2006-04-06_PERMIT FILE - M2006034

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There are no Y---~ occurances of the any T,E 6 ° dots or animal species within the pr _ area (GNHP Rare, Threatened. angered and Sensitive Species Reports, 1996). FIELD RECONNAISSANCE A field survey was conducted within the project area on October 24, 1995, October 19 6 20. 1996. Mammal sightings and signs indicate elk, deer, Abert's squirrel, least chipmunk, beaver, coyote and mountain cottontail inhabit the area. Bird sightings include mountain chickadee, American robin, common raven, Steller's jay, black-billed magpie, white-breasted nuthatch, pygmy nuthatch, Clark's nutcracker, tree sparrow and western bluebird. An inactive goshawk neat was fouund Aug 1993 in en aspen tree within the project area. It is located near FS Road 274 and the Forest boundary to the south, Trout, but no reptiles or amphibians, were seen during the field reconnaissance. Plant surveys were not done, but the Colorado Natural Heritage Rare Plant reports were consulted on potential occurances of the Northern Blackberry and Slender Moonwor[. The soil within the project area is mainly decomposed granite o£ the Pike's Peak batholith. Fluvial and alluvial soils are within the Crystal Creek drainage. There is approximately 16 miles (minimum) of Forest Service roads already existing within the seven sections. The majority of which is for high clearance vehicles. FS road 752 has the greatest amount of mining claims surrounding it, some of which are currently active and some are planned. ANAYLSIS OF EFFECTS Direct and Indirect Effects Because the small claim expansion areas may contain trees which will be removed (ponderosa, aspen and Douglas-fir), the nesting habitat of the pygmy nuthatch, three-toed woodpecker, flammulated owl and northern goshawk may be affected. These species are-dependent on the mature aspen and mature to old-growth Douglas-fir/ponderosa pine forest which will be removed. Because the activities will occur during the nesting season, this could affect the nesting success of birds utilizing the nearby habitat. They may also remove some of the winter forage and cover of the golden-crowned kinglet. Because the mining claims occur mainly on the surface and deep holes within the ground are not created, it is unlikely that any bat habitat has been created; it is also not likely that bat habitat will be destroyed by the rehabilitation •of the mines. The steep rock outcroppings located in the Crystal Creek area are unlikey to be disturbed by this type of mining. These areas are too steep and the miners are