15th for songbirds. If you are within the March 1 - August 15 window, and you suspect active nests from detection of physical structures (e.g. large collections of sticks or smaller plant material in nest-like shape, cavity holes) or behaviors (e.g. birds in and out of tree cavities, activity at nest-like structures in trees, birds carrying food into nest-like structures), please contact the Bird Program Manager at 307-344-2218 or david_b_haines@nps.gov to discuss or schedule a survey.

• To minimize the amount of ground disturbance, staging and stockpiling areas shall be located in previously disturbed sites, away from visitor use areas to the greatest extent possible. All staging and stockpiling areas shall be returned to pre-construction conditions following construction.

• To the extent practical, work shall be scheduled to avoid construction activity and construction related delays during peak visitation times. No holiday or night time work shall be allowed. Weekend work (Friday through Sunday) shall not be allowed unless authorized in writing by the park's Superintendent.

• Project manager will ensure residents are properly notified of project related activities including closures, detours, power outages, and invasive plant treatment as necessary, prior to commencement of the aforementioned activities.

• Contractors would coordinate with park staff to reduce disruption in normal park activities (i.e. facilitate emergency traffic, and hauling material, to allow for visitor use in areas where no conflicts or safety concerns exist).

• To minimize the amount of ground disturbance, staging and stockpiling areas would be located in previously disturbed sites if at all possible. All staging and stockpiling areas would be returned to pre-construction conditions following construction. Construction zones and staging areas would be identified and fenced with construction tape, snow fencing, or some similar material prior to any construction activity. The fencing would define the construction zone and confine activity to the minimum area required for construction.

• Please contact your compliance representative if the scope of work changes to ensure proper compliance documentation has been completed. Upon project completion, please send a written summary, with photos if possible, to close out the administrative record for your project.

• Project shall comply with NPS and park lighting guidelines to reduce impacts to the night sky and wildlife. This will include, but is not limited to, low-level lighting, minimized glare, downward focused light fixtures, and energy efficient light sources such as low-pressure sodium lamps.

• Line locates must be completed before any excavation work may begin. The depth of utility line varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 before every job gets underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.

• Any and all historic objects discovered during this project (i.e. under foundations, in wall, attic, or crawl spaces, etc.) remain property of the federal government and shall be considered by the YELL Collections Committee for accessioning into the park unit's museum collection whether they are stored at an NPS facility or placed on loan to an agreed upon repository.

• The project lead will ensure that all project-related employees, such as contract employees, would be given orientation on how to avoid disturbing or encountering bears and how to minimize unavoidable effects or encounters. Orientation would include information about park regulations regarding food storage, disposal of garbage and other bear attractants, and approaching or harassing wildlife.

• Ensure work crews adhere to bear safety and food storage regulations.

CE Citation: 3.3.C.18 Construction of minor structures, including small improved parking lots, in previously disturbed or developed areas.

CE Justification:

This project proposes to infill modular housing within the previously disturbed area of the established Canyon administrative area. There would be no significant impact to natural or cultural resources by the project as proposed, providing mitigation measures are followed. Therefore, Categorical Exclusion 3.3.C.18 applies.

Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion above. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply.

Extraordinary Circumstances:

If implemented, would the proposal... Yes/No Explanation A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? No The project proposal to build ten housing units in the

Canyon administrative area would have positive impacts to employee health and safety. These units would provide safe and secure housing for several National Park Service families. These families would be able to join an established housing area with mental health services, fitness center, daycare services, and a preschool which would provide a sense of security and community.

B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation or refuge lands;

wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers;

prime farmlands; wetlands; floodplains; national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas?

No This proposed project occurs within a previously disturbed area within the Canyon administrative area. It would not have significant impacts on natural or cultural resources. It would occur outside the recommended wilderness boundary. It does not have impacts to wild or scenic rivers, landmarks, floodplains, national monuments, migratory birds or ecologically critical or significant areas.

