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distribution), including planting tubelings or transplanting young regenerative growth from adjacent BLM chainings. Although agency data indicate that there is a history of nesting activity in the vicinity of the proposed Piceance Site initial processing facilities and the 0-5 year mining panel, studies conducted by Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. (1998) indicate that there were no active nests in 1998. Thus, the initial development activities scheduled to commence in May of 1999 are not expected to affect raptor nesting activity. Subsequently, in order to preclude the possibility of taking a nest as a result of any activities associated with future mining operations, a survey for nests will be conducted during the first full nesting season prior to the anticipated commencement of solution mining operations in each mining panel. Nest surveys will be conducted by qualified personnel during timeframes and at intensity levels agreed upon by the BLM. The surveys will encompass the well field to be affected and a 500-foot buffer around the principal study area. Survey results will be furnished to the BLM by September 1 of the survey year. For any active nest discovered within the mir.?ng panel, a no surface occupancy (NSO) zone will be established around the nest, whereby disruptive surface occupation or adverse habitat modification would be prohibited within one-quarter mile of functional nest sites of special status raptor species and within one-eighth mile of nests of other raptor species. Furthermore, timing limitations (TL) would prohibit al] development activities within one-half mile of functional nest sites of special status raptor species and within one-quarter mile of nests of other raptor species from February 1 to August 15 or until fledging and dispersal of young. The White River Resource Area NSO and TL stipulations for raptors are provided in Attachment 4-1 and are summarized as follows: Raptors No Surface Timing Timing Limitation Dates Occupancy Limitation Distance Distance Special status 1/4 mile buffer 1/2 mile buffer February 1 to August 15 or ra tors around nest sites around nest sites until fled in and dis ersal Other raptors 1/8 mile buffer 1/4 mile buffer February 1 to August 15 or around nest sites around nest sites until fled in and dis ersal No raptor nesting surveys are proposed at the Piceance Site beyond the initial surveys to be conducted in the respective nesting seasons prior to beginning development of each mining panel, as described above. However, if a previously unknown active nest is discovered during initial construction activities in any Wildlife Mitigation Plan 4-2 Yankee Culch Sodium Minerals Project Amencan Soda. L.L.P.