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a Cooper's hawk nest found in the N/W 1/4 of Section 1 site J was known to active in the past. <br />This nest is behind a ridge and in drainage and cannot be observed from the drill site. The nest <br />appeared to be in good shape and was checked on two different days during the surveys, but no <br />birds were observed at the nest or in the area. This nest was not active during the prior two <br />years. The other nests were not active and were starting to deteriorate when they were found in <br />2007. <br />There is one active Cooper's hawk nest in the S/W 1/4 of Section 35 about 1/4 mile from the N <br />site. The distance from the drill site and the fact that it is located over a ridge and not observable <br />from the drill site reduces the chances that nesting success would be affected. <br />The aspen die off in the area is having an affect on nesting activity by raptors in the area. In this <br />area as well as other areas in the North Fork Valley raptor nesting habitat is being reduced for <br />those species that nest in aspen stands. I have found a number of nests that are no longer active <br />as the aspen stands have died out. This is much the situation in the project area. Had the aspen <br />stands been in better condition, I would have expected to find active nests. I am finding active <br />nests in aspen stands that are still in good condition and provide the conditions the raptors <br />(accipiters) require for nest sites. <br />• The spruce-fir-aspen habitat along Deep Creek is still in good condition and provides suitable <br />conditions for some raptors. However, no raptors or nests were observed while doing surveys <br />along the drainage corridor. None of this habitat will be affected by activities associated with the <br />drilling operations. <br />• Listed Species <br />There are no federally listed species known to occur in the area. The only species that may occur <br />in the area would be Canada lynx. Except for Site K all sites are located in Gambel oak <br />• dominated mountain shrub habitat. Site K is located in an existing road and will not result in the <br />loss of any spruce-fir habitat. The lack of suitable habitat disturbance minimizes the chances that <br />any lynx or their prey would be affected by activities associated with the drilling operations. <br />Of the USFS listed sensitive species the only ones observed during this or prior surveys in the <br />• area were American marten, Northern goshawk, olive-sided flycatcher and purple martin. Of <br />these, only the purple martin was observed in the area where there is a known colony just west of <br />the Dry Fork Road in the N/W 1/4 of Section 2 - see included map. This is the third year that <br />martins have been observed at this location. Drill sites O and the associated access road are over <br />• a ridge and out of site of the colony. It is approximately 1000 feet from the access road to the <br />colony. The Dry Fork Road does receive use during the time of the year by recreationists and the <br />birds have obviously adjusted to this activity. This reduces the chances that nesting success in <br />the martin colony would be affected by the operations. <br />Management Indicator Species observed included elk, Merriam's wild turkey and red-naped <br />sapsucker. As noted under sensitive species Northern goshawk and American marten have been <br />observed in the area. The chances of any of these species being affected by the operations is <br />minimal. <br />26