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<br />MIS but are referred to as species of high public interest. Although it has not been identified as such by the
<br />WRNF, for the purposes of this docwnent, the pika is also considered a MIS. The extent of suitable habitat for
<br />MIS is based primarily on vegetation types and habitat structural stages.
<br />
<br />Forest sensitive species (identified for Region 2 of the WRNF) that potentially occur in the Aspen Highlands
<br />analysis area include: the dwarf shrew, Townsend's big-eared bat, manen, wolverine, lynx, northern goshawk,
<br />boreal owl, three-toed woodpecker, olive-sided flycatcher, golden-crowned kinglet, fox sparrow, and tiger
<br />salamander. The distribution of each of these species is described in the EIS.
<br />
<br />Species of high public interest are those receiving greater public attention than other species or which are actively
<br />sought by the public for recreatioo and which are consequently of high economic value. Species of high public
<br />interest include elk, mule deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion. and blue grouse. The
<br />distribution of each of these species is discussed in the EIS for both the analysis area and the regional area. Elk
<br />utilize the analysis area as summer range. Mule deer swnmer in and around the analysis area, primarily in aspen
<br />and lodgepole pine habitats with shrubby and/or herbaceous unde.rstories. Bighorn sheep utilize the southwestern
<br />portion of the analysis area throughout the year as swnmer range, winter range, winter concentration areas, and
<br />production or lambing areas. Bear sign was observed in the analysis area. Although mountain lions may
<br />occasionally use the area, much of the steep, high-elevation zones within the analysis area do not comprise
<br />optimal mountain lion habitat. Blue grouse were also commonly observed in avalanche-damaged mixed conifer
<br />forest at the bases of Maroon and Highland bowls during site-visits.
<br />
<br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified the threatened bald eagle as the only federally listed species that
<br />may occur within the analysis area. Although bald eagles are common winter residents in the vicinity of Aspen,
<br />there are no known roosts in the area and none were found within the analysis area.
<br />
<br />ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
<br />Impacts to wildlife habitats under the No Action Alternative would include those associated with existing and
<br />already approved activities/facilities. Such impacts would be minor since approved developments would occur
<br />in areas already affected by artificial openings and hwnan activities. The No Action Alternative would not impact
<br />any threatened or endangered species.
<br />
<br />TIle foUowing swnmarizes estimated habitat loss (percent of existing habitat is in parentheses) and the potential
<br />effects of these losses on MIS under Alternative B: Pika, 0 acres (121 acres would be skied over), impacts
<br />negligible if no grooming occurs; southern red-backed vole, 84 acres (4 percent), rapid reproductive rate would
<br />likely minimize impacts from habitat loss; soowshoe hare, 0 acres, tree regeneration after g1ading may increase
<br />habitat; white tailed ptarmigan, 1 acre (1 percent) alpine and talus/scree, little impact if this excludes winter
<br />nesting areas; blue grouse, Wlcertain habitat loss, positive and negative impacts due to g1ading could balance out;
<br />yeUow warbler, 21 acres (24 percent), may result in long-term decline in nwnbers; and mountain chickadee, 383
<br />acres (20 percent), individuals may be displaced but overall impact is likely to be minor due to adaptability and
<br />edge tolerance. Estimated habitat loss and the potential effects of theses losses on Forest sensitive species for
<br />Alternative B are as foUows: Dwarf shrew, 5 acres (<l percent), unlikely to have substantive effect; manen, 300
<br />acres (29 percent), main effect would be removal of snags and woody debris during glading which could result
<br />in some areas being temporarily abandoned; northern goshawk. minimal potential impact 00 suitable nesting
<br />habitat; boreal owl and three-toed woodpecker, 300 acres (34 and 24 percent, respectively), removal of snags
<br />during glading could adversely affect individuals but populations are not likely to be affected in the long term;
<br />olive-sided flycatcher and golden crowned kinglet, same habitat loss as for previous two species but removal of
<br />snags would have little effect and there should be few adverse populatioo impacts; and fox sparrow, 20 acres (24
<br />percent), any fox sparrows that do occur are not likely to be impacted due to most of the impact being low-
<br />intensity g1ading. As regards species of high public interest, no impacts to critical elk habitat would occur and
<br />no elk movement corridors have been identified in the analysis area. However, degradation of existing summer
<br />habitat resulting from lift and catwalk/access road construction would occur, especially in the vicinity of Highland
<br />Bowl Lift but this may be balanced by an increase in the forage/cover ratio which is currently suboptimal.
<br />
<br />Section III
<br />Wildlife
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<br />21
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