2010-11-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (27)

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U 3. Site 3 has some dense, mature trees on both sides of the corridor and opens up to pasture on the eastern end. Bitterbrush, sumac, snowberry, juniper and Gambel oakbrush are dominant shrub species, while boxelder and cottonwoods dominate the taller trees. Wetlands created by historic river channels aze abundant in the azea south and below the berm. The same wildlife species found at site 2 were observed here. Numerous magpie nests were found in the large trees in both areas 2 and 3. Recommendations: The eastern end of site 3 opens up into meadows. There will be less vegetative disturbance on this end. Development of a shrub and tree shelterbelt north of the line will buffer much of the line and provide wildlife habitat. 4. Site 4 is relatively open pastureland on the north. It is comprised primarily of alfalfa, yellow sweetclover, orchardgrass, bromes and pasture mix. Impacts on wildlife will be minimal at this location. The area is flatter and the cut and berms are not as deep as in the previous sites. The continuation of the floodplain occurs in the bottomlands to the south. There aze indications of cottontail rabbits and badger inhabiting the berms. Rock squirrels and golden mantle ground squirrels were observed. Signs of raccoons, skunks and mule deer were prevalent at this location. The pasture to the north is good habitat for • deer mice, meadow voles, pocket gophers, kestrels, northern harriers in the winter, redtail hawks, mule deer and wintering elk. Recommendations: Minimal disturbance will occur to the diversity of vegetation in this location. Standazd comments for re-vegetation, buffers and reclamation apply. 5. Site 5 is much the same as 4. There is a small drainage from the north located west of the existing Oxbow Loadout. The area is small, but it is excellent riparian habitat. It serves as excellent habitat for birds and a sight buffer for the Oxbow Loadout. The existing trees and shrubs along this ephemeral drainage also help stabilize the drainage during storm run-off events. The area to the southwest is excellent floodplain habitat. Farther to the east an oxbow in the old river channel has left a higher plain. A home and several outbuildings, pastures, fruit trees and a great diversity of vegetation are found here. The abundance of trees, shrubs and diversity of vegetation makes this is an excellent wildlife habitat. The area was surveyed late in the evening and early in the morning for owls and bats, but none were found. House sparrows, m?g„ries, warblers and robins were common in the area. A dusky flycatcher was also observed. Recommendations: The existing siding impacts the area on the north. Little impact will occur from extension north of the siding. Because of the diversity of habitat south of the existing siding, and the occurrence of a residence, the removal of any vegetation in this location is not recommended. Ivlitigation would simply include not removing any • vegetation on the south and planting additional trees such as cottomvoods, boxelder or green ash to buffer the siding from the area to the south.