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they are most numerous in the area. Golden eagles are known to nest in sandstone cliffs <br />southeast of the permit area (Jones & Stokes, 2008). They are known to forage in the area <br />and have been observed crossing over the permit area. The possibility exists that these <br />birds could perch on power line poles or loadout facility structures. However, HGTI knows <br />of no problems at the site with perching birds. The facilities themselves should not <br />present a hazard to perching birds. Thus, the possibility of potential impacts to these <br />birds is extremely remote, and consideration of mitigation or protection measures is not <br />necessary. However, these birds are considered in the consultation process should <br />individual birds be observed in the permit area (see Tab 21). <br />The ferruginous hawk and peregrine falcon are state-listed species of concern, as well as on <br />the SLM's sensitive species list. Their occurrence in the area is possible; however, there <br />are no know nest locations in or near the Loadout permit area (CDOW data shows the nesting <br />distribution for the ferruginous hawk further to the west in Moffat County; CROW, 2008). <br />The saline/alkaline shrublands and abandoned croplands provide potential habitat for the <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouses (both a CDOW and BLM species of concern); however, there are <br />no known leks in the permit area or near vicinity. Greater sandhill cranes are a state <br />species of concern. CROW has identified a historic sandhill crane nesting area along Sage <br />Creek southeast of the project area. Seneca Coal Company has documented historic sandhill <br />nest locations south of the permit area along Dry Creek (Jones & Stokes, 2008). There is no <br />evidence of nesting activity within the permit area. Adjacent fields and improved pasture <br />are used for loafing and/or foraging. Other BLM sensitive or state species of concern with <br />the potential to occur in the permit or adjacent area are the northern goshawk, mountain <br />plover, black tern, long-billed curlew, Barrow's goldeye and white-faced ibis (BLM, 2008). <br />Their occurrence would be as a rare seasonal visitor or migrant passing through the area. <br />Literature Cited <br />Bissell, S.J. and M.B. Dillon (eds.), 1992. Colorado Mammal Distribution Lat/Long Study, <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO. 24 pp. <br />Bureau of Land Management, 2008. Colorado BLM State Director's Sensitive Species List. <br />http://blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM Progrmas/botany/Sensitive_Species List html <br />Chase, III, C.A., Bissell, S.J., Kingery, H.E., and W.D., Graul, 1982. Colorado Bird <br />Distribution Lat/Long Study. Colorado Field Ornithologists, Denver Museum of Natural <br />History. Denver, CO. 78 pp. <br />13 Revised 06/08 <br />RN-03 <br />