2004-05-19_REVISION - M1979205 (2)

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• Small Game and Furbearets Probably the only small game species occuring on the project site is the Nuttal's cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii). This species occurs in all habitats on the project site, but is most common in shrubby vegetation and within the floodplain riparian habitat. The Nuttal's cottontail, along with numerous rodent and ground squirrel species on the site, are prey for numerous raptors and a variety of terrestrial predators expected to occur on or near the site. Predators and other forbearers likely to occur on site include; American beaver (Castor cenadensis), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), mink (Mustela visors), ermine (M.ermsnea), badger {Taxidea taxus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and coyote (Canis latrans). Tracks and other sign of beaver, raccoon, and wyote were observed during field reconnaissance in the spring of 1948. Non-game Birds The project site provides habitat for a diverse array of breeding and migrant bird species. The species most likely to be impacted by the proposed Mamm Creek Crravel Mine is the great blue heron (Ardea herodias). A heron communal rookery of approximately 25 nests was located in large cottonwoods on the western end of the project site. Although the herons had migrated away from the rookery by September, the site is apparently active and produced several young in 1999. Summary The general plan is to minimally affect the sensitive, threatened or endangered wildlife in order to spare as much mature cottonwood forest lands, wetland and slough habitat as possible. Saving large cottonwood trees on the mine property as well as adjoining property will reduce or eliminate wildlife impacts. Existing smaller cottonwood trees and plant material will be harvested from the site and replanted as part of the reclamation project during Phase I mining when commencing land clearing and prepazation of Phase D and so forth through the life of the mine. Sequential mining and reclamation will reduce the impact to existing species at any given time during the course of the project.