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ferruginous hawk, black tern, and loggerhead shrike. Ongoing monitoring is proposed to • <br />assess the degree, if any, of impe~et and [o accumulate information that may be needed to <br />develop additional protection end mitigation plans for these species. <br />The ongoing monitoring plan for s)ia rp-tailed grouse will consist of veinier aerial survey <br />to identify wintering areas, continued searches for new leks, and ongoing monitoring of <br />leks identified during baseline studies. The winter aerial survey will be conducted in <br />conjunction with the big game aerial census. Known leks will be checked on the ground at <br />least twice each year during the breeding season (Apri l-Nay). Counts will be made of <br />displaying grouse at dawn during mach visit. After the counts are completed, biologists <br />will search for additional leks by slowly driving roads in the study area that traverse <br />suitable habitat. Frequent stops will be made at vantage points to scan and listen for <br />strutting birds. Neu leks found during search efforts will be promptly reported to the <br />appropriate regulatory authorities. <br />Ongoing qualitative studies of greater sandhill cranes utilizing lowland habitat adjacent <br />to the haul road will also be conducted. The studies will consist of recording the <br />numbers, behavior, and locations of birds in early spring of each year observed within 0.5 • <br />miles on either side of the haul road and west of the main permit area in Section 9 <br />(Exhibit 1[-1). This data will assist biologists in determining if the haul road is <br />causing any adverse impact on habitat utilization by the cranes. The birds will be <br />checked at least twice each spring using binoculars and spotting scopes. No attempts will <br />be made to approach cranes in the field. <br />Ongoing monitoring of sage grouse will be accomplished in conjunction with the monitoring <br />plan for sharp-tailed grouse. Sage grouse wintering areas will be surveyed during the <br />winter big game aerial survey. Known dancing grounds will be checked on the ground at <br />least twice each spring (April-May) to assess breeding activity. After counts are <br />completed, biologists will search for additional breeding sites in conjunction with <br />searches for sharp-tailed grouse breeding sites. <br />Although remote, the possibility of bald eagles using the permit area for winter roast <br />sites exists. Potential roost sites will be surveyed by biologists white conducting the <br />winter aerial survey for big game. In addition, mine personnel with reclamation and <br />environmental monitoring responsibilities will conduct reconnaissance for bald eagles • <br />during the course of conducting their regular duties. <br />14 Revised 06/18/95 <br />