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Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) -The project area is outside the current range of <br />this species (CDOW 2005). <br />Virginia's Warbler (Vermivora virginiae)- The area is within known breeding range, and this <br />species utilizes pinyon-juniper habitats as well as brushlands with some regularity (Kingery <br />1998). <br />Back-throated gray warbler (Dendroica nigrescens) -This species is found in mature <br />pinyon/juniper or combinations of pinyon/juniper and brushlands (Kingery 1998). The project <br />area is within the known breeding range of this species, and falls within suitable habitat. <br />Between wildland fires and previous mining activity, a substantial amount of the pinyon/juniper <br />has been removed. This species could still be present in the area, but there is a substantial <br />amount of undisturbed pinyon-juniper habitat in the surrounding area. <br />Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) -This species was observed around the proposed <br />mine site during an on site evaluation in January of 2006. <br />In addition to the above species a wide variety of migrant bird species utilize pinyon juniper <br />habitats and surrounding areas for breeding and brood rearing. <br />Environmental Consequences/Mitigation <br />Proposed Action -Approximately 7.5 acres would be impacted as a result of mining activity. <br />Due to previous mining and wildfire impacts, the potential effects to breeding bird habitat would <br />be minimized. <br />Noise produced as a result of mining activities could deter birds From roosting or nesting in the <br />area temporarily. <br />Due to the small area that might be impacted by the proposed mining activity, any impacts on the <br />migratory bird populations on Ray Mesa and surrounding areas would be undetectable. There <br />would be no violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (intentional take of native bird species) <br />as a result of the implementation of this project. <br />Preferred Action Alternative -Same as the Proposed Action. <br />No Action Alternative -There would be no impacts to migratory birds. <br />NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS CONCERNS <br />Affected Environment: No Native American religious concerns have bean identified in <br />the Project Area. <br />Environmental Consequences/Mitigation <br />Proposed Action -None. <br />Preferred Action Alternative -None. <br />11 <br />