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6 <br />unrelated 1994 survey documented a number of tree n=sts along <br />this riparian corridor, but nesting species were not determined. <br />Previous raptor studies for Unocal in 1986 suggeste3 probable <br />nest occupants included Cooper's hawk, long-eared oal, red-tailed <br />hawk, and great horned owl. Prairie falcon and golden eagle <br />appeared in these surveys, but peregrines and bald eagle were <br />apparently not noted. <br />The pipeline corridor along the Parachute Creek valley from Davis <br />Point south is scheduled to be inventoried for raptors in 1999 <br />(see attached Mitigation Plan-Raptors). <br />peregrine falcon <br />As detailed in a former Biological Assessment from this office <br />(e.g., Transco Dark Canyon Lateral pipeline of 22 July 1998), an <br />apparent pair (adult male and subadult female) of Peregrine <br />falcon were observed by various observers between 15 May and 8 <br />July 1998 along Piceance Creek between Stewart Gulch (16 miles <br />southeast of the Piceance site and along pipeline corridor) and <br />the Dry Fork of Piceance (4 miles northeast of the Piceance <br />site), which includes the general vicinity of the proposed <br />Piceance Plant site and pipeline corridor. <br />Although there was no evidence of nesting, these birds' <br />appearance indicates potential for a future attempt. among the <br />numerous sandstone outcrops and cliffs bordering tYie Piceance <br />Creek valley or one of its larger tributaries. Although these <br />features have never been viewed as ideal (or even appropriate) <br />structure for peregrine nesting, as optimal habitat: becomes <br />increasingly occupied, it is reasonable that lesser' features will <br />become more frequently occupied when associated with adequate <br />prey sources, as Piceance's irrigated haylands and wetlands <br />offer. <br />we feel there is 'little likelihood that peregrines would select <br />rock outcrops within or in the immediate vicinity of the lease <br />boundaries or along the pipeline corridor. The sandstone <br />outcrops that occur in Horse Draw and along Piceance Creek <br />adjacent to the American Soda's leases are low and generally <br />unimpressive relative to others available elsewhere: along upper <br />Piceance Creek. The cliffs associated with Hatch and Collins <br />Gulch, and the pipeline crossing of Piceance near :Lower Stewart <br />Gulch are similar with respect to potential nest substrate. <br />These birds' appearance have prompted our attention and through <br />the intervening years BLM will continue an attempt to determine <br />occupancy and status before potentially disruptive activities are <br />permitted. <br />In the context of this project, the greatest potential for <br />nesting lies in the Parachute Creek drainage. An ]zistorical <br />eyrie exists in the Anvil Points area several mile:a to the east <br />