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Since it was believed by Dr. Clayton M. White that the nest sites would not be abandoned during portal <br />activities, no specific measures are planned for the portal to accommodate the golden eagle. However, <br />no surface exhaust or ventilation fans will be located within 1/4-mile of the known nesting sites. <br />Bald Eagle -Impact to northern bald eagles is not a major concern in this project. <br />Peregrine Falcon -Impact to peregrine falcons is not a concem in this project. <br />Sage Grouse -The major concern of potential impact to sage grouse is the disruption of normal <br />reproductive behavior by destroying "leks". Since no "leks" have heretofore been located, the applicant <br />will support a thorough field research effort to locate "leks". If "leks" are observed, appropriate mitigation <br />measures will be developed with the assistance of Colorado Division of Wildlife. <br />Ring-necked Pheasant -Impact to this species is not a concern within the scope of this project. <br />Mountain Plover -Since the mountain plover is considered an accidental visitor or straggler in the area <br />of potential impact it is of little concem. <br />Mourning Dove -This species is so widespread and abundant that it is of minor concern. No mitigation <br />is necessary. <br />Burrowing Owl -The burrowing owl is thought by many to be declining in numbers as more and more of <br />the grassland habitat once occupied by large rodents upon whom burrowing owls are dependent is <br />being lost. The burrowing owl in this study seems restricted to the prairie dog concentration areas in the <br />vicinity of the proposed haul road and disposal site. In order to minimize impact due to habitat loss, only <br />minimum permitted area will be used as an active disposal site at any given time. This will reduce the <br />initial impact and facilitate reinvasion after disposal and reclamation. This coupled considerable <br />alternate habitat to the north should allow the burrowing owl to maintain population homeostasis. <br />Scott's Oriole -This species was not thought to exist as far north as the area of potential impact, but was <br />sighted there. Since this is a range extension and perhaps the northem zoogeogrpahical limit the <br />perturbation rating was listed as 1-2. Since there is no surface disturbance other than subsidence, in the <br />prime desert shrub and juniper habitats, concern is minimal and mitigative measures unnecessary. <br />Desert Cottontail -Due to the large amount of favorable habitat available to cottontails in the area of <br />potential impact and the adaptive nature of the species, mitigative measures will not be a concern. The <br />habitat lost during disposal will be reclaimed as quickly as possible. <br />Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel -Although this species, abundant in grassland areas of the United <br />States, was thought to be extinct in the Uinta Basin, they are present. However, since they are found <br />along the proposed coat transportation corridor from Raven Ridge in Colorado to the proposed power <br />• Mine Permit Renewal #3 (Rev. 8/99) IV-49 <br />