The road improvement would impact a small section of roadside ditch wetlands. The proposed action would permanently impact 0.033 acres (48.29 cu yd) of roadside ditch wetlands. Construction would temporarily impact

0.001 ac (4.87 cu yd) wetlands. This impact is not significant.

C. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks?

No This circumstance does not apply because the project is occurring within the footprint of previous disturbance. The proposed project does not have highly uncertain or potentially significant environmental impacts or risks.

D. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects?

No This project does not establish a precedent for future action because potential future projects with similar scope are unlikely to have the potential for significant environmental effects. The infill of housing within established housing areas would be a sustainable mechanism to address shifting park needs while limiting the expansion of developed areas and the overall building footprint parkwide.

E. Have a direct relationship to other actions that implicate potentially significant environmental effects?

No This extraordinary circumstance does not apply because the project is within the previous disturbance Lower Mammoth housing development. This project would occur within the previous footprint of a motor camp, so no new area would be disturbed and thus no new cumulatively significant environmental effects.

F. Have significant impacts on properties listed, or eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places as determined by the bureau?

No YNP Cultural Resources staff determined that the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on historic properties. The housing units themselves would not be in view of any historic properties. Paving the area's access road, which ties into the Grand Loop Road, would not be an adverse effect the Grand Loop Road Historic District as there are currently dozens of paved access roads connecting to the district. There are no known archaeological resources within the area of potential effect. WY SHPO concurred with this determination.

G. Have significant impacts on species listed, or proposed to be listed, on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species?

No This extraordinary circumstance does not apply. The proposed action was reviewed by a YNP biologist who then consulted with USFWS. See Other Compliance section and attached correspondence within Internal Documents.

H. Significantly limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on Federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or significantly adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites?

No This is not applicable because access to and ceremonial use of indigenous sacred sites would not be limited.

I. Contribute to potentially significant effects resulting from the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or from other actions that promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act)?

No This project would not contribute to the introduction or spread of noxious weeds or nonnative invasive species because mitigations are in place to limit the spread of such vegetation.

Yellowstone National Park

Date: 09/16/2025

ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING FORM (ESF)

Updated Sept 2015 per NPS NEPA Handbook

A. PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Title: Canyon Ballfield Modulars (Goal I Housing) PEPC Project Number: 121583 PMIS Number:

Project Type: Capital Improvement/New Construction (CI) Project Location:

County, State: Park, Wyoming Project Leader: Robert Kammel

B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is located in a remote area, mostly surrounded by publicly-owned land. Housing costs in Gardiner and the surrounding area have risen sharply in recent years, with the average home price in Gardiner being in the $850,000 range. Consequently, few of the park's employees can afford to live outside the park. Housing inside the park is scarce and often in poor condition, although YNP is in the midst of a multi-year effort to improve existing housing. However, the park does not contain enough housing to accommodate the year-round employees necessary for park operations. The housing shortage has negatively impacted YNP's ability to attract qualified employees to fill permanent positions. As a result, YNP is proposing to increase employee housing units in a variety of locations and configurations, including in the Canyon administrative area.

Yellowstone National Park proposes to install 10 modular employee housing units along the existing Canyon Government Area Road/Badger Road. The area is currently used as a boneyard for material storage and is situated between existing National Park Service employee housing and office space and a contractor RV park. The proposed residential units would be of modular construction, two-bedroom and two-bathroom, single-family homes with gabled roofs and front porches, installed on concrete foundations. They would be similar in type and construction to other recent housing in YNP. Additionally, the necessary utilities would be installed, and the existing dirt road would be widened and paved. See attached plans.

Temporary staging of construction materials would take place on the project site. The proposed action would be performed by an independent contractor beginning in May 2026.

YNP Cultural Resources staff determined that the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on historic properties.

