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potential "take" of golden eagles, we request that the <br />mitigation recommendations outlined in our November 7th letter <br />be incorporated as provisions of the mine permit. <br />Specifically, we request that: (1) no construction or <br />surveying occur within 1/4 mile of any Hubberson Gulch eagle <br />nest from February 15 to Julp 15 of any given year; (2) Peabody <br />engage (in consultation with USFWS, CDOW and BLM) in an annual <br />monitoring study of golden eagle nesting activity in the <br />Hubberson Gulch area; and (3) Peabody enhance adjacent cliff <br />nesting habitat for eagle use if existing nest sites are <br />abandoned during construction of the access road. The USFWS <br />CDOW, and BLM will assist in assessing feasibility and design <br />of any golden eagle habitat modification efforts. <br />Peabody has also acknowledged (Page 11-39) the existence of <br />a hawk nest in an aspen tree within the proposed Seneca II W <br />permit area (NW 1/4 of SW 1/4, Section 23). USFWS data <br />indicates that a nest does indeed exist in that vicinity, but <br />was found in a somewhat different location (SW 1/4 of SW 1/4, <br />Section 23). After examining Peabody's vegetation maps, we are <br />inclined to believe that the USFWS information is correct, <br />which would place the nest off the proposed disturbance area. <br />Since this nest was active (with red-tailed hawks), and its <br />location is in question, the potential for disturbance due to <br />the close proximity of the proposed mine must be recognized. <br />Therefore, Peabody should consult with USFWS to develop any <br />necessary mitigation. Anp activity that may result in the <br />"take" of hawks or their nests as defined in the Migratory Bird <br />Treaty Act (16 USC 701-718h) will require a permit and/or <br />appropriate mitigation. <br />Mitigation measure 9 (Page 14-11) should incorporate <br />recommendations for minimizing raptor electrocutions that <br />are provided in the document "Suggested Practices for Raptor <br />Protection on Power Lines - The State of the Art 1981." <br />Raptor Research Report #4, Raptor Research Foundation, Inc. <br />1981. Copies of this publication may be obtained from the <br />Raptor Research Foundation, c/o Department of Veterinary <br />Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, <br />55101. <br />Threatened and Endangered Species: We have reviewed the permit <br />application sections pertaining to threatened and endangered <br />species and concur with the findings of no anticipated impact <br />to peregrine falcons and bald eagles. However, we are <br />furnishing you with the following list of species that may be <br />impacted by the proposed project: <br />Federally listed Species <br />Colorado squawfish Ptvchocheilus lucius <br />Humpback chub Gila cypha <br />Bonytail chub Gila eleaans <br />Whooping crane Grus americana <br />