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Suitable or potentially suitable habitat that would support lynx, based on existing vegetation, does not exist on or adjacent to the permit a~~ea. Therefore, OSM has determined that RN-04 will "not affect" the continued existence of the Canada lynx. Black-footed Ferret The black-footed ferret, (Mustela nigripes), is a fifteen to eighteen inch long, weasel-like with buff coloration, black feet, tail tip, and eye mask, with a blunt, light colored nose. The species occupies grassland plains in close association with prairie dog colonies at elevations of less than 10,500 feet above mean sea level. The Black-footed ferret preys on prairie dogs primarily and use their burrows for shelter and denning. Surveys of the Eagle 5 & 9 mine permit area found one prairie dog (Cynomys sp) colony approximately twenty (20) acres in size located in a portion of Sections 31 and 32 T6N, R91W. Due to the small size of the colony OSM has determined that the RN-04 will "not affect" the continued existence of the black-footed ferret. Candidates Yellow-billed cuckoo The Yellow-billed cuckoo, {coccyzus americanus), is a medium sized bird with a slender, long- tailed profile, slightly down-curved bill, which is blue-black with yellow on the lower half of the bill. Plumage is grayish-brown above and white below, with rufous primary flight feathers. This species occupies tall riparian habitat consisting of cottonwood over story and an under story of dense willow or tamarisk at elevations of less than 6,500 feet above mean sea level. Suitable habitat does not occur on or adjacent to the permit disposal area. Due to a lack of suitable habitat, OSM has determined that the RN-04 will "not effect" the continued existence of the Yellow-billed cuckoo. Previous Consultations In a memorandum dated October 25, 1983, (no document identification number) the USF&WS concurred with OSM's "no effect" determinations for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the Colorado pikeminnow, (Ptychocheilus lucius ,humpback chub Gila cv ha) due Co water depletion impacts. In a letter dated April 27, 1984, (no document identification number) the USF&WS concurred with OSM's "no effect" determination for the Colorado pikeminnow, (Ptychocheilus lucius , humpback chub (Gila cypha) due to water depletion impacts and "no effect" determination for the bald eagle, (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and black-footed ferret, (Mustela nigripes). In a letter dated August 4, 1987, (no document identification number) the USF&WS concurred with OSM's "no effect" determination for the Colorado pikeminnow, and humpback chub Gila cv ha .