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Bald eagles aze predominantly winter residents along'tlie South Platte River corridor, and winter roost trees aze located to the south and north of the project site (one to three miles distant). An active bald eagle nest (2005) is located approximately 0.5 miles north of the Pazker pazcel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife require a 0.25 mile radius buffer zone around winter roost trees and nests. Both the Parker and Dersham parcels are well outside these buffer areas and mining activities are not likely to adversely affect the bald eagles. A disqualification request was prepared for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse and submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service June 10, 2005. Based on negative trapping surveys in the vicinity, it was concluded that the likelihood of encountering the mouse is small. The property does not contain potential habitat for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid. A - disqualification request was prepazed for the orchid and submitted to the U.S. Fish-and Wildlife Service June 10, 2005. Project Effects to Wildlife Noise and air emissions during mining will cause a temporary disturbance to wildlife during active operations. Some wildlife species will be temporarily displaced with mining operations within the pit area. Species such as raccoons, coyotes, beaver, deer, and' raptors will continue to use the property and adjacent azeas during mining operations and the site itself when operations aze not active. Bird species will use the periphery of the' site and'the site itself opportunistically, if prey or food species are present. The proposed project will extract material- and leave one reservoir and.azeas of uplands within the project site. The existing riparian corridor along the.South Platte River will not be disturbed. Permanent reclamation of the site will entail grading, respreading topsoil, and seeding and planting perennial native species that will support wildlife species. The mining and reclamation will create a more diverse habitat than is currently present. Areas of open water will sustain species of reptiles and amphibians as well as shorebirds and waterfowl With, the planting of additional native trees and. shrubs,- additional strata _ and vegetation layers will 6e added to the site, `creating improved cover, foraging; roosting, and nesting areas for wildlife. With control and/or removal of noxioas species . during the project, and the replacement of desirable graminoid;. forb, shrub, and tree . species, mining and reclamation will result in enhancement of wildlife habitat on site.