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Only three management indicator species, elk, red-naped sapsuckers and Merriam's turkey were <br />observed in the project area. Measures should be implemented to minimize impacts to habitat <br />utilized by these species. <br />No listed plant species were observed during the 2009 studies. <br />Both active and inactive raptor nests were found in the project area. All but one nest are located <br />in aspen stands. One red-tail nest was found in a small Douglas-fir stand above Two Ponds. <br />Measures should be implemented to minimize impacts to aspen stands. especially stringers, in <br />the area that could be utilized by these birds for nesting. The small Douglas-fir stand should also <br />be protected. <br />Many species of neotropical birds were observed during breeding bird surveys. Habitat for these <br />species is not limited in the project area. The minor amount of habitat to be disturbed will not <br />affected the viability of any of these species. <br />Other species of wildlife observed are common in the area. The large expanses of suitable habitat <br />in comparison to the small amounts of habitat that will be disturbed by the proposed operations <br />means that the viability of these species within the project area will not be affected. <br />• Habitat disturbance in Aspen stands need to be kept to a minimum to protect snags that could <br />potentially be used by cavity nesting birds. <br />• Sediment control measures should be utilized to minimize the risk of impacting streams in the <br />project area and ultimately major downstream drainages where listed species are found. These <br />measures should also be implemented to protect ponds where Northern leopard frogs are known <br />to occur or may occur in the project area. <br />Herbicide treatment of disturbed areas should occur annually to prevent the establishment and <br />spread of noxious weeds. <br />RECOMMENDATIONS <br />Road construction from Two Ponds to the Long Draw Road should not resume until the young at <br />Red-tail nest 43-08 have fledged. Age of the young birds at this time indicate these birds will <br />probably not be off the nest until July 4 or later. The nest should be checked around July 4 to see <br />if the young are off the nest. <br />Road and pad construction for MDW sites E2-30.5 and E2-34 should not commence until young <br />from red-tail nest #2-07 fledged. It appears the young will not be off the nest until mid-July or <br />later. This nest should be checked around mid-July to see if the young have fledged. If there is <br />no need to construct roads and pads for these sites this year, it is still recommended that road and <br />pad construction be completed this fall so this will not be an issue next year when the birds are <br />nesting. <br />16