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TES Survev for Pnnefsl b, 17, and / 7S <br />METHODS <br />The field investigation was completed by canvassing the project area via all-terrain vehicle and <br />by walking. General habitat types (e.g., scrub/shrub, riparian) were identified and compared <br />against the preferred habitat of the relevant TES species that could potentially occur in the <br />project area. Habitat types and specific habitat components (e.g., cavity nest in aspen trees, <br />seeps and springs) were documented at each proposed drill site. <br />RESULTS <br />Within the study azea, three dominant vegetative communities exist. These include 1) mountain <br />shrub dominated by Gambel's oak; 2) forest woodland dominated by aspen and blue spruce; and <br />3) riparian corridors and sagebrush flats along valley bottoms. <br />The habitat on ridgetops and ridge sides (excluding drainages) is generally characterized by <br />Gambel's oak, serviceberry, chokecherry, snowberry, and dense ground cover of grasses and <br />forbs. <br />Vegetation on north-facing and sheltered slopes is dominated by a mix of aspen and blue spruce, <br />with Gambel's oak mixed with woody brush in most other aeeas. Small meadows occur on <br />ridgetops with very little soil and in poorly drained areas along drainages. On north- and west- <br />facing slopes, the trees and brush aze often dense and nearly impassable. <br />Habitat in drainages is generally characterized by aspen, snowberry, thimbleberry, chokecherry, <br />and sagebrush. Blue spruce is occasionally interspersed with the aspens. <br />The habitat conditions for each of the proposed drill pads are listed in Table 1. <br />During previous clearance surveys, a sensitive area was identified in Section 27 that includes two <br />small ponds and numerous aspen trees with cavities (Figure 2). The USFS noted in an eazlier <br />conversation with Greystone personnel that impacts to this azea (approximately 2 - 3 acres) <br />should be minimized because it contains aquatic habitat, riparian wetlands, and habitat for <br />cavity-nesting birds (Wang 2001). <br />TEDriOSitcSurvey-RPT(210)REVI/December 3, 2001 ,3 <br />