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tallies in pinyon juniper are similar in species diversity to the best riparian. Several species are <br /> found in the pinyon juniper habitat and include: black-chinned hummingbird, gray flycatcher, <br /> Cassin's kingbird, gray vireo,pinyon jay,juniper titmouse,black-throated gray warbler, Scott's <br /> oriole, ash-throated flycatcher,Bewick's wren,mountain chickadee,white-breasted nuthatch,and <br /> chipping sparrow. <br /> A unique feature present to this area is the cliff complexes that are located along the <br /> Arkansas River that provide the proper substrate for cliff nesting species. There is a known <br /> golden eagle and peregrine falcon nest site located within one mile of the project area. <br /> Environmental Effects <br /> Proposed Action <br /> Direct and Indirect Impacts: Species mentioned above may be seen or their sign <br /> identified within the project boundary during any season of the year. The project action will <br /> affect lands within the proposed designated area due to habitat removal while additional acreage <br /> outside the designated area will likely be vacated due to human presence and noise(Gilbert and <br /> Chalfoun 2011). Species richness of newly impacted habitat will decrease as bird species not <br /> tolerant to noise avoid the area(Francis et al. 2009). However,the additional acreage affected <br /> due to noise and human presences is difficult to quantify because species react and adapt <br /> differently to anthropogenic features and activity. The action area is already being impacted by <br /> noise due to existing operations. <br /> Protective/Mitigation Measures: To be in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act <br /> (MBTA)and the Memorandum of Understanding between BLM and USFWS required by <br /> Executive Order 13186, BLM must avoid actions, where possible,that result in a"take"of <br /> migratory birds. Pursuant to BLM Instruction Memorandum 2008-050,to reduce impacts to <br /> Birds of Conservation Concern(BCC), no habitat disturbance(removal of vegetation such as <br /> timber,brush, or grass) is recommended during the periods of May 15 -July 15,the breeding and <br /> brood rearing season for most Colorado migratory birds. This recommendation will not apply to <br /> completion activities in disturbed areas that were initiated prior to May 15 and continue into the <br /> 60-day period. We suggest a pre-treatment survey when possible during the May15-July 15 time <br /> frame and including best management practices if necessary. <br /> An exception to this timing limitation will be granted if nesting surveys conducted no more than <br /> one week prior to vegetation-disturbing activities indicate no nesting within 30 meters(100 feet) <br /> of the area to be disturbed. Surveys shall be conducted by a qualified breeding bird surveyor <br /> between sunrise and 10:00 a.m. under favorable conditions. <br /> Cumulative Impacts: Recent rise in gold prices and interest in both recreational mineral <br /> specimen collection and mining activity under the Mining Law has increased on the Arkansas <br /> River creating additional disturbances to obligate riparian wildlife species and stream-banks. <br /> Activities proposed here are cumulative to those other disturbances and activities, such as <br /> fishing,park development and rafting activities, and the other activities along the Arkansas River <br /> corridor. <br /> No Action Alternative <br />