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large madless or isolated areas. 12adio-tracking studies of wolverine in northwest <br />Montana indicate that wolverines prefer rugged, relatively inaccessible mountainous <br />areas at the high elevations in the summer and move to lower (but still snow bound) <br />elevations in the winter (Homocker and Hash 1981). Seventy percent of all relocated <br />animals were found in Luge areas of medium or scattered mature timber. F.cotonal areas, <br />small timber pockets, and rocky, timbered benches accounted for the remainder of the <br />relocation sites. Subalpine fir was the predominant timber type selected by wolverines. <br />One conclusion of this study was that wilderness or remote counhy where hmnan activity <br />is limited appeals to be essential for the maintenance of viable wolverine populations. <br />Suitable wolverine habitat is lacking on or near the project area This project will mot <br />impact the viability of the species, or result in a trend of wolverine towards federal <br />fisting. <br />American marten: The American marten inhabits late successional coniferous or mixed <br />forests throughout northern North America Martens are most abundant in mature to old- <br />growthtrue fir and spmce-fir forests in the western United States. They prefer matuu, <br />mesie coniferous or mixed forests with at least a 30-50 percent crown density. (Ruggerio, <br />et aL 1994). They avoid large, open areas and clearings, but may use small riparian areas <br />and meadows for foraging. They feed on a wide variety of foods including squirrels, <br />voles, mice, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insect and fruits and heroes <br />(Clark, et al. 1987) but voles ate often cited as the marten's preferred food source. The <br />marten's preference for moist sites may be reIaterl to the fact that lush stands of <br />herbaceous vegetation growing at mesic sites often support large populations of voles. <br />Habitat requirements specific to the American marten include resting sites, dens, <br />subnivean access areas, and logs and trees in various stages of decay. The best marten <br />habitat in this portion of the Gunnison Forest is contiguous stands ofspruce-fir found at <br />higher elevations. <br />Suitable marten habitat is Lrcking for a considerable distance in any direction from the <br />project area This project will not impact the viability of the species, or result in a bend <br />of American marten towards federal 1'cn-^-S. <br />Peregrinne falcon: No peregrine falcon occurrence has been fomrally documented within <br />the proposed project area Potential reproductive habitat for peregrine falcon includes <br />high cliff ledges with potholes or small caves. Best sites also include old stick nests of . <br />ravens and hawks, and holes and stubs of large trees. Potential foraging habitat includes <br />high motmtains and open forests, preferably where there are rocky cliffs overlooking <br />rivers, lakes, or other open water. Peregrine falcons feed on a variety of small to medium <br />bird species, some mammals, and insects. <br />There is no suitable nesting habitat in the project area. Suitable foraging habitat is also <br />lacking in the project area There is a chance that one or more of these birds could be <br />observed moving through the area during migration, but that would be a chance <br />occurrence The proposed project will not impact peregrine falcon suitable reproductive, <br />roosting, and migration/dispersal habitat <br />12 <br />