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species that could potentially occur within the Gunnison National Forest would be adversely impacted by the proposed project. Further, the report covers a broad area in order to field-fit methane drainage wetl pads and realignment of the access to the drill pads. The methane drainage project is within an area covered by the Final West-Central Colorado Coal Environmental Statement, prepazed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, BLM, 1979. The portion applicable to this section is covered on pages 573 through 582. The EIS concluded that no threatened or endangered plants (pp.573-577), or aquatic species (pp, 580-582) exist in the azea. The only endangered wildlife species is the bald eagle, which does inhabit the North Fork Gunnison Valley during the winter months. Several Environmental Analyses have been conducted for the methane project azea. One report, the Ravens Gulch Exploration Area encompasses the proposed methane drainage well pads. The most recent analysis was completed in 1998 for 19 drill holes and associated temporary access roads. The Decision Memo and Finding of No Significant Impact, Mountain Coal Company, Proposed Coal Exploration License, as approved by Mr. Ray L. Kingston, Paonia District Ranger (4-13-98), stated, "The proposed action will not adversely affect an endangered or threatened species or its critical habitat." The proposed activity of this project is nearly identical to the approved activity on the Ravens Gulch Exploration License and for drilling Longwall Panels 14 and 15. An Environmental Assessment and corresponding Finding of No Significant Impact was issued by the USFS for Gob Vent De-gas $oreholes 15-O1 through 15-OS in October 2001. The proposed methane drainage well project activities will avoid riparian habitats to the extent possible. Operations will be located such as not to interfere with raptor nesting sites, and managed to minimize conflicts with the deer and elk on winter range and user conflict during big game hunting seasons. LAND USE The present land use of the proposed methane drainage project area consists of domestic grazing, wildlife habitat, watershed, recreational lands, and big game hunting. No agricultural areas exist within the area. Coal mining has a long history in the North Fork Valley. Mountain Coal Company has operated the West Elk Mine as a viable mine since 1981 with an underground longwall in operation since 1992. Currently there aze three mines in the North Fork Valley, the Sanborn Creek Mine operated by Oxbow Mining, Inc. and the Bowie No. 1 and No. 2 Mines operated by Bowie Resources Limited and the West Elk Mine. Other mines that have existed in the valley include Beaz Mine Nos. 1, 2, and 3; Oliver Mine Nos. 1 and 2; Hawks Nest Mine, the Somerset Mine, and the Edwazds Mine. CULTURAL RESOURCES