2007-07-01_REVISION - C1980007 (2)

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true fir and spruce-fir forests in the western United States. They prefer mature, mesic coniferous or mixed forests with at least a 30-50- percent crown density. (Ruggerio et al. ' 1994). They avoid large, open areas and clearings, but may use small riparian areas and meadows for foraging. They feed on a wide variety of foods including squirrels, voles, mice, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insect and fruits and berries (Clark, et. al. 1987) but voles are often cited as the marten's preferred food source. The marten's preference for moist sites may be related to the fact that lush stands of herbaceous vegetation growing at mesic sites often support large populations of voles. ' Habitat requirements specific to the American marten include resting sites, dens, subnivean access areas, and logs and trees in various stages of decay. The best marten habitat in this portion of the Gunnison Forest is contiguous stands of spruce-fir found at higher elevations. In this project area there are stands along Deep Creek and a stand along the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek. Only a minor amount of this habitat could potentially be affected. The small amount of habitat disturbance would not be expected to affect marten activities in the area. Peregrine falcon: One peregrine falcon was observed flying over the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek. Potential reproductive habitat for peregrine falcon includes high cliff ledges with potholes or small caves. Nest sites also include old stick nests of ravens and hawks, and holes and stubs of large trees. Potential foraging habitat includes high mountains and open forests, preferably where there are rocky cliffs overlooking rivers, lakes, or other open water. Peregrine falcons feed on a variety of small to medium bird species, some mammals, and insects. There is no suitable nesting habitat in the project area. There is limited suitable foraging habitat in the project area. The proposed project will not impact peregrine falcon suitable reproductive, roosting, and migration/dispersal habitat. Northern goshawk: One northern goshawk was observed above the Deep Creek slide during the July 2007 surveys. This bird responded to a recording that was played. However, the bird did not vocalize or act aggressive which would indicate there was a nest in the area. Goshawks were also observed in the Deep Creek area during surveys conducted in 2004 and 2005. There are suitable conditions for these birds to nest at upper elevations in the project area. Those areas most suitable for goshawk nesting are found away from where roads and pads would be constructed. Northern harrier: One northern harrier male was observed in the Poison Gulch area. This was the only occasion that a harrier was observed in the project area. No harriers have been observed during previous surveys or when traveling through the area. Suitable nesting and foraging habitat is limited. There is little chance that any of these birds would be affected by the proposed activities. Yellow-billed cuckoo: This species has been addressed in previously in this report. Olive-sided flycatcher: While conducting surveys this year and in prior years olive- sided flycatchers have been commonly observed. This year more of these birds were observed than in the past. Most of these birds were observed in aspen stands although a 23