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Sign of desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audoboni), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk <br />(Cervus elaphus) were present in the acrion analysis area vicinity. Cows were observed in <br />analysis area. Three bird species were observed during the field survey, including western scrub- <br />jay (Aphelocoma californica), black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonica) and mountain bluebird <br />(Sialia currucoides). No raptors, whitewash raptor nests, or other signs consistent with raptor <br />use were observed. Prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colonies were scattered within the hay fields of <br />the proposed project site and analysis area. No raptors, raptor nests or areas of whitewash were <br />observed during the biological survey in the proposed project area and surrounding region (0.5- <br />mile radius). <br />5.0 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED FLORA/FAUNA <br />S.l Pre field Review <br />According to the USFWS, there aze 11 threatened, endangered, or candidate species with <br />potential to occur in La Plata County, Colorado. The boreal toad is no longer listed as a <br />candidate species (USF'WS 2005). These species, their protection status, and a description of <br />their habitat requirements aze provided in Table 1. The list consists of 2 mammals, 5 birds, 2 <br />fish, 1 plant and 1 invertebrate. <br />S.2 Field Survey <br />On September 19~ and 30a', 2005, Ecosphere Environmental Services conducted field surveys of <br />the proposed project area. The field survey consisted of pedestrian transects of 100% of the <br />proposed gravel pit extraction area. To evaluate potential impacts, adjacent habitats within a 0.5- <br />mile of the project azea were also considered for providing habitat for federally listed species. <br />5.3 Threatened and Endangered Species Eliminated From Detailed Evaluation <br />Due to the absence of suitable habitat or listed species within or near the analysis area, 9 of 11 <br />federally listed species are eliminated from detailed evaluation in this BA. Table 1 provides the <br />reasoning for eliminating each species from further evaluation in this BA. <br />Biological Assessment for the Ignacio Pit at La Boca Carryon 3 <br />