2010-11-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (26)

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to occur in the vicinity and use habitats impacted by the project. Disturbance from noise and construction may impact individuals, but is unlikely to lead to a trend towards federal listing or these species. There will be a need for approximately 0.012 acre-feet of water for construction and of the proposed pad and drill holes. Bowie has proposed to pump this water from Hubbard Creek where they have an existing water-right. Effects to the endangered fish from Small wafer depletions (up to 25 acre-ff) associated with mineral development projects on the GMUG National Forest have been consulted on with USFWS. The project meets the criteria specified in the programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) issued May 25, 2005 (see project file). Management Indicator Species (MIS) - Effecfs The proposed drill pad is adjacent to existing roads and would alter a maximum 0.7 acres of Gambel oak/mountain shrub habitat. Two MIS species occur in the project area, elk and Merriam's wild turkey. Because the proposed action is limited in scope and affects it is not possible to project a measurable influence on management indicator species population trends or habitat availability based on the limited nature of the actions being analyzed. The area affected by the project is too small to contain the home range of even a single individual of an appropriate MIS. Actions proposed are not expected to have any measurable impacts on species viability. Determination The following conclusions led to the final determination of the effects that the proposed action would have on Threatened, Proposed, Candidate and/or Forest Service Sensitive species, and Management Indicator Species: 1. The Proposal would have no effect on any Federally fisted threatened, endangered, or candidate species. 2. May impact individual fringed myotis, spotted bat, Townsend's big-eared bat, and loggerhead shrike, but is unlikely to lead to a trend towards federal listing of these species. 3. May cause short-term disturbance to elk and Merriam's wild turkey, but would not result in changes in populations in the area. Forest Plan Consistency The proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan standard and guidelines for MIS, TES and general wildlife. There would be no measurable effects to MIS species as a result of altering less than 1 acre of mountain shrub habitat. Potential habitat capability for MIS species would not change from current habitat capability as a result of this proposal. Floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds. None of the surface disturbances (drill pad construction) proposed would occur in flood plains or wetlands. There are no municipal watersheds in the vicinity of the proposed activity. Consequently there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with these resources. Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas. Cultural surveys were completed for the proposed action and archaeological clearance has been obtained. Consequently there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with these resources.