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were also found in other adjacent oakbrush/mountain shrub habitat. This is a reflection of the <br />influence of neighboring habitat types. <br />The large expanses of aspen and oakbrush/mountain shrub habitat help minimize the potential <br />impacts to neotropical birds from lost habitat due to construction of drill pads and access roads. <br />Considering the total number of acres of these types available and the few acres that will be lost, <br />potential impacts to these birds will be minor. In addition, as sites and roads are reclaimed <br />species used to revegetate these areas will add to the diversity of the areas. Observations made <br />during other surveys conducted for energy development projects in the North Fork Valley have <br />shown that as vegetation becomes established along the road corridors and around pads, both the <br />density and diversity of birds increases. <br />AMPIBIANS AND REPTILES <br />While conducting transects and nesting raptor surveys, observations of amphibians and reptiles <br />were kept. The only adult species of amphibians observed-were chorus frogs and tiger <br />salamanders that were found in ponds located in the project area. The only species of reptile <br />observed was the western terrestrial garter snake. This snake was observed in the Dry Fork of <br />Minnesota Creek drainage. <br />FISHERIES <br />The Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek does not support a viable fishery. All other drainages are small <br />with intermittent streams. <br />SUMMARY <br />During wildlife surveys conducted in May, June & July 2008, no T&E wildlife species were <br />observed in the project area. Should any of these species be encountered appropriate measures <br />as determined by the Forest Service and FWS will be implemented to avoid disturbance. <br />Several sensitive species are found in the project area. Measures should be implemented to <br />minimize impacts to habitat utilized by these species. <br />Only three management indicator species, elk, red-naped sapsuckers and Merriam's turkey were <br />observed in the project area. Measures should be implemented to minimize impacts to habitat <br />utilized by these species. <br />No listed plant species were observed during the 2008 studies. <br />Both active and inactive raptor nests were found in the project area. All but one nest were found <br />in aspen stands. One red-tail nest was found in a small Douglas-fir stand. Measures should be <br />implemented to minimize impacts to aspen stands, especially stringers, in the area that could be <br />utilized by these birds for nesting. The small Douglas-fir stand should also be protected. <br />13