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Raptors As discussed for the ESM-2 site, an active sharp-shinned hawk nest was found in the small aspen stand in the drainage west of the proposed drill site. The bird actively defended the nest during all surveys. This bird was especially vocal during the third survey indicating there were young on the nest. The nest site will not be disturbed by construction of the drill pad. It will be necessary to wait until after the young have fledged before the commencement of any construction activities. THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES There are no federally listed Endangered or Threatened plant species known to occur in the project azea. The Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus), which is listed as Threatened, is known to occur in the North Fork Valley below 6000', but none were observed in the project area which is neazly 8000' in elevation. The Adobe or Rocky Mountain thistle (Cirsium perplexans) is listed by both the Forest Service and BLM as sensitive, A review of habitat requirements for this species shows that it occurs in adobe hills which are below the elevation of this project. ' Slender cotton grass (Eriophonun gracile) is listed by the Forest Service as sensitive, but habitat conditions suitable for this species are lacking in the project azea. SUMMARY No federally listed T 8cE species are found in the project azea. Suitable habitat for all of these species is lacking. There is suitable habitat for some Sensitive Species. However, numbers observed within the North Fork Valley aze low and habitat is more than adequate to sustain existing populations. Loss of a small amount of habitat through exploration activities will not adversely affect these species. The amount of suitable habitat dictates the diversity and density of Management Indicator Species found in the area. Neazly all proposed exploration activity is located away from azeas preferred by these species. There are extensive areas of habitat suitable for deer, elk and beazs. For these species there is more than enough habitat to sustain populations at or above management objectives. Suitable nesting habitat for raptors is very limited throughout the azea. As discussed above, the only suitable raptor nesting habitat is a small stand of aspen west of the EMS- 2 site. Asharp-shinned hawk is already nesting in this stand.