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Bald Eagles <br /> The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission through the Colorado Division of <br /> Parks and Wildlife has compiled bald eagle nests and winter night roost locations on their <br /> state mapping application (COGCC, 2020). Based on a review of this resource (map <br /> attached), there are two bald eagle nests (comprising restricted surface occupancy and <br /> sensitive wildlife habitat) northwest of the Nix amendment site. Operations at the site are <br /> outside setbacks established by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, therefore, <br /> there should be no impacts to nesting eagles from the project. <br /> Project Effects to Wildlife <br /> The Nix amendment site is proposed for mineral (sand and gravel) extraction activities. <br /> Noise and air emissions during mining will cause a temporary disturbance to wildlife. <br /> Species such as raccoons, coyotes, beaver, deer, and raptors will continue to use the <br /> riparian corridor during mining operations and the site itself when operations are not active. <br /> Bird species will use the periphery of the site and the site itself opportunistically, if prey or <br /> food species are present. <br /> The proposed project will extract material and leave two slurry wall lined water storage <br /> cells within the site. The mining and reclamation plan will create open water wildlife <br /> habitat that is currently not present. Areas of open water will sustain additional species of <br /> reptiles and amphibians as well as shorebirds and waterfowl. The addition of the water <br /> will create fringe environments favorable to predatory mammals and raptors, as well as <br /> food and water sources for herbivores. With revegetation of the borders around the water <br /> storage cells, additional strata and vegetation layers will be added to the site, creating <br /> improved cover, foraging, roosting, and nesting areas for wildlife. <br /> Exhibit H Page 4 <br /> Page 29 of 126 <br />