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habitat mapped as suitable winter habitat, has been mapped as no lynx habitat. These are two small isolated pockets that are found several miles from other larger expanses of suitable habitat. The lack of connectivity with other larger areas of suitable habitat precludes these areas from being used by lynx. There is no suitable lynx denning or wintering habitat that will be disturbed by construction of proposed access roads or shaft sites. Canada Lynx could possibly move through the area, but it is doubtful any would remain. There is no suitable habitat for black- footed ferrets in the area. This species is dependent upon the presence of large, densely populated prairie dog colonies. The nearest known black- footed ferrets are reintroduced animals in western Rio Blanco County. There are no federally listed Endangered or Threatened plant species known to occur in the project area. The Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus), which is listed as Threatened, is known to occur northwest of Paonia in the North Fork Valley (Ferguson BLM), but none were observed during the surveys. The project area is located at a higher elevation and on different soils than where this species of cactus normally occurs. Sensitive Species The only Sensitive wildlife species observed in the study area was the olive -sided flycatcher. This bird was always observed at the same location indicating that a pair was probably nesting in the vicinity. This location was along the Deer Creek drainage, several hundred yards south of the proposed vent shaft area, and will not be disturbed by the proposed development. The Adobe or Rocky Mountain thistle (Cirsium perplexans) is listed as Sensitive by both the Forest Service and BLM. A review of habitat requirements for this species shows that it occurs in adobe clays derived from Mancos shale, which are not found in the project area. Also, all locations where this species has been located are below the elevation of this project. Slender cotton grass (Eriophorum gracile) is listed as sensitive by the Forest Service. Habitat conditions suitable for this species are lacking in the project area. Management Indicator Species Of the eight species listed as MIS by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG), suitable habitat exists for three, including elk, Red -naped sapsuckers and Merriam's wild turkeys. Only the red -naped sapsucker was observed during the surveys. These species were discussed above under findings.