The housing units themselves would not be in view of any historic properties. Paving the area's access road, which ties into the Grand Loop Road, would not be an adverse effect the Grand Loop Road Historic District as there are currently dozens of paved access roads connecting to the district. There are no known archaeological resources within the area of potential effect.

WY SHPO concurred Feb 20, 2025.

USFWS concurred with YNP's determination that the Project 'may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the Canada lynx, and the grizzly bear, is 'not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the monarch butterfly and the Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee, would have 'no effect on the North American wolverine, the yellow-billed cuckoo, and the Ute ladies-tresses, and 'would not destroy or adversely modify designated Canada lynx critical habitat. The Services biological opinion states that the Project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the whitebark pine with the incorporation of conservation measures. The anticipated level of whitebark pine removal caused by the proposed action would not appreciably reduce the overall population, reproduction, and distribution of whitebark pine throughout its range. See attachments within Other Compliance.

Certifications/Permitting:

The Environmental Protection Agency is the only valid certification authority for water quality. All necessary and required certifications (CWA 401, 402) and permits (CWA 404) must be in place before commencement of the activities described in this categorical exclusion.

C. RESOURCE IMPACTS TO CONSIDER:

Resource Potential for Impact

Potential Issues & Impacts

Air Air Quality Air Quality

Potential Issue: Exhaust and dust generated from construction activities and equipment

Impact: Air quality would be temporarily degraded due to construction dust during the construction period. Local emissions from construction equipment would occur during this same time.

Biological Nonnative or Exotic Species Nonnative plants

Potential Issue: Spread or introduction of nonnative vegetation.

Impact: Nonnative plants may be spread or introduced during ground-disturbing activities or by equipment travel from one area to another. Mitigation measures and a vegetation management plan will be needed prior to implementation.

Biological Species of Special Concern or Their Habitat Species protected by the Endangered Species Act

Potential Issue: Species protected by the Endangered Species Act may or do occur in the proposed action area

Impact: USFWS concurred with YNP's determination that the Project 'may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the Canada lynx, (Lynx canadensis) and the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), is 'not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and the Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus suckleyi), will have 'no effect on the North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus), the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and the Ute ladies-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), and 'will not destroy or adversely modify designated Canada lynx critical habitat. The Services biological opinion states that the Project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the whitebark pine with the incorporation of conservation measures.

The anticipated level of whitebark pine removal caused by the proposed action will not appreciably reduce the overall population, reproduction, and distribution of whitebark pine throughout its range. See Internal Documents for consultation records.

Biological Vegetation Forest

Potential Issue: Tree removal will be required to install utilities and the modular homes.

Impact: Forests cover roughly 80% of Yellowstone National Park so the removal of trees within the proposed project area would have a small impact on the overall forests of Yellowstone.

Biological Wildlife and/or Wildlife Habitat including terrestrial and aquatic species Wildlife Habitat

Potential Issue: Tree removal would be required to install utilities and the modular homes.

Impact: Removal of some trees would negatively impact the micro-ecosystem dependent on those trees (insects, small mammals) until they were able to move to a nearby tree.

Cultural Archeological Resources Archeological Resources

Potential Issue: Ground disturbance associated with this project could expose previously unknown archaeological resources.

Impact: Ground disturbance work could damage or destroy previously unknown resources. However, a process is in place to inventory archaeological resources in areas not yet inventoried. See mitigations.

Cultural Cultural Landscapes Cultural Landscapes

None Issue: New buildings within a previously disturbed area within an administrative area

Impact: YNP Cultural Resources staff determined that the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on historic properties. The housing units themselves would not be in view of any historic properties. Paving the area's access road, which ties into the Grand Loop Road, would not be an adverse effect the Grand Loop Road Historic District as there are currently dozens of paved access roads connecting to the district. There are no known archaeological resources within the area of potential effect. WY SHPO concurred with these findings.

Cultural Ethnographic Resources Ethnographic Resources

Potential Issue: Tribes have identified some plants and animals in the park that are ethnographically significant. Ground disturbance associated with this project could expose previously unknown ethnographic resources.

