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The majority of greater sage-grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse nests are located within 4 miles and 1.25 <br />miles respectively. Both species may abandon their nests with disturbance. Nearly all of the proposed Cow Camp <br />drill sites are within sharp-tailed grouse nesting habitat and greater sage-grouse nesting habitat. We recommend <br />timing the drilling activity such that it is outside of nesting season, which takes place during May and June. <br />Therefore, we recommend drilling at Cow Camp after July 1. <br />The CDOW is not aware of any federally listed threatened or endangered species habitat that will be impacted by <br />the proposed drill site activity. The greater sandhill crane is a Colorado species of concern and may utilize some <br />areas with in the proposed project but should not be impacted as long as the grouse timing recommendations listed <br />above are followed. Based on information from the Seneca 112007 Wildlife Report, there are active golden eagle <br />nests in Section 13 TSN, 87W and Section 3 T5N 87W. Both of these nests fall within the exploration area. The <br />CDOW recommends that drilling activity within ''/z mile of active nests take place outside of the March 1 to May <br />31 time period and that any long-term surface disturbance be located outside of a '/4 mile nest buffer. Much of the <br />Cow Camp Exploration area is in big game winter range, however, we do not anticipate lasting impacts to winter <br />range if the drill sites are reclaimed properly. <br />The CDOW has reviewed the two seed mixes that you attached with your letter. The rangeland seed mix, which <br />contains a broad array of native grasses, forbs and brush species is desirable for :wildlife i ncludinb Columbian <br />sharp-tailed grouse. We recommend adding to the rangeland mix mountain big sagebrush to complete a well <br />diversified mix. The dry land pasture mix is appropriate for reclaiming hayed land, but would recommend the <br />rangeland mix at all sites not actively harvested. We recommend against revegetating with aggressive grasses such <br />as crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, or intermediate wheatgrass because these grasses out-compete other species <br />and do not provide good wildlife habitat. <br />Please contact Steve Znamenacek at 846-3732 or Liza Rossi at 871-2861 if you have additional questions <br />Again, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on Twentymile Coal's proposed Cow Camp Exploration Area. <br />Since. <br />el"Y, <br />James M. Haskins <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />CC: R. Velarde, Jerry Nettleton, Area 10 file, S. Znamenacek