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SURVEY METHODS <br />Habitat conditions were assessed within an area encompassing the proposed shaft <br />location and access route. Bird surveys were conducted in all habitat types found within <br />this azea. See Figure 1. Surveys were conducted in each habitat type throughout the area <br />during three sampling periods, at approximately two-week intervals from mid-May <br />through early-June. <br />In 2005 a lazge azea around the proposed road and pad was surveyed for bird and other <br />wildlife activity (See 2005 Shaft #4 Area Report). In 2006 the area surveyed was reduced <br />in size to cover an azea which encompasses the access road and pad. For all bird species <br />an azea of approximately 400 feet azound the road and pad was surveyed. For walking <br />transects the observer would move slowly through the azea recording all species of birds <br />observed and heard. By walking slow and observing birds along the corridor and around <br />the pad most, if not all, species of birds found in the area, are observed or heard.. Other <br />wildlife or sign thereof were also noted during the bird surveys. <br />On two occasions, aspen stands and the pocket of Douglas fir, which are within 1/4 mile <br />of the proposed location were checked for raptor nests. For much of the area, mountain <br />shrub (primarily Gambel Oak) dominates the landscape. None of this habitat type <br />provides suitable conditions for raptor nesting and was not surveyed. <br />FINDINGS <br />No T&E species listed by the USFWS or Colorado Division of Wildlife were observed <br />during the surveys. <br />The only USFS Sensitive Species observed was the olive-sided flycatcher. This species <br />has been observed during other studies conducted for mining companies in the North <br />Fork Valley every yeaz since 2002. <br />The only MIS species observed was the red-naped sapsucker. Red-naped sapsuckers were <br />observed during all surveys in aspen habitat. These birds are commonly observed in <br />aspen habitat throughout the North Fork Valley. Although no elk were observed there <br />was evidence of their having been in the project area. Elk are commonly observed <br />throughout the area and have undoubtedly habituated to the presence of human activity <br />along the Minnesota Creek Road. <br />No raptor nests were located during the surveys. <br />Bird species that were observed during the surveys are shown in Table 1 <br />