Impact: Ground disturbance work could damage or destroy previously unknown resources. However, mitigations are in place if such resources are found during work. Additionally, if the project would disturb these resources the tribes will be consulted

Cultural Museum Collections Objects and Specimens

Potential Issue: Ground disturbance associated with this project could expose previously unknown objects or specimens of interest by Yellowstone National Park museum staff.

Impact: Ground disturbance work could damage or destroy previously unknown resources. However, mitigations are in place if such resources are found during work.

Cultural Prehistoric/historic structures

None

Geological Geologic Features Soils

Potential Issue: Ground disturbance is necessary for this project.

Impact: Minor, short-and long-term impacts will occur to the geological resources in the project area due to excavation necessary to perform this project.

This is a previously disturbed (housing) area. Mitigations are in place in the event that cultural resources are found during excavation.

Geological Geologic Processes Geologic Processes

None Issue: Ground disturbance work could damage or destroy previously unknown resources.

Impact: No known geologic resources in the area. However, mitigations are in place if such resources are found during work.

Lightscapes Lightscapes Night Skies

Potential Issue: Potential light pollution

Impact: Increasing housing capacity in the park will inherently increase the number of light sources available to contribute to the degradation of night skies.

However, it is not expected that the implementation of this project would degrade the quality of night sky in the park to a point where it would be noticeably apparent.

Other Human Health and Safety Employee health and safety

Potential Issue: Old housing units were infested with pests and badly deteriorated

Impact: The health and safety of employees living in park housing would be greatly improved by removing the old trailer units and installing new modular housing.

Paleontological Paleontological Resources Paleontological Resources

None Issue: Ground disturbance work could damage or destroy previously unknown resources.

Impact: No known paleontological resources in the area. However, mitigations are in place if such resources are found during work.

Socioeconomic Land Use Land Use

Potential Impact: Goal I housing would increase employee housing in Yellowstone National Park.

Socioeconomic Socioeconomic Socioeconomic Factors

Potential Impact: Goal I housing would increase employee housing in Yellowstone National Park.

Soundscapes Soundscapes Soundscapes

Potential Issue: Construction noise

Impact: Noise from construction activities may temporarily disrupt the experience of visitors at the Mammoth Campground, the residents of the Canyon housing area, and wildlife within the immediate vicinity. However, this is a temporary disruption and would occur during daytime hours.

Viewsheds Viewsheds Viewsheds

None Issue: Additional housing units installed in administrative area

Impact: The additional housing units would not impact the Grand Loop Road Historic District since there would be enough tree screening blocking the view.

Visitor Use and Experience Recreation Resources Recreation Resources, NPS Staff

Potential Impact: The availability of safe, secure, and comfortable NPS-staff housing will help Yellowstone National Park maintain its workforce which would help keep the Park at a higher level of service for visitors.

Visitor Use and Experience Visitor Use and Experience Visitor Use and Experience

None Impact: The proposed project would not impact visitor use or experience as construction would be during daylight areas and is within a NPS administrative area.

Water Floodplains Floodplains

None Impact: There are no floodplains within the construction boundary of the proposed project.

Water Water Quality or Quantity Water Quality or Quantity

Potential Issue: Temporary water (rain, snow-melt runoff) turbidity during ground disturbance.

Impact: Negligible short-and long-term adverse impacts to water quality may occur during ground disturbance activities. Mitigations are in place to reduce/prevent the runoff of turbid water during rain events.

Water Wetlands Wetlands

Potential Issue: Wetlands occur along one edge of roadway to be improved.

Impact: The proposed action would permanently impact 0.033 acres (48.29 cu

yd) of roadside ditch wetlands during road renovations. Construction would temporarily impact 0.001 ac (4.87 cu yd) wetlands. CWA 401/404 certification/permitting would be in place before impacts to wetlands.

