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STATE OF COLORADO <br />Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />Mark B Konishi, Acting Director <br />6060 Broadway <br />Denver, Colorado 802'16 <br />Telephone: (303) 297-1192 <br />wildlife state.co us <br />2300 South Townsend Ave <br />Montrose, CO 81401 <br />Mr. Munai Shrestha <br />Western Fuels Association <br />PO Box 33424 <br />Denver, CO 80233 <br />GO~~O <br />~~®~ <br />O,YOF~ <br />Fov tTrldlife- <br />ForPeople <br />August 15, 2001 <br />Dear Mr Shrestha: <br />After reviewing your request fpr threatened and endangered (I&E) species clearance for exploratory <br />drilling in i47N, R16W and I46N, R16 W (Second Patti near Nucla, CO), the following species were identified, <br /> ~`~. z'e'~~~''~~,~.",~;*< .,>3ed,T~dan eyed,.:,,;P' ~k''ed;'I'(iFettfened`;~?9 ,S'Tndaa" ';d `;,' Staf%<T'hriai,rn'ed~).~: <br /> Bald Eagle No No (As of 8/8/2007) No Yes <br /> Kit Fox No No Yes No <br /> Black-footed Ferret Yes o es <br /> Western Burrowing <br />Owl No No No Yes <br />the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) inhabits this area, generally as a winter migant. Howevey it is <br />doubtful the activities described would pose any substantial threat. It is the opinion of the Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife (CDOW) that this species will not be adversely impacted by the described drilling activity.. <br />Kit Fox (Vulpes macrons) have been documented in the eastern portions of Montrose County However; <br />surveys have not detected the presence of this species on the West End. As the habitat in the described area would <br />be considered marginal, it is our determination there will be no adverse impacts to this species <br />Although these may be some suitable habitat in the area, occwrence of the black-footed ferret (Mustela <br />nigripes) has not been recently documented in Monnose County Any threat posed by the described activities is <br />considered negligible to this species.. <br />Adverse impacts to burrowing owls (~ithene cunicularfa hypugaea} are considered a possibility, as their <br />presence has been documented in the Nucla area This species is a summer migrant closely associated with prate ie <br />dog colonies, which they utilize for nesting and brood resting activities. Federal and state laws prohibit the <br />hazming or killing of Burrowing Owls or the destruction of active nests. Due to the size of the impacted azea, and <br />heightened activity associated with drilling activities, the CDOW recommends that surveys (protocols attached) be <br />conducted prior to any exploration. the area surveyed should include any prairie dog burrows within a 300 foot <br />buffer along access roads, and any prairie dog burrows within 300 feet around each exploratory hole.. <br />If Burrowing Owls are confirmed to be present in a prairie dog town, there are two options before <br />proceeding with planned activities: <br />1 Wait to initiate activities until after November 1 or until it can be confirmed that the owls have left the <br />prairie dog town. <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Hams D. Shemtan, Executive Director <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Tom Burke, Chair. Claire O'Neal, Vce Chair • Robert Bray, Secretary <br />Members, Dennis Buechler • Brad Coors • Jeffrey Crawford • Tim Glenn • Roy MrMatty • Richard Ray <br />Ex Olfido Members, Harris Sherman and John SWIp <br />