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Baseline Technical Report <br /> ARCADIS Report for Soils and Biological <br /> Resources, MLE2 Project Area <br /> red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), <br /> steller's jay (Cyanocitta stellen), and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica); reptile species <br /> such as the garter snake (Thamnophis spp.); larger mammals such as the coyote <br /> (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon (Procyon lotor), skunk (Mephitis <br /> mephitis), mountain lion (Felis concolor); and rodents such as the ground squirrel <br /> (Spermophilus spp.), Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae), meadow vole <br /> (Microtus spp.), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus spp.), jackrabbit (Lepus spp.), pine <br /> squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) and <br /> deer mouse (Peromyscus spp.). <br /> Shafts and adits associated with historic underground mining in the area represent <br /> potential habitat for bat species such as the sensitive Townsend's big-eared bat <br /> (Corynorhinus townsendii). Suitable foraging habitat for bats exists along Cripple <br /> Creek, Arequa Gulch, Squaw Gulch, Wilson Creek, Grassy Creek, and several <br /> unnamed drainages on the north end of the District. No underground surveys for bats <br /> were conducted during the 2011 site visit. <br /> 4.5 Potential Impacts to Wildlife Resources <br /> Proposed project activities will likely result in the loss of foraging and calving habitat <br /> for big game (particularly elk and mule deer), strutting habitat for grouse, habitat for <br /> small mammals, and potentially nesting habitat for raptors. Per CMLRB's mining <br /> rules and regulations (CMLRB 2010), all aspects of the mining and reclamation plan <br /> should take into account the safety and protection of wildlife on the mine site, at <br /> processing sites, and along all access roads to the proposed project sites with <br /> special attention given to critical periods in the life of wildlife (e.g. elk calving, <br /> migration routes, grouse strutting periods, raptor nesting periods, etc.). Habitat <br /> management and creation should be directed toward encouraging the diversity of <br /> both game and non-game species, and should provide protection, rehabilitation, or <br /> improvement of wildlife habitat. <br /> While no active raptor nests were found during the 2011 surveys, it is recommended <br /> that if any active raptor nests are located prior to development, that the nests be <br /> clearly marked in the field so that disturbance can be avoided. It is prohibited to take <br /> a raptor, its nest, eggs, or young under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (and <br /> under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in the case of eagles). CDOW has a <br /> set of recommended no surface occupancy buffer zones and seasonal human <br /> encroachment restrictions for active raptor nest sites (CDOW 2008). The <br /> recommended buffer zones range from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile depending on the <br /> species. Red-tailed hawks were observed in the project area and showed signs of <br /> CCV Baseline Soils Biology Resource Report(11-17-11).doc 18 <br />