2018-05-25_PERMIT FILE - M1995004 (4)

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Exhibit H Wildlife (cont) Copies of Sections from BLM Environmental Assessment for amendment area all migratory nongame birds that, without additional conservation actions, are likely to become candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act(ESA) of 1973."Birds of Conservation Concern 2008 is the most recent effort to carry out this mandate. Bird species considered for the BCC include: • nongame birds ■ gamebirds without hunting seasons ■ subsistence-hunted nongame birds in Alaska • ESA candidate, proposed, and recently delisted species." Of the 28 species noted as having the potential to occur in the area, five are analyzed. The Brewer's sparrow and sage thrasher are likely to inhabit sagebrush shrublands near the project area. However, none of this habitat exists onsite and breeding activities of these two species are unlikely to be impacted. The pinyon jay is also apt to utilize the adjacent pinyon juniper stands for breeding and foraging. Pinyon-juniper is sparse on the actual expansion site,but densities in the drainages upslope could potentially support breeding habitat for the species. Disturbance from the expansion of the pit would be highly likely to inhibit this species from nesting in the immediate area. While the slopes above the pit expansion are steep, no suitable cliff nesting habitat occurs for the remaining two species; the peregrine falcon and golden eagle. These two species could forage in the project area,but no nests are recorded in the area and the action is unlikely to impact breeding of the two raptor species. 5.13.2. Environmental Consequences — Proposed Action The Proposed Action would impact one bird Species of Conservation Concern; the pinyon jay. Jays attempting to nest in the adjacent pinyon juniper stands within approximately '/z mile from the disturbance of pit expansion would not likely persist in the attempt. A GIS analysis by buffering the pit expansion boundary by 0.5 mile and determining the acres of suitable pinyon- juniper habitat(using 2015 NAIP aerial imagery) within this half mile "potential noise disturbance area" indicates 37 acres of potential nesting habitat impacted. Overall, this is a small amount compared to stands nearby; but an unknown number of potential nests would likely be impacted. The remainder of the pit has been in operation since 1974 (over 40 years), so these additional noise impacts are not expected to add any significant negative affect on pinyon jays. 5.13.3. Environmental Consequences — No Action Alternative The No Action Alternative would preclude expansion of the pit, meaning gravel operations are likely to cease onsite in the near future, since the existing pit is nearing the end of its useful life. The existing site would likely be reclaimed with the intent of restoring native vegetation. This would prove beneficial to migratory bird habitat, and remove noise impacts to the surrounding area. 5.13.4. Mitigation Measures Operations will occur during breeding season for migratory birds; no realistic mitigation would be practical to mitigate noise impacts and human activity on the site. DOI-BLM-CO-N020-2017-0034-EA 38 17