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i 4.6.6 Reptiles and Amphibians <br />Information in Sections 4.6.6 and 4.6.8 were taken from a biological assessment prepared by Rare Earth <br />Sciences in March of 2006. The entire Biological Assessment report is included as Table 4.6-9. <br />The lease area does not represent an important area in terms of habitat for reptiles <br />and amphibians. Only five species were identified: Great Basin Spadefoot, Northern leopard <br />frog, Longnose leopard lizard, Milk snake and the Midget-faded rattlesnake. No federally- <br />listed amphibians or reptiles are affected in the permit area. <br />4.6.7 Aauatic Resources <br />There are no aquatic resources within the boundaries of the lease area or the permit <br />area that would support permanent fish populations. East Salt Creek and its tributaries in <br />these upstream areas remain dry much of the year. <br />4.6.8 Threatened and Endanaered Species <br />The bald eagle and Mexican spotted owl are the only federally-listed birds potentially <br />• affected by the proposed actions. <br />The peregrine falcon could occur within the boundaries of the lease area. No <br />sightings were made during field trips, however, and we know of no reports of these birds for <br />the immediate area. It is possible that the peregrine falcon could be present for brief periods <br />during migration, and it is possible that this species nests among the rim- rock habitat <br />which is widespread in the area. <br />The bald eagle prefers coastal areas, rivers, or lakeshores with tall diurnal perches. <br />The Colorado River corridor around Fruita is mapped by the CDOW as bald eagle winter <br />foraging range and several bald eagles regularly occupy the Grand Valley during winter. <br />However, no current or historic bald eagle nesting records exist for the upper East Salt Creek <br />drainage. No bald eagle roosts or perch sites are documented or known to exist in or within <br />one mile of the assessment areas. <br />The Mexican Spotted owl's primary habitat in the region is mixed conifer forests <br />• dominated by Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine or other tall confiers. Less commonly it inhabits <br />steep, narrow canyons and cliffs and a perennial water source. The status of the Mexican <br />RN-OS 4-51 09/07 <br />