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lazge roadless or isolated azeas. Radio-tracking studies of wolverine in northwest <br />Montana indicate that wolverines prefer rugged, relatively inaccessible mountainous <br />areas at the high elevations in the summer and move to lower (but still snow bound) <br />elevations in the wvnter (Homocker and Hash 1981). Seventy percent of all relocated <br />animals were found in large areas of medium or scattered mature timber. Ecotonal azeas, <br />small timber pockets, and rocky, timbered benches accounted for the remainder of the <br />relocation sites. Subalpine fir was the predominant timber type selected by wolverines. <br />One conclusion of this study was that wilderness or remote country where human activity <br />is limited appears to be essential for the maintenance of viable wolverine populations. <br />Suitable wolverine habitat is lacking on or near the project area. This project will not <br />impact the viability of the species, or result in a trend of wolverine towazds federal <br />listing. <br />American marten: The American marten inhabits lafe successional coniferous or mixed <br />forests throughout northern North America. Martens aze most abundant in mature to old- <br />growth true fir and spruce-fir forests in the western United States. They prefer mature, <br />mesic coniferous or mixed forests with at least a 30-50 percent crown density. (Ruggerio, <br />et al. 1994). They avoid lazge, open areas and clearings, but may use small riparian areas <br />and meadows for foraging. They feed on a wide variety of foods including squirrels, <br />voles, mice, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insect and fruits and berries <br />(Clazk, et. al. 1987) but voles are often cited as the marten's preferred food source. The <br />marten's preference for moist sites maybe related to the fact that lush stands of <br />herbaceous vegetation growing at mesic sites often support large populations of voles. <br />Habitat requirements specific to the American marten include resting sites, dens, <br />subnivean access azeas, and logs and trees in various stages of decay. The best marten <br />habitat in this portion of the Gunnison Forest is contiguous stands of spruce-fir found at <br />higher elevations. <br />Suitable marten habitat is lacking for a considerable distance in any direction from the <br />project area. This project will not impact the viability of the species, or result in a trend <br />of American marten towards federal listing. <br />Peregrine falcon: No peregrine falcon occurrence has been formally documented within <br />the proposed project azea. Potential reproductive habitat for peregrine falcon includes <br />high cliff ledges with potholes or small caves. Nest sites also include old stick nests of . <br />ravens and hawks, and holes and stubs of large trees. Potential foraging habitat includes <br />high mountains and open forests, preferably where there aze rocky cliffs overlooking <br />rivers, lakes, or other open water. Peregrine falcons feed on a variety of small to medium <br />bird species, some mammals, and insects. <br />There is no suitable nesting habitat in the project area. Suitable foraging habitat is also <br />lacking in the project area. There is a chance that one or more of these birds could be <br />observed moving through the area during migration, but that would be a chance <br />occurrence The proposed project will not impact peregrine falcon suitable reproductive, <br />roosting, and migration dispersal habitat. <br />12 <br />