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these areas during surveys in prior years. <br />The SAD aspen die off in the area is having an affect on nesting activity by raptors in the <br />area. In this area as well as other areas in the North Fork Valley raptor nesting habitat is <br />being reduced for those species that nest in aspen stands. I have found a number of nests <br />that are no longer active as the aspen stands have died out. This is much the situation in <br />the project area. Had the aspen stands been in better condition, I would have expected to <br />find active nests. I am finding active nests in aspen stands that are still in good condition <br />and provide the conditions the raptors (accipiters) require for nest sites. <br />The spruce-fir-aspen habitat along the Deep Creek corridor is still in good condition and <br />provides suitable conditions for some raptors. However, no raptors or nests were <br />observed while doing surveys along the drainage corridor. None of this habitat will be <br />affected by activities associated with the road construction and drilling operations. <br />Other Wildlife <br />Other wildlife observed in the area during multiple surveys over the years include big <br />game, neotropical birds and other species. All these species are commonly observed <br />during surveys in this and other areas throughout the North Fork Valley. None of these <br />species will be adversely affected by activities associated with the proposed drilling <br />operations. <br />Summary <br />Road and roadside MDW construction east of Deep Creek is not expected to affect any <br />nesting raptors. <br />Nearly all habitat disturbances associated with road and MDW construction will occur in <br />Gambel oak-mountain shrub habitat. This habitat type is common throughout the area. <br />Disturbance of a small amount of this habitat during construction operations will have <br />little, if any, affect on listed species, raptors and wildlife in general. <br />Reclamation of the roads and MDW pads upon completion of their use will actually add <br />to the habitat mosaic in the area, which will benefit wildlife. <br />Please contact me if you have any questions, <br />Sincerely, <br />John narch