2007-07-01_REVISION - C1980007 (2)

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few were observed in mountain shrub and spruce-fir. There are large expanses of suitable nesting and foraging habitat for these birds that will not be affected by the proposed development activities. As a result, it is assumed that the proposed development will not adversely affect these birds in the project area. Loggerhead shrike: None of these birds were observed during the 2007 surveys or during surveys conducted in the general area in prior years. However, one of these birds was observed in oakbrush on West Flatiron, by Monarch and Ward in 2003. Habitat where that bird was observed is similar to what is found in the project area. Purple martin: One pair of purple martins were observed nesting in an aspen stand adjacent to the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek. Another pair was observed nesting in an aspen stand up drainage from Two Ponds in the Sylvester Gulch drainage. (See Figure 1) Coordinates for these two nest sites are: Dry Fork Location 38 51 57 N 107 25 26 W Sylvester Gulch Location 38 53 03 N 107 25 41 W In addition to these two nest sites, several purple martin males and two females were observed flying in and out of the stand where the nest is located along the Dry Fork. Also, purple martins were observed in and adjacent to aspen stands in the Poison Gulch drainage on more than one occasion. There is considerable suitable nesting habitat in aspen stands throughout the project area. Roads and pad can be located to minimize the number of trees removed that could potentially be used for nesting. Foraging habitat is not limited in the project area and development will not be adversely affected by development. Three-toed woodpecker: No three-toed woodpeckers were observed during these surveys. However, one was observed in a Douglas-fir stand on West Flatiron during surveys conducted, by Monarch and Ward for other projects in the spring of 2007. There is the possibility that these birds could occur in the spruce-fir stands found along Deep Creek and in other small conifer stands in the project area. Very little of this habitat type will be affected by the proposed development which minimizes the chance of any of these birds being affected. Brewer's Sparrow: None of these birds were observed during surveys conducted in 2007 or in prior years in this general area. With the exception of a few small sagebrush pockets, suitable nesting habitat is lacking in the project area. The minimal amount of suitable habitat minimizes the chances of this bird occurring in the area. Boreal toad: The boreal toad was discussed earlier in this document. Northern leopard frog: One northern leopard frog was observed during the surveys. This frog was observed at a pond in Poison Gulch. No egg masses were observed in the 24