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Ci EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In April of 2001, Southwest Land Services, Inc. retained Ecosphere Environmental Services to conduct a threatened/endangered/sensitive species survey of federally and state (Colorado) listed species for the proposed High Flume, Inc. gravel pit project located on fee lands in La Plata County, Colorado. The purpose of the survey was to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. No state or federally listed threatened or endangered species, or critical habitats thereof were observed in or immediately adjacent to the proposed project azea during the onsite survey. Additionally, the proposed project area does not provide suitable habitat for listed species. No species considered candidates to be listed as threatened or endangered, or other sensitive species were observed during the survey. 1t is believed by Ecosphere that the proposed action would not violate any of the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Minimal long-term wildlife impacts would be anticipated provided best management practices aze utilized during operation and design of the proposed project. Furthermore, impacts could be minimized through implementations of a weed control management plan and completion of successful vegetation reclamation plan using appropriate species. 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Southwest Land Services, Inc, (Southwest Land) 842 '/z Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado, retained Ecosphere Environmental Services (Ecosphere) to conduct a threatened/endangered/sensitive (TES) species survey of the High Flume Gravel Pit Inc. (High Flume Gravel) expansion project. Total proposed surface disturbance outside of the existing Phase 1 area is approximately 13.5 acres. Total surface disturbance for the project area is approximately 23.41 acres. A survey plat of the proposed High Flume gravel pit site is included in Appendix A. High Flume Gravel has proposed the expansion of an existing gravel pit on a hilltop above the Animas Valley and High Flume Canyon. Currently, approximately 2.0 acres has been logged and the remainder is situated in mature pinon/juniper woodland. Depth of gravel on the site is estimated to be approximately 60 feet. Access to the site is via a private road surface extending east of La Plata County Road 213 to the High Flume Gravel site. Approximately 200 feet of new access road construction would be required and a linear right-of--way would be utilized for a gravel chute pipe on the east side of the project (approximately 130 feet). On April 17, 2001, Sandy Friedley of Ecosphere conducted the TES survey of the proposed project area. The area surveyed by Ecosphere included the proposed gravel pit expansion azea and a 20-foot buffer zone around the perimeter of said azeas (project area). An intensive pedestrian survey was conducted within the proposed project area. The general project area was visually surveyed for the presence of cliff habitats, riparian areas, raptor nesting/roosting habitat, and other potential habitat for TES species.