2009-06-17_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1980007 (2)

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0 PROJECT AREA E-Seam panels 2 & 3 drill sites and associated roads project area are shown on Figure 1. In the project area there are already a number of roads and drill sites that have been constructed in recent years. Some of these roads and sites were surveyed for habitat condition, wildlife and • plants in previous years. Information from those studies is included in other reports submitted to Mountain Coal Company since 2002. Roads and pads that have been constructed for the E-Seam 1 panel and are shown on Figure 1. METHODS Emphasis was placed on compiling data on TESS, MIS and nesting raptors that are known to or may occur in the area. Data was compiled on locations and habitat type where any of these species were observed. Surveys to locate raptor nests were conducted in all suitable raptor nesting habitat throughout the i E-Seam area. Areas such as oakbrush dominated expanses were not surveyed, as raptors in this area have not been found to nest in this habitat type. All mature aspen, spruce-fir and cottonwoods were checked for current nesting or evidence of past nesting. GPS fixes for all nest i sites, both active and inactive were recorded and habitat type where located were recorded. Nest locations are shown on Figure 1. Surveys were conducted in mature aspen stands prior to the trees becoming fully leafed out. By conducting surveys in early May and June both early and late nesting birds would be located. Surveys for nests in spruce fir stands were also conducted • during these surveys. In addition to physically checking all stands of trees, recordings for • species known to use these habitat types were played, especially in early June, in an effort to elicit a response from any raptors that might have a nest in the area. • All sandstone cliffs or outcrops were checked for evidence of raptor nesting. Opportunistic • surveys of cliffs were done throughout the period that field work was conducted. These outcrops • have also been checked in the past for raptor nests. • To compile data on habitat and neotropical breeding bird activity, presence absence surveys were • conducted in the areas where MDW's and access roads will be located. Observation data were collected in those where disturbance will occur. In addition to the breeding bird transects, opportunistic observations of birds were recorded while conducting nesting raptor surveys. • During wildlife surveys in early June, opportunistic observations of listed plants were made. Of • the listed species suitable habitat is lacking for all except Rocky Mountain thistle which has been documented in the area during prior surveys. Opportunistic observations of species not observed during specific surveys, while going in and out of the project area and while traveling in the project area were recorded by species, habitat type and condition. 2