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TESand BLMSensilive Species Survey Repor[- Pxbow Elk Creek Mine Exploranbn Project Bald eagles are often found near rivers and reservoirs, especially where fish are abundant (CDOW 2004a). According to the BLM, bald eagles may use the project area for foraging during the winter but no nests were present in the area (BLM 2004a). No bald eagle nests or individuals are present within the project area. No effects to this species are anticipated as a result of this project. The Gunnison sage-grouse occurs in eight isolated populations, the largest of which inhabits the Gunnison Basin. It requires a variety of habitats such as large expanses of sagebrush with a diversity of grasses and forbs and healthy riparian ecosystems (CDOW 2004b). No suitable habitat for the Gunnison sage grouse is present within the project area. No large stands of sagebrush habitat are present within the project area. No effects to this species aze anticipated as a result of this project. The yellow-billed cuckoo can be found in lowland riparian forests at lower mountain elevations during the summer months and urban areas with tall trees, primarily from Mesa County southwazd (1JDOW 2004). Suitable habitat for the yellow-billed cuckoo is not present within the project area. No effects to this species are anticipated as a result of this project. The black-footed ferret is closely associated with prairie dogs, depending almost entirely upon the prairie dog for its survival. Potential habitat for the black-footed ferret must include, at a minimum, awhile-tailed prairie dog colony of 200 acres or greater in size or a black-tailed prairie dog colony of 80 acres or greater in size (CDOW 2004c). No prairie dog towns are located in or near the project area. No effects to this species aze anticipated as a result of this project. Recently a Canada lynx release program has been established near the Elk Creek Mine, however, no Canada lynx analyses units overlap the proposed Elk Creek Mine expansion and lynx dens are typically found at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet, approximately 4,000 feet higher than any Elk Creek Mine exploration activities (CDOW 2004d). Preferred habitat for this species is not present within the project area. No effects to this species are anticipated as a result of this project. Boreal toads reside in damp areas in the vicinity of marshes, wet meadows, streams, beaver ponds, glacial kettle ponds, and lakes interspersed in suba]pine forests comprised of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spmce, subalpine fir, and aspen. It is generally restricted to elevations of 8,500- 11,500 feet (CDOW 2004e; FWS 2004a). No suitable habitat for this species is present within or near the project area. No effects to this species are anticipated as a result of this project. Four listed T&E fish species may occur or may be affected by water depletions in Delta County, the Bonytail chub, the Humpback chub, Colorado pikenminnow, and the Razorback sucker are present in the Colorado River system (CDOW 2004f; CDOW 2004g; CDOW 2004h; CDOW 20041). The fish species, and their designated critical habitat, can be impacted by water depletions upstream of their occupied habitat. However, their habitat is not present within the proposed project area and no roads or pipelines cross any major tributaries. No water depletions will occur as a result ofthis project and no effects to the species are anticipated. Oxbow Elk Creek Mine Expansion Projcn TES and Sersi~ivc Species Survey 3