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043, 044 and 048 are within 0.4 miles of a tive Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks. Because of the short-term <br />impact of drilling, it is not necessary to be completely outside of the lek buffer zones. Assuming that the drill site <br />is not directly on top of the lek and that the disturbed area is adequately reclaimed following disturbance, we do <br />not anticipate any long-term negative impacts to the lek. <br />Most of the drill sites within the Sage Creek exploration area are located in habitat types unoccupied by <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouse or Greater age-grouse during winter. Consequently, winter (1 January to 1 <br />March) drilling will have the least impact on grouse and should be considered where feasible. Two sites <br />particularly suited for winter drilling are c cu 038 and ccu 043. <br />The CDOW is not aware of any federally I sted 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 <br />listed above are followed. Based -on information from the Seneca 112007 Wildlife Report, there are active golden <br />eagle nests in Section 13, TSN, R87W and Section 3, TSN, R87W. Both nests fall within the exploration area. <br />The CDOW recommends that drilling acti ity within 1/2 mile of active nests take place outside of the 1 March to <br />31 May time period and that any long-term surface disturbance be located outside of a'/4 mile nest buffer. Much <br />of the Sage Creek Exploration area is in big game winter range, however, we do not anticipate lasting impacts to <br />winter range if the drill sites are reclaimed properly. <br />The CDOW has previously reviewed the o seed mixes proposed for the exploration project. The rangeland <br />seed mix, which contains a broad array of native grass, forb, and shrub species is desirable for wildlife, including <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and Greater sage-grouse. We understand mountain big sagebrush has been added <br />to the rangeland mix. <br />Again, we appreciate the opportunity to co <br />or Liza Rossi at 871-2861 if you have addi i <br />Sincerelly,? <br />James M. Haskins <br />Area Wildlife manager <br />Steamboat Springs, CO <br />t on this project. please contact Steve Znamenacek at 846-3732 <br />questions. <br />CC: Ron D. Velarde, Jerry Nettleton, Steve Znamenacek, Area File