2010-11-19_PERMIT FILE - C1992081A (2)

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they are most numerous in the area. Golden eagles are known to nest in sandstone cliffs southeast of the permit area (Jones & Stokes, 2008). They are known to forage in the area and have been observed crossing over the permit area. The possibility exists that these birds could perch on power line poles or Loadout facility structures. However, HGT knows of no problems at the site with perching birds. The facilities themselves should not present a hazard to perching birds. Thus, the possibility of potential impacts to these birds is extremely remote, and consideration of mitigation or protection measures is not necessary. However, these birds are considered in the consultation process should individual birds be observed in the permit area (see Tab 21). The ferruginous hawk and peregrine falcon are state - listed species of concern