Laserfiche WebLink
Discussion <br /> <br />Road and pad construction west of Deep Creek is not expected to affect any nesting raptors. The <br />road to drill sites N and O is behind a ridge from the purple martin colony. The distance from the <br />colony and the road being behind a hill and hidden from the colony should minimize potential <br />disturbance to nesting birds. <br />Helicopter flights from the two staging areas (see map) will be strictly controlled. The pilot will <br />be directed to fly directly to the sites and back and not go within 1/4 mile of the known active <br />Cooper's hawk nest or the purple martin colony. He will also be directed to not make any loops <br />away from the sites while making flights in the area. <br />Summary <br />Rigid control of helicopter flights to and from sites J, L and M. will minimize chances that the <br />known Cooper's hawk nest or the purple martin colony will be affected. <br />The active Cooper's hawk nest is far enough removed from drill site N and in a location that <br />virtually eliminates the chances of nesting success being affected. <br />Nearly all habitat disturbances associated with road and pad construction will occur in Gambel <br />oak-mountain shrub habitat. This habitat type is common throughout the area. Disturbance of a <br />small amount of this habitat type during construction will have little effect on listed species and <br />wildlife in general. <br />Reclamation of the pads and roads upon completion of their use will actually add to the habitat <br />mosaic in the area which will benefit wildlife. <br />27