Wilderness Wilderness Wilderness

None Impact: The proposed action would occur outside of the recommended wilderness boundary.

D. ESF ADDENDUM QUESTIONS:

Question Answer Notes

ASSESSMENT OF ACTIONS HAVING AN EFFECT ON HISTORIC

PROPERTIES

A. DESCRIPTION OF UNDERTAKING

1. Park: Yellowstone National Park

2. Project Description:

Project Name: Canyon Ballfield Modulars (Goal I Housing) Prepared by: Alicia Murphy Date Prepared: 02/04/2025 Telephone: (307) 344-2627 PEPC Project Number: 121583 Locations:

County, State: Park, WY Describe project:

Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is located in a remote area, mostly surrounded by publicly-owned land. Housing costs in Gardiner and the surrounding area have risen sharply in recent years, with the average home price in Gardiner being in the $850,000 range. Consequently, few of the park's employees can afford to live outside the park. Housing inside the park is scarce and often in poor condition, although YNP is in the midst of a multi-year effort to improve existing housing. However, the park does not contain enough housing to accommodate the year-round employees necessary for park operations. The housing shortage has negatively impacted YNP's ability to attract qualified employees to fill permanent positions. As a result, YNP is proposing to increase employee housing units in a variety of locations and configurations, including in the Canyon administrative area.

Yellowstone National Park proposes to install 10 modular employee housing units along the existing Canyon Government Area Road/Badger Road. The area is currently used as a boneyard for material storage and is situated between existing National Park Service employee housing and office space and a contractor RV park. The proposed residential units would be of modular construction, two-bedroom and two-bathroom, single-family homes with gabled roofs and front porches, installed on concrete foundations. They would be similar in type and construction to other recent housing in YNP. Additionally, the necessary utilities would be installed, and the existing dirt road would be widened and paved. See attached plans.

Temporary staging of construction materials would take place on the project site. The proposed action would be performed by an independent contractor beginning in May 2026.

YNP Cultural Resources staff determined that the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on historic properties.

The housing units themselves would not be in view of any historic properties. Paving the area's access road, which ties into the Grand Loop Road, would not be an adverse effect the Grand Loop Road Historic District as there are currently dozens of paved access roads connecting to the district. There are no known archaeological resources within the area of potential effect.

WY SHPO concurred Feb 20, 2025.

USFWS concurred with YNP's determination that the Project 'may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the Canada lynx, and the grizzly bear, is 'not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the monarch butterfly and the Suckleys cuckoo bumble bee, would have 'no effect on the North American wolverine, the yellow-billed cuckoo, and the Ute ladies-tresses, and 'would not destroy or adversely modify designated Canada lynx critical habitat. The Services biological opinion states that the Project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the whitebark pine with the incorporation of conservation measures. The anticipated level of whitebark pine removal caused by the proposed action would not appreciably reduce the overall population, reproduction, and distribution of whitebark pine throughout its range. See attachments within Other Compliance.

Certifications/Permitting:

The Environmental Protection Agency is the only valid certification authority for water quality. All necessary and required certifications (CWA 401, 402) and permits (CWA 404) must be in place before commencement of the activities described in this categorical exclusion.

Area of potential effects (as defined in 36 CFR 800.16[d]) APE map approved by Kyle Stone via email to Alicia Murphy. Includes accurate area for utility upgrades.

3. Has the area of potential effects been surveyed to identify historic properties?

No

X Yes

Source or reference:

4. Potentially Affected Resource(s):

Archeological Resources Present: No

Archeological Resources Notes: The park completed five pedestrian survey-based cultural resources inventory in the Canyon residential area between 1989 and 2016. Archaeological inventory efforts identified one archaeological site within 50 ft (15 m) of the APE and none within the APE. Segment D of the former alignment of the Chittenden Road, archeological site 48YE0826, crosses the Grand Loop Road (48YE520) approximately 30 ft. (9.1 m) south of the north junction of the Canyon Government Area Road and the Grand Loop Road (48YE520), Canyon Village to Tower Village section, at the eastern terminus of the APE. Segment D of the Chittenden Road (48YE826) within the Canyon Village Government Residential Area was recommended as not likely eligible for listing on nor contributing to the potential eligibility of the Chittenden Road corridor for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (Sanders et al [1995]). This segment of the Chittenden Road is south of the APE and would not be impacted by the proposed housing construction project.

Historical Structures/Resources Present: Yes

Historical Structures/Resources Notes: Existing unpaved access road that ties into the Grand Loop Rd Historic District (48YE520) will be paved.

Cultural Landscapes Present:

Ethnographic Resources Present: No

Ethnographic Resources Notes: Tribes have identified all of YNP as containing ethnographic resources, however, none specific to this APE have been identified.

5. The proposed action will: (check as many as apply)

No Destroy, remove, or alter features/elements from a historic structure

No Replace historic features/elements in kind

No Add non-historic features/elements to a historic structure

Yes Alter or remove features/elements of a historic setting or environment (inc. terrain)

No Add non-historic features/elements (inc. visual, audible, or atmospheric) to a historic setting or cultural landscape

No Disturb, destroy, or make archeological resources inaccessible

No Disturb, destroy, or make ethnographic resources inaccessible>

Yes Potentially affect presently unidentified cultural resources Begin or contribute to deterioration of historic features, terrain, setting, landscape elements, or archeological or ethnographic resources

No Involve a real property transaction (exchange, sale, or lease of land or structures)

Other (please specify):

6. Supporting Study Data:

(Attach if feasible; if action is in a plan, EA or EIS, give name and project or page number.)

Culpin, Mary [1994] The History of the Construction of the Road System in Yellowstone National Park, 1872-1966, Historic Resource Study, Volume 1

B. REVIEWS BY CULTURAL RESOURCE SPECIALISTS

The park 106 coordinator requested review by the park's cultural resource specialist/advisors as indicated by check-off boxes or as follows:

No Reviews From: Curator, Archeologist, Historical Architect, Historian, 106 Advisor, Other Advisor, Anthropologist, Historical Landscape Architect

C. PARK SECTION 106 COORDINATOR'S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Assessment of Effect:

No Potential to Cause Effects No Historic Properties Affected

X No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect

2. Documentation Method:

[ X ] Standard 36 CFR Part 800 Consultation Further consultation under 36 CFR Part 800 is needed.

[ ] Streamlined Review Under the 2008 Servicewide Programmatic Agreement (PA) The above action meets all conditions for a streamlined review under section III of the 2008 Servicewide PA for Section 106 compliance.

[ ] Program Comment on Stewardship and Management of National Park Service Mission 66-Era Facilities (1945-1972) The above action meets all of the requirements of this Program Comment for Section 106 compliance and required documents have been uploaded.

[ ] Undertaking Related to Park Specific or Another Agreement The proposed undertaking is covered for Section 106 purposes under another document such as a park, region or statewide agreement established in accord with 36 CFR 800.7 or 36 CFR 800.14.

3. Consultation Information

SHPO Required: Yes SHPO Sent: Feb 18, 2025 SHPO Received: Feb 20, 2025

THPO Required:

THPO Sent:

THPO Received:

SHPO/THPO Notes: Concur with finding of no adverse effect.

Advisory Council Participating: No Advisory Council Notes:

Additional Consulting Parties: No

4. Stipulations and Conditions: Following are listed any stipulations or conditions necessary to ensure that the assessment of effect above is consistent with 36 CFR Part 800 criteria of effect or to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects.

5. Mitigations/Treatment Measures: Measures to prevent or minimize loss or impairment of historic/prehistoric properties: (Remember that setting, location, and use may be relevant.)

Required Mitigations - For the proposed project actions to be within compliance requirements during construction and/or…