2008-01-14_PERMIT FILE - X200821712 (6)

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;~ GOB HOLES GVB D-8-A & B and GVB D-9-A&B .~ Because gob-vent-bore-holes GVB D-8-A & B and GVB D-9-A & B and the associated access roads are in close proximity to one another along the Dove Plantation Ridge (See Figure 1 ) observations for these sites have been combined. There will only be three drill sites as holes D-8- A & D-9-A will both be drilled from the same location. Approximately 4000 feet of new road from site 1P99-66 will be required to access the drill sites. The locations of the roads, and drill sites are around the edges of the plantation and will not result in the loss of any ponderosa pines. Overall impacts to habitat in this area are expected to be minimal as much of the road corridor and drill sites aze in areas that were disturbed during creation of the Dove Ponderosa pine plantation. Habitat Survey These sites and access roads are located along an easterly trending ridge top immediately adjacent to a Ponderosa pine plantation at elevations ranging from approximately 7580 to 7760 feet. Trees - in the Dove Ponderosa pine plantation range in height from 20-35 feet. There aze some grasses and in a few more open areas snowberry is the dominant understory shrub. On either side of the . plantation there are mountain shrub communities. To the south conditions on the slope do not ' provide moisture for dense stands of shrubs or inmost azeas a good grass forb component. On the north side of the plantation moisture conditions are more conducive to vegetation growth and there are dense stands of late seral stage oakbrush, $erviceberry, chokecherry and snowberry. In the more open areas there is a good grass forb component. \~' The mountain shrub community in association with the ponderosa pine and a few junipers results in a diverse array of birds using the azea. However, most activity is found outside of the ponderosa pines. Currently, the ponderosa stand is about 35-40 years old, was planted on a 10- 12 foot spacing and is too open to provide good nesting habitat. As the stand ages birds wdl undoubtedly use the area more for nesting and brood rearing. Evidence within and adjacent to the ponderosa plantation indicate that elk use the area on a regular basis, especially during the fall and spring transition periods. Sign indicate that deer also use the azea, but to a lesser degree. The relative degree of importance of the area for deer and elk is unknown. If drilling operations aze concluded by November 1 or shortly thereafter potential impacts should be minimal. Wildlife Survey Threatened & Endangered Species and Species of Concern Along the road corridors and at the drill sites species observed were similar to those observed at other locations in the study area. Again, suitable habitat was generally lacking for nearly all species of concern listed in the EIS. As with the other sites, there is always a possibility that one or more of the listed species could be observed in the area. However, this would probably be a 8