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5.4 Potential for Threatened and Endangered Species to Occur in the Analysis Area Two (2} species, the endangered Knowlton's cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii), and threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), have potential to occur in the project azea. Below is a discussion of the potential for the proposed action to impact these species. 5.5 Species Warranting Detailed Evaluation Knowhon's cactus Knowlton's cactus is a narrow endemic, known from only one location on a rocky alluvial humus soils along the Los Pinos River in New Mexico. This known location is approximately 2.7 mile southeast of the analysis area. The proposed project is located within the Cemetery Canyon Potential Conservation Area (PCA) as designated by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. It was mapped in 2004 and is identified as Bl: Outstanding Biodiversity Significance; P3 - Definable threat/opportunity but not within 5 years; and M4 -Not needed now; no current threats; may need in future (CNHP 2005). Knowlton's cactus, a federally listed endangered flora species, may have potential to occur in the pinon/juniper woodlands on the east-facing toeslopes of La Boca Peak (Figure 1 in Appendix A). The proposed gravel project would not impact these habitats. No detailed surveys were conducted in these areas. In September, 2005 Ecosphere conducted a field survey of the proposed pit areas. No potential habitats or individuals were identified within the proposed development azea. Bald Eaele The primary characteristic of winter habitat is abundant food supply in conjunction with suitable night roost sites. Communal winter roost sites are usually located in mature multi-layered forest stands of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and/or cottonwoods. Eagles in Colorado prefer cottonwood trees protected from the wind by vegetation or terrain, and isolated from humans. Roosting may occur some distance from open water in Colorado. About the only cover requirements for bald eagles are large, open-branched trees, preferably near lakes, reservoirs and rivers, used for hunting perches and roost sites. No nests are known within 0.5-miles of the project area. The Los Pinos River with numerous lazge cottonwoods and willows is 0.4 miles east of the project area. Potential raptor nesting, roosting and foraging habitat occurs along this drainage and the small (2.5 acres] cottonwood stand along La Boca Canyon. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the Los Pinos River during winter months and much less frequently through the summer. No direct impacts (i.e. loss of roosting trees) to eagle habitat would occur as a result of developing the gravel pits. There would be localized increases in area noise and vehicle traffic. Heavy oil and gas traffic currently exists along the access road through the stand. Potential raptor foraging habitat, including those potentially used by eagles, occurs in the managed BiologicalAssessmenttor fhe Ignacio Pit at La Boca Carryon S