2017-05-23_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977472

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affected by energy development and the spread of invasive plant species (Wickersham, 2016. P. 452). 5.7.2. Environmental Consequences — Proposed Action Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, and Burrowing Owl These bird species are unlikely to be directly affected by the proposed action as there are no recorded active or historic nests within 0.5 miles of the proposed action and the current habitat on site is not suitable for nesting. Therefore, any affects from the proposed action are likely to result in a reduction of habitat for prey species. Two acres of surface disturbance adjacent to an already disturbed landscape is unlikely to have detrimental impacts to prey species when considering the breadth of similar habitats in North Park. Furthermore, birds of prey may benefit from perching on the barbed wire fence while mining operations are not in use. Brewer's Sparrow & Sage Thrasher The proposed action will remove two acres of sagebrush habitat which may directly shrink the existing habitat for the Brewer's Sparrow and Sage Thrasher that rely on sagebrush stands for nesting and foraging purposes. The consequences of this action will also result in the avoidance of nesting and foraging habitat in the current footprint and likely extending outward into adjacent lands. 5.7.3. Environmental Consequences — No Action Alternative No additional acres of surface disturbance would occur and site will be reclaimed and re-seeded to similar conditions of the surrounding area. After complete reclamation, this would open up 12 more acres of habitat for the migratory birds listed above including a direct habitat gain to use towards nesting and/or foraging and indirectly by decrease avoidance of the site and adjacent areas. 5.7.4. Mitigation Measures Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, and Burrowing Owl Upon future surveys, if any nests are found within a 0.5 mile radius of the proposed action for any of the above species, the applicant is required to adhere to the restrictions as presented in the current RMP for the Kremmling Field Office (STIPULATION CO-TL-5) for that species and is subject to increase time limitations for the proposed action. Brewer's Sparrow & Sage Thrasher To avoid effects on potential nesting habitat within the area of the proposed action, removal of existing vegetation is not allowed to occur during the primary nesting season between May 15 and July 15. DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0003 30