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circumstances associated with this proposal. Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, Forest Service sensitive species, and Management Indicator Species. A Biological Assessment/Evaluation (BA/BE) was completed for proposed activities (project file). The BA documented that the proposed activities would result in a "likely to adversely affect" determination for endangered fish species due to water depletions (1.0 acre-feet) in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Even though the proposed activities resulted in a "may affect, likely to adversely affect" determination, the project is consistent with a programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) issued May 25, 2005, for Forest mineral projects (project file). Under the Programmatic Biological Opinion, a certain level of water depletions is allowed with no jeopardy to the endangered fishes (up to 25 acre-feet). Activities under the proposed action would result in a depletion level within the limits of the PBO. The BE/BA identified 4 species that would potentially be impacted by proposed MDW project: Bald eagle, peregrine falcon, northern harrier, and bluehead sucker. The proposed action will have no effect on bald eagle communal roosts, nests, or winter concentration areas along any portions of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The relatively small area of disturbance and short-term duration of project activities is not expected to measurably affect foraging by wintering bald eagles. Suitable peregrine falcon nesting sites may occur within the cliffs associated with Hubbard Canyon. Harriers nests on the ground generally in dense fields and marshes. There is no nesting habitat for either of these raptors in association with the proposed MDW surface use. The potential loss of foraging habitat within the project area is minimal and loss of habitat from past mining related activities has been relatively minor and is not likely to have reduced the overall value of grass and shrubland habitats for foraging raptors. Bluehead suckers have been reported to occur in the lower reaches of Hubbard Creek. Diversion of water resulting in changes in flow regimes and construction of barriers (diversion dams and reservoirs) are the primary threats to this species. Short-term sediment delivery to Hubbard Creek is likely to occur during the installation of a temporary bridge. Increases in turbidity may have short- term effects on the sucker. However, this is expected to be minimal given the size and duration of the project since the completion of heavy equipment work would occur in less than 3-4 days. Additionally, the project is scheduled for completion during low flow conditions, which should reduce turbidity, and minimize sediment delivery to the stream. With respect to Management Indicator Species, the MIS which occur, or are likely to occur, within the project area include Rocky Mountain elk, Merriam's wild turkey and brook trout.