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10/19/94 01:48 '8909 249 4811 WILDLIFE N.W, • ,` ~,. ~, .~4t '! ~~~ '~ Memorandum ~~ To: Bill Clark - <.';: From: chuck woodvsardc~i` Date: 10 -10-94 Subject: Cyprus Empire Coal Request • The area where this exploratory drilliny and seismic operation is proposed is inhabited by deer, elk, and antelope on a year around basis. This activity should not significantly impact these species during the summer and fall although there. is a lot of dear and elk that migrate through this area in the Pall. Hoxever, quite a Lew deer and several hundred eIk depend on this area for winter forage, The large CanserVation Reserve Prvyram (CRB) fields in this area are especially important to the elk. The amount of impact will depend on the severity of the winter and the amount of disturbance. If a small portion of the project arse is worked at a time there should be minimal impact, lwt it the operation covers a large amount of the area the impaat could be considerable. It could hat only dispplace deer and elk lnty less desirable habitat but could also increase the amount of game damage !ar which the DOw may be liable. The Yampa River corridor is used by many raptors !or nesting activity. The most significant of which is an active bald eagle nest. The River corridor is aiso used b]' a number of wintering held.eagles. It 3s recommended that the exploration activity allow a 1/4 mile buffer zone along the Yampa River an4 all raptor nexts during the winter and spring months. ]l aign.ificant number of ducks and geese alSO nest and raise young on this section of the river. A !ew Sandhiii Cranes, a state listed threatened species, stage and nest fn the Yampa River corridor. The 1/4 miie~baffer should give them adequate protection during the nesting season. X009 cc: Dan Prenzlow