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3 February 1998 <br /> J. Alto <br /> Page Two <br /> Proposed drill hole FED61 is just under one-half mile south of the two nests described <br /> above. Provided that FED61 is accessed from the southwest, we do not believe that <br /> drilling activity will cause abandonment or failure of the nests. Because of the distance <br /> between the proposed drill site and the raptor nests, we recommend that drilling <br /> FED61 he allowed to proceed without conditions. <br /> The east-most 2500' of seismic line PSL-98-3 is less than 1000' from the nests <br /> described above, and in line-of-sight. if the nests are active, we recommend that <br /> seismic work in line-of-sight of the nests be restricted to the latter part. of the breeding <br /> season, when young raptors routinely withstand parental absence (estimate: 1 June for <br /> golden eagles, 1 July for red-tailed hawks). Work in that vicinity should he limited to <br /> a half-day at a time, and not conducted during periods of inclement weather. <br /> Grouse Uks <br /> No grouse leks are known within one-half mile of seismic or drill locations. Surveys <br /> in late April will identify any Icks that exist in the area. We recottunend postponing <br /> drilling at any hole within one-half mile, and in fine-of-sight, of an active lek until 15 <br /> May. Though males may still display after that time, the peak of breeding, (late <br /> April/beginning of May) will be well past, so any disturbance activities will not <br /> measurably impact 1998 reproduction at that lek. <br /> We recommend seismic work be restricted to the hours of 10:00-16:00 within one-half <br /> mile of an active lek until after 1.5 May. This will prevent disruption of breeding. <br /> Sandhill Crane Nests <br /> No sandhill crane nests are known within two miles of seismic or drill locations. <br /> Surveys in late April will identify any locations where sandhill pairs are actively <br /> courting. These locations will be monitored in May to determine if any pairs found <br /> actually nest. If active sandhill crane nests exist, we recommend postponing drilling or <br /> seismic activity within one-half mile, and in line-of-sight, until young hatch and are <br /> moving readily with their parents (estimate: late June). <br /> If you have any questions regarding our surveys or reconunendations, please call me. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Bonnie C. Postovit <br /> Principal Biologist <br /> 1:\11[dl\peabody\bigdk\drilsurv.lot <br />