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Envimmnental Assessment Bowie Resources, L.LC. August 2005 Spruce Stomp Federal Coal Explomtion License (150- 2005 - 43) 2005d) were prepared. The BA and BE disclose expected effects to federally threatened and endangered species and species that are proposed or candidates for listing, and USDA -FS designated species of concern that may occur within the area of potential affect. No threatened or endangered species were observed within the area of potential affect (Monarch and Ward 2004); however, there is some habitat for two listed species that occur on the SSCEL area. Wintering bald eagles make use of areas such as this in the North Fork for incidental foraging, especially in areas such as elk winter range where carrion may be available. The area does not have any essential habitats, such as concentration areas, nests, or communal roost sites. The other species is the Canada lynx. Potential denning and "other" habitat are identified in Figure 3-4. It appears that there is mapped denning habitat located near proposed drill holes PRP -SS -13 and PRP- SS -15, and "other" habitat mapped near the proposed pump site TC -P1. The proposed drill sights were evaluated in the Wildlife Evaluation Report and found to be marginal habitat, meaning they do not exhibit the structural and species composition used by lynx for denning and would have a low probability of being occupied by Canada lynx. In addition, the nearest known individuals are located many miles away and would not likely populate this area within the proposed drilling timeframe (Monarch and Ward 2004). There are no designated Critical Habitats in the project area. Off -site impacts to Critical Habitats in this area are limited to potential effects to Critical Habitats for endangered fish as a result of potential water depletions associated with this project. The USDA -FS designates sensitive species and species of concern, and describes those species that may be impacted by the Proposed Action or alternatives. The Wildlife Evaluation Report and BE both concluded that the project area contained suitable habitat for some sensitive species. The BE found that two of these species were present at the time of the survey. These species are the olive -sided flycatcher and the hairy woodpecker. However, numbers observed were low and habitat is more than adequate to sustain existing populations and loss of a small amount of habitat (Monarch and Ward 2004). Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Fisheries and aquatic habitat information are discussed for streams, reservoirs, and ditches that are located within the area of potential affect. The main water bodies that are located within or immediately adjacent to the SSCEL include East Fork Terror Creek, West Fork Terror Creek, and Terror Creek Reservoir. East Fork Terror Creek, and West Fork Terror Creek are perennial streams. These streams support trout species and special concern fish species. The Terror Creek drainage (East Fork, West Fork Terror Creek) is characterized by moderately steep gradients ranging from approximately 5 -13 percent (BLM and GMUG 2000). Stream widths vary from 5- 20 feet with boulder dominated substrates. Cascading riffles, short runs and relatively small pools are the general physical stream features (BLM and GMUG 2000). Fish cover is characterized by overhanging riparian vegetation and in- stream substrates. The CDOW rated the fish habitat in the East Fork of Terror Creek as poor and in the West Fork as average (BLM and GMUG 2000). Fish species generally present in the Terror Creek drainage include cutthroat trout and speckled dace (BLM and GMUG 2000). The potential effects of the Proposed Action on fish species identified in the BA and BE, and their habitat in the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers will be limited mainly to water use and de- 3 -15