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characteristics could indicate a small, extant population. It is thought <br />• that, should this species persist in the Colorado River basin, the preferred <br />habitat would be larger river reaches in the Colorado and Green Rivers. The <br />SF{M is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the bonytail <br />chub, provided conservation measures outlined later in this opinion are <br />carried out. <br />Bald eagle <br />The bald eagle occurs in the project area mainly as a winter resident and a <br />spring and fall migrant. Bald eagles congregate at specific wintering sites <br />in western Colorado from late October through March. Open water on the <br />Colorado River during spring and fall attracts eagles because of fish and <br />waterfowl availability. Large riparian trees provide important <br />roosting/perching habitat. <br />The biological assessment states that winter bald eagle perch trees are <br />located along the proposed full-scale mine rail spur corridor. While <br />construction and operation of the SKM is not likely to jeopardize the <br />continued existence of the bald eagle, we suggest conservation <br />recommendations be incorporated in any permit issued by BLM or other Federal <br />agency to minimize the impact to this endangered species. Such conservation <br />actions by BLM and other Federal agencies connected with the SI{M project are <br />consistent with Section 7(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act. <br />• <br />6 <br />