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

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FINDINGS Gob Hole GVB-D-8-C Well Site and Access Road Habitat Survey During field work in 2001 the question was raised as to whether conditions in the bottom adjacent to proposed drill site GVB-D-8-C and associated access road fit the classification of riparian habitat. The assumption was made that the azea may fit the ripazian habitat definition and was treated accordingly. During a field trip with USFS biologists in September 2001 it was determined that conditions in the bottom of this drainage did not fit the true definition of ripazian habitat. However, this area is moist and does provide for additional habitat diversity. There are a few aspens (Populus tremuloides) along the bottom that are part of a lazger stand extending to the top of the hill south of the site. There is a shrub understory comprised primarily of serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), alder (Alnus incana), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and mountain maple (Ater glabrum). There aze dense stands of both grasses and fortis along the drainage. In this case there is an existing road pazalleling the bottom that will be upgraded with minimal disturbance. Both the road and drill site have been located to minimize potential impacts on the bottom. No wetland or stream habitat will be affected by activities associated with road building and drilling operations. In addition to the moist bottom habitat there is a small spring fed pond approximately 200 yards up drainage from the drill site. This pond does provide suitable habitat for amphibians during • the wet season, but the spring may not produce enough water during the dry months to maintain the impoundment. If the pond does remain at least partially full it could provide suitable habitat for amphibians and also serve as a water source for other wildlife. The lazge aspen stand on the north facing slope is old with even-aged trees extending to 70+ feet in height. There is an understory of shrubs with alder and mountain maple being the most common species. In some moist areas stands of these shrubs are very dense. The openness and location of the stand does not appeaz to provide suitable nesting habitat for species such as accipiters. There are a number of dead snags within the stand which would provide a number of suitable locations for cavity nesting birds. During all surveys there was an abundance of activity within the stand by woodpeckers and it must be assumed they are taking advantage of the available nest sites. There was an aspen snag neaz the road where a northern flicker was observed in the hole on one occasion. However, there was no activity observed at this nest site on subsequent surveys. A new access road to the drill site was selected by the USFS. The road will follow an old road corridor. The old road is located almost exclusively in mountain shrub habitat dominated by Gambel Oak (Quercus gambeli). On the uphill side of the road Gamble Oak is the dominant species with chokecherry, serviceberry and snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus or rotundifolius) found in limited amounts. I~