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There is limited suitable habitat for some USFS and BLM listed Sensitive Species. Of these species the only terrestrial wildlife species observed were the northern harrier and olive-sided flycatcher. The limited amount of habitat removed will have no impact on these and other sensitive species. All Sensitive Species are addressed in the Biological Evaluation that is part of this report. The bluehead sucker is the only USFS listed Sensitive fish species found in waters that may be affected by the proposed project. It is found in the lower reaches of Hubbard Creek. The Elk Creek Federal Coal Lease stipulates that Oxbow must stay back 500 feet from Hubbazd Creek and implement measures to preclude sediment leaving any disturbed azeas. Rocky Mountain Thistle is the only USFS and BLM listed Sensitive plant species observed. This plant was only found on previously disturbed sites. Additional activity in the azea will not have an impact on this species. USFS listed Management Indicator Species do occur on the property. Of these, only elk and the red-naped sapsucker were observed. These species aze commonly observed in the azea and the limited amount of habitat affected will not adversely affect these species. Habitat on USFS lands for other listed species is limited or lacking. All MIS are addressed in the MIS section of this report. ' Raptor nesting is common in Aspen and Douglas-fir habitat in the project azea. Raptor nesting does not occur in Gambel oak/mountain shrub habitat. No nests were found in Pinyon juniper and nesting is uncommon in this habitat type when there are more suitable locations in nearby azeas. Most drill sites are located in mountain shrub habitat where no raptor nesting occurs. There are large expanses of aspen where nesting can occur and the removal of small azeas for pads and roads would not be expected to affect nesting activity. Douglas-fir is found on steep slopes where pad and road construction would be limited, reducing the potential impacts on raptor nesting in these areas. Many species of neo-tropical birds were observed during breeding bird surveys. Habitat for these species is not limited in the project area_ The minor amount of habitat to be disturbed will not affected the viability of any of these species. Other species of wildlife observed are common in the area. The lazge expanses of suitable habitat in comparison to the small amount of habitat that will be disturbed by the proposed operations means that the viability of these species within the project azea will not be affected. PROJECT AREA The project encompassed an area of approximately 18 squaze miles. Land ownership in the project azea includes National Forest, BLM and private. Portions of the project azea along the North Fork of the Gunnison River, and the lower portions of Beaz and Hubbazd