2010-04-06_REVISION - M1979205 (13)

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• Number of Bald Eagle observed, • Behavioral characteristics of Bald Eagles with emphasis on reactions to the presence of human activity in the general area, • Nest building/maintenance activities, • Estimated date of initiation of egg incubation, • Estimated date of hatching of eaglets, • Eaglet and pertinent biological data including survival during pre-fledging period, • Fledging dates (usually 10-12 weeks after hatching) • Post-fledging monitoring (2-3 weeks after eaglets leave nest). Recommendations: WestWater will provide pertinent information and a recommendation on project development to United, CDOW and USFWS during June as eaglet fledging approaches. This information can be used by United to plan its project development. Additional mitigation measures may be developed based on observations and Bald Eagle use of the area, which would provide added security to Bald Eagles if fledging has not occurred by June 15, 2010. Monitoring Report: Results of the monitoring will be documented in a final summary report to United, which will be shared with Garfield County, CDOW and USFVVS. General Contents of Final Summary Report 1. Introduction II. Monitoring Area and Monitoring Methods III. Results of Monitoring • Summary of Bald Eagle nesting activity at the Rifle nest site, • Nesting chronology for the Rifle Bald Eagle nest, • Bald Eagle roosting sites within the project area (including appropriate maps). IV. Discussion • An analysis of appropriate project scheduling for human activities (mining, natural gas exploration, etc.) relative to Bald Eagle nesting. • Effects of human activities on Bald Eagles V. Recommendations for mitigation of potential impacts to Bald Eagles nesting along the Colorado River relative to human disturbance factors. VI. Justification for recommendations. VII. Appendices of monitoring results (narrative of observations) and appropriate photographs and maps. WestWater Engineering 4 3/16/2010