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WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT <br /> MORTON LAKES PROPERTY <br /> WELD COUNTY,COLORADO <br /> • Requesting a permit from the Service in cases where removal of a nest is <br /> necessary to ensure public and worker safety. <br /> Raptors <br /> The CDOW has developed recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions for <br /> new surface occupancy within certain distances of nest sites of several raptor species. <br /> Surface occupancy is defined as human-occupied buildings and other structures such as <br /> oil and gas wells,roads,railroad tracks,or trails. The Service typically considers that <br /> implementation of the CDOW buffers and seasonal restrictions,along with the following <br /> conservation measures, fulfills MBTA compliance requirements for raptors: <br /> • Conduct a raptor nest survey prior to project construction to identify raptor <br /> nests and nesting activity in the vicinity of the project. <br /> • If an active raptor nest is found on-site,comply with the recommended buffers <br /> and seasonal restrictions recommended by CDOW(2008) for raptors during <br /> construction to avoid nest abandonment. <br /> • Work with CDOW and the Service to develop mitigation options that may <br /> include installing nest deterrents to prevent nesting before April 1, and <br /> removing these deterrents no more than 24 hours before initiation of the <br /> project. This is an acceptable alternative to prohibiting construction activity <br /> during the breeding season. <br /> If disturbance of raptor nests is unavoidable,mitigation measures could include the <br /> construction of artificial nests in suitable habitat or enhancement of prey habitat. If <br /> raptor nests could be impacted by the proposed project, specific mitigation measures for <br /> impacts to nesting raptors would be developed in coordination with the CDOW and <br /> Service prior to construction. <br /> Bald Eagle <br /> The use of the project area by bald eagles is not well documented; however,to avoid <br /> a violation of the BGEPA and the MBTA,the following measures will be conducted <br /> prior to project construction: <br /> • Conduct seasonal surveys to determine the significance of the area to bald <br /> eagles. <br /> FRO <br /> 18 Resources <br /> [orporotion <br />