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<br />requirements for Bald eagles are large, open-branched trees, preferably near lakes, <br />reservoirs and rivers, used for hunting perches and roost sites. Bald eagle nesting in <br />Southwestern Colorado is raze. <br />Remazks: Bald eagles are known to overwinter in southern Colorado. Some eagles are <br />yearlong residents of the azea. Raptor foraging and perching habitat occurs north of the <br />project area in the mature pinon/juniper woodland in, the project area. The project area is <br />absent of areas of open water. Bald eagles aze not expected to be affected by <br />development of the proposed project. <br />6.0 SURVEY METHODS AND MATERIALS <br />Sandy Friedley of Ecosphere conducted pedestrian field surveys of the proposed project <br />azea and buffer areas on April 17, 2001. The surveys consisted of zig-zag pedestrian <br />transects at 20 foot intervals. Binoculars were used to survey the treetops in the vicinity <br />of the proposed project area for raptors. All plants, animals, animal signs and habitat <br />were recorded. <br />7.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS <br />There was no evidence of any federal or state listed TES flora/fauna species, or critical <br />habitats thereof in the proposed project area. Therefore, no impacts to TES species are <br />expected from the development of the proposed action. There would be an additional <br />disturbance of approximately 13.5 acres of habitat to area wildlife. There would also be <br />increases in noise and activity in the area that may affect area wildlife. Minimal long- <br />term wildlife impacts would be anticipated provided best management practices aze <br />utilized during operation and design of the proposed project. Furthermore, impacts could <br />be minimized through implementations of a weed control management plan and <br />completion of successful vegetation reclamation plan using appropriate species. <br />8.0 CERTIFICATION <br />It is believed by Ecosphere that the proposed action would not violate any of the <br />provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Conclusions of this <br />report are based on actual field examination and are correct to th~jbest of my knowledge. <br />Ecosphere Environmental Services <br />(970) 382-7256 <br />7 <br />