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activities. No raptor nests have been documented in the proximity of proposed lifts. A goshawk nest located east of the permit boundary is outside the 1/4- mile zone-of-disturbance. However, helicopter overflights during construction of the Burnt Mountain lifts and Tiehack gondola would be expected to disturb this nest. Overall, effects on raptors would be expected to be minimal. Great-horned owls and foraging red-tailed hawks may benefit from more open habitats resulting from forest habitat conversion. Impacts would be least adverse in Alternatives B, H, and F; and most adverse in E and G. All raptor species known or suspected to occur within the RA are considered to be species common to west central Colorado. Development activities propos'ed in the action alternatives would not be expected to jeopardize the population viability of these species within the RA. Heroetofauna The action alternatives would affect varying acreages of wetlands and riparian habitats on NFSL, ranging from nine to 73 acres. Impacts would increase in significance from Alternative B, H, F,' G, to E, respectively. Buildout of private lands would not be expected to adversely effect herpetofauna population viability. All reptile species which are known or suspected to occur within the RA are common to west central Colorado. Bioloqical Diversitv No impacts have been identified under any alternative which would be expected to significantly affect biological diversity or species viability for any species at the RA level. The assessment of quantifiable impacts to biological diversity is consequently limited to the LA level. Ski area and residential development has had significant adverse effects on overall biological diversity within the PA and LA. Proposed actions, to the extent that they eliminate interior habitat (mature and old growth forest) and structural components (downed wood snags, etc.), create permanent openings in artificial patterns, fragment habitat, and reduce important habitat linkages would continue to reduce overall biodiversity in all action alternatives. The most significant impacts to biological diversity would occur under Alternatives E and G. Impacts would be lowest in Alternatives Band H. Old growth would be most affected under Alternatives F, E and G, respectively. Alternatives E and G would impact the most acres of riparian habitats; Alternatives Band H, the least. ' Table S-10 compares impacts to key indicators of biodiversity by alternative. Many ,similar impacts would be anticipated for private lands within the LA, but inadequate information is available to quantify those impacts. Private land impacts would be assumed to be similar for all al ternati ves . Overall, Alternative B would least impact wildlife resources and biodiversity within the PA, followed by Alternative H, F, G, and E, respectively. Summary . 20