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observed by BME, they should notify the CDOW. CDOW guidelines for disturbance in greater sage-grouse <br />habitat are identified in the document. "Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan, January 2008. " <br />Following the guidelines of this document, the CDOW recommends No Surface Occupancy (ie. no construction <br />activities or development) occur within a 0.6 mile radius of active lck sites. Even if greater sage-grouse are <br />observed at the Red Wash Lek site, BME's proposed drill locations fall outside the radius of this guideline. <br />However, if greater sage-grouse are observed using the Red Wash Lek site by BME I would recommend the <br />following disturbance guidelines be applied within a 4-mile radius of the lek site from March 1 - July 15 to help <br />protect breeding, nesting and brood rearing habitats: <br />• Restrict construction activities during morning hours and at night. <br />• Avoid additional construction traffic along Rio Blanco County Road 73 in the Red Wash area., <br />located east of proposed drill holes 'U" and "E3." <br />• Encourage BME workers to drive at reduced speeds to avoid incidental take of greater sage <br />grouse and other wildlife by construction vehicles on roadways. <br />• Prohibit off road travel of motorized vehicles. <br />• Discourage BME workers from approaching any greater sage-grouse they observe. <br />The areas south of the White River that BME has proposed for coal exploration fall under the jurisdiction of <br />CDOW District Wildlife Manager Terry Wygant. I have consulted with Mr. Wygant. regarding BME's proposed <br />coal exploration and reclamation and the respective wildlife resources in these areas. He reviewed their proposal <br />and advised that he believes the disturbance will be minimal to wildlife in the area and there should be no <br />significant impact to any threatened or endangered species or their habitats in this area. <br />Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact <br />me any time. <br />Sincerely, <br />Joe Nicholson <br />CDOW District Wildlife Manager, Rangel_y North <br />(970) 878-6071 <br />j oe. n icholsonCa' state. co. uc <br />Cc: Terry Wvgant, CDOW <br />Bill DeVergie, CDOW