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10(21/2005 14:53 9709295595 WEST ELK PAGE 03 <br />Oct 21 2005 14:40 PgONIR RgNGER DISTRICT 970 527 x151 <br />p.3 <br />Wildlife anal TE6 Species; <br />ARer review of the BA, Biological Assessment sad Evaluation the following are changes <br />to the wildlife and TT5 information: ' <br />Biological Assessment <br />Canada Lynx -The GMLJG Lynx Analysis Ut1it Map (lanuary 8, 2002) was reviewed, <br />the project area is mapped as noa•lynx habitat (primarily oakbrush} and portions of the <br />project area are not within an LAU at all. There is no etf'ect to lyiix from this project due <br />to lack of lynx habitat affected. <br />Colorado River Endangered Fish -The EA consulted on~water depletions tax the Colorado <br />River Basin with respect to affecting habitat for the four Colorado River endangered fish <br />species. Since there is no water depletion associated with this proposal, re-initiation of <br />consultation with the USPW3 is not needed. <br />$ald or golden eagles are not known to occur on the lands proposed for drilling. <br />Biological Evaluation <br />The R2 Regional Forester's sensitive species list dated Nov, 2003 was reviewed. T11e <br />tiger salamandez is no longer a sensitive species, No other sensitive animal or plant <br />species aze affected by the project. <br />~IIS <br />E!k arrd.Mule Deer- Population estimates from CROW for elk and deer' have changed <br />since the 2000 and 2001 decisions. The pmjeet area is in DAU (Rata Analysis Unit) E- <br />] 4 for elk and D-51 for deer, which includes Game Managezaent Unit 521. The ettrreut <br />population objective .in DAU E-14 is 1.0,500 elk. Current population data for this DAti <br />indicates that the elk population is at or slightly above objective (CROW, post-Hunt <br />Population data for 2003, project file). The population objective 4n DAU D-S l is 12,500 <br />deer. The population estimate in 2000 was 6,700 deer. Elk and deer populations are <br />strobgly intlneaced by CROW herd management objectives and hunting restrictions. <br />Because of the short duration (2004-2005 summer/fall seasons) and mlinimal habitat <br />disturbance (7 acres) there will be Do measurable or significant change in elk or deer <br />populations as a result of this project. <br />5itlce the drill rig is near the project area, there would be very little increase is road use <br />associated with the proposal. Tltis will result in rnaiutaitting elk and doer habitat <br />effectiveness at the existing coaditiott level of 8G% for ells during summer mouths and <br />72% for elk during fall months. For deer during summer months, the existing condition is <br />98% and dutin.g fall months it is 96%. Tlae project will not change the distribution or use <br />ofthe project area by ells or mule deer. <br />