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10(31/2005 16:06 9709295595 WEST ELK PAGE 04 Issnes: A review of the issues from the EA show that the key resource issues have not changed, and the previous analysis adequately addressed them. Wildlife snd TES Species; Afar review of tlta EA, Biological Assessment and Evaluation the following are chaagcs to Use wildlife and TES infotination: $ioloetcal Assessmet Canada Lynx -The GMUG Lynx Analysis Unit Map (January 8, 2002} was renewed, the project area is mapped as non-lynx habitat (primarily oakbrush) and portions of the pmjecfi area u~e not within an LAU at att. There is no effect to lynx iiom this project due t.o lack of lynx habitat affected. Colorado River Endangered Fish - The EA consulted on watea depletiena in the Colorado River Basin with respect to affecting habitat for the four Colorado River endangered fish species. Water use and depletion associated with this proposal are within the scope and context of the May 2005 Programmatic Water Depletion Biological Opinion for Minerals Activities on the GMUG issuod by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bald or golden eagles ate not known to occttt on the~lands proposed for drilling. Biological Evaluation The RZ Regiortai Forester's sensitive species list dated Nov: 2003 was reviewed. The tiger salamander is no longer a sensitive species..No other sensitive animal or plant species arc affected by the projecP„ MIS Elk and Mule Deer - Population estimates from CROW for elk aid deer Dave changed since the 2000 and ZOO l decisions. The project area is in DAU (Data Analysis IJnit) E- 14 for elk and D-Sl for deer, which includes Game lv[arlagementUnit 521. The current population objective in DAU E-14 is 10,500 elk. Current population data for this DAU iredicares that the ells population is et or slightly above objective (CDOW, Post-Hunt Population data, far 2003, project file}. The population objective in DAU D-51 is 12,500 deer, The population estimate in 2000 was 6,700 deer. Elk and deer populations are strongly influenced by CDOW herd mattagement objectives and hunting restrictions. Because of the short duration (2405 fall season} and minimal habitat disturbance (.45 acre} there will be no measurable ar significant change in elk or deez populations as a result of this project, Since khe drill rig is ixt the project area, thew wa~4d be very little increase inroad use . associated with the proposal. This will result in maintaining elk and deer habitat effectiveness at the existing wndition level of 86% for elk during sinnmei months and 72°Jo for elk during fall months. Por deer during suinraer months, the existing condiUion is