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The topography of the permit area is rough and steep with sheer cliffs hundreds of feet high common. Surface elevations within the permit area range from approximately 4,800 to 7,700 feet above sea level with mesas common above the 6,000 foot elevation. The dominate vegetation communities at the Roadside North and South mine are characterized by shadscale (Atriplex contfertiolia) shrubland, greasewood (Sarcobatus vernaiculatus) shrubland and riparian along the Colorado River consisting of willows (Salix spp.) cottonwoods, (Populus spp.) and salt cedar (Tamarix parviflora). Specifically, PR-03 proposes to change the post mining land use from fish and wildlife habitat to industrial and commercial on approximately 15 acres of the South Portal area. A local fruit grower, Providence Place, Inc., has entered into a lease agreement with Snowcap Coal Company to use the existing office and warehouse and cafeteria training buildings for fruit processing, storage and retail sales. The proposed lands are immediately adjacent to I-70 at the Cameo exit on all or part of; Township 10 South, Range 98 West 6t° P.M. Sections 34. The above-mentioned tracts of land are also shown on USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps of Cameo and Palisade. Bald eagle The bald eagle, (Haliaeetus teucocephaius), is a bird of aquatic ecosystems, frequenting estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs, major rivers, and some seacoast habitats. Prey during the breeding season primarily consists offish, but waterfowl, seagulls, and carrion are also eaten. The species may also use prairies if adequate food is available. Bald eagles usually nest in trees near water, but are known to nest on cliffs and (rarely) on the ground. Nest sites are usually in large trees along shorelines in relatively remote areas that are free of disturbance. The trees must be sturdy and open to support a nest that is often 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Adults tend to use the same breeding areas year after year, and often the same nest, though a breeding area may include one or more alternate nests. The major components of habitat in wintering grounds include an adequate food source and suitable trees for diurnal perching and nocturnal roosting. Bald eagles are known to frequent the Colorado River in Che vicinity of the Roadside North and South Portal permit area and are known to nest in Colorado River valley. The electrical transmission lines to the existing office and warehouse and cafeteria training buildings were constructed using Suggested Practices for Raptor Protection on Power Lines - - Stnte of the Art in 1981. Power poles utilize perch guards as authorized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in June of 198?. Since PR-03 proposes only to use existing structures and facilities on approximately 15 previously disturbed acres, OSM has determined that PR-03 "no affect" on the continued existence of the bald eagle.