The Sacramento Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest received a proposal from Otero County Electric Cooperative to construct improved overhead transmission facilities and to replace existing overhead facilities with underground facilities along 14.8 miles of transmission corridor between Cloudcroft and Sunspot in Otero County, New Mexico. The purpose of the project was to improve electrical service to the area and reduce fire hazard potential associated with older overhead line infrastructure. NV5 prepared a biological evaluation to address potential project impacts. Special attention was given to state protected and U.S. Forest Service sensitive species. NV5 evaluated direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the project on these species. Bird species potentially occurring in the project area and protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act were evaluated for potential impacts.
