1998-02-04_REVISION - X199621901

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02/03/98 15,54 V307 682 6075 PR EAGLE STUDIES --- NORWEST S. L. C. Z002 O�ppNEp EAGLE STv��Es'/{►O� . Q ol t WILDLIFE CONSULTING P,O. Box 2411 Gillette, WY 82717-2411 (307) GM4178 Mr. Jim Alto NorWest Mine Services 175 South Main Street, 10t° Floor Salt Lake City, UT 8411 1 Dear Jim: At your request, we conducted a preliminary (helicopter) survey for sensitive wildlife resources on and near the 1998 Big Elk drilling and seismic project area on 25 January. Given the area, topography, and habitats present, it appears that the only sensitive wildlife features likely to occur on the project area are raptor nests, grouse leks, and sandhi]] crane nests. Most of the area is treeless and relatively flat, so appropriate nesting habitat for raptors is limited. However, this type of habitat could support sharp-tailed grouse leks. The potential for nesting sandhill cranes is relatively low, as most of the project area is outside CDOW- mapped 'overall range" for the species. Two raptor nests were located during our January survey; one a golden eagle nest, the other a potential red-tailed hawk nest. We will he following up with ground surveys from late April through early May. By the end of April, we will have identified any grouse leks on the project area, and determined the activity status of the golden eagle nest, and noted any areas where sandhill crane pairs are active. By the muddle of May, we will have located sandhill crane nest sites, and determined the activity status of the hawk nest. Once we have completed our surveys to pinpoint the locations of any sensitive wildlife features, there should be no need for any blanket restrictions on date or timing of your drilling or seismic activities. Impact avoidance should be considered on a site-by-site basis for any features within one-half mile of activities. Our recommendations to avoid affecting production of sensitive species are as follows: Raptor Nests During our 25 January survey, we located two raptor nests in Nth SE Section 35, T6N, R88W. These nests are within one-quarter mile, and in line of sight, of proposed drill hole FED62. We will know whether the eagle nest is active for 1998 by late April; we will know status of the hawk nest by mid-May. If either of the nests is active, we recommend drilling at PED62 be postponed until after the nests have fledged young (estimate: late June for eagles, mid-July for red-tailed hawks). if the nests are not active by mid-May, drilling can be initiated at any time without impact. tVlleallpcabody\hiselk\drilsurv.let