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Wildlife Information <br />1. Significant Game Resources on the Affected Lands <br />Mule deer are probably the most critical game resource in this area. Animals migrate <br />from the upper elevations around Cerro Summit, Squaw Hill, and Waterdog Peak to <br />spend the winter months in the lower elevation pinyon juniper habitats that surround the <br />irrigated fields east of Montrose. The south facing slopes are especially important in <br />severe winters. <br />2. Significant Non-Game Resources on the Affected Lands <br />Non-game resources in this area are confined primarily to small rodents (ground <br />squirrels, mice, voles, etc.) and reptiles (sagebrush lizard, plateau striped whiptail, eastern <br />fence lizard). Impacts to these species will likely be minimal. The small wetland located <br />near the site probably attracts a number of non-game species seeking water. However, <br />the plan indicates that this area will be left undisturbed. <br />3. Seasonal Use of Affected Lands <br />Migrating big game including mule deer and elk may use the site on a seasonal basis. <br />Small game such as mourning dove and neo-tropical birds may also be found on the site <br />or in the immediate vicinity on a seasonal basis. <br />4. Presence and Estimated Population of Threatened or Endangered species in the <br />area. <br />Bald Eagles are known to winter in the Uncompahgre Valley. An occasional road-kill <br />animal may amaci eagles to highway near the site. However, no use of the site itself by <br />bald eagles has been recorded. Gunnison sage-grouse (a candidate species) is also known <br />to occur with a few miles of the pit location. However, the habitat both on the site, and in <br />the immediate area, is not considered suitable for this species. <br />5. Fish Resources <br />None <br />6. General Effects of the Operation on the Existing Wildlife of the Area <br />Gravel extraction and crushing activities will no doubt create some disturbance to <br />animals neaz the site. However, resident wildlife will generally become habituated to <br />these activities. Migrating animals will probably avoid the site, but the proposed pit does <br />not block any known migratory routes, and wildlife should be able to move through the <br />. area unimpeded. Due to the possibility for animal/vehicle collisions, hauling activities <br />will probably pose the biggest threat to wildlife. Haul trucks should keep to posted <br />speeds and drivers need to remain aware of the potential for collisions. <br />