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

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• Farmer's Mine Road Bird Survey During surveys along the access road numerous species of birds were observed. A raven nest was located in one of these cliffs just to the east of the lower gate. The combination of mountain shrub, pinyon-juniper, aspen, meadow azeas azound springs and ponds along the access road was the primary reason for the diversity of birds observed. Threatened & Endangered, Sensitive and Management Indicator Species (MIS) During three surveys no Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive species were observed along the road corridor. Habitat is lacking or is not suitable for nearly all the species. Although none were observed, northern leopard frogs (Sensitive species) could possibly occur in ponds located along the access road. However, their presence would be dictated by whether the ponds remain at least partially full of water for the majority of the yeaz. Activities associated with road improvements should have no impact on the ponds and thus no impact on any of these species. The only Management Indicator Species observed during the road corridor surveys were mule deer. There was evidence of elk and black beazs having been in the azea. Raptors Raptors observed in the area included a golden eagle and asharp-shinned hawk. What would be considered suitable nesting habitat for either of these species is lacking along the proposed road corridor. The only suitable habitat within 1/4 mile of the road corridor I is a cliff near the old Farmers Mine. No raptors were observed nesting there. Drill Site P-BRL-1-03-O1 Site and Access Road Habitat Survey The proposed access route to this site will require the construction of approximately 1.9 miles of road through an elevation range of 7160 to 7840 feet. From Terror Creek the proposed route follows an existing ATV trail from the main Terror Creek road for approximately .8 mile. From that point the route will follow an old exploration road to the drill site. The proposed road traverses through mountain shrub habitat and several small meadows. In some meadows there are springs that feed small constructed ponds that are used for livestock grazing. The road also goes through or immediately adjacent to several transition aspen stands The drill site is located on the referenced road in the oak vegetation community at an elevation of 7840 feet and lies on a 30-40% sideslope with an east, northeast aspect. Late seral Gambel oak (Quercus gambeli) 15 to 20 feet tall, is the primary overstory vegetation with an understory consisting of snowbeny (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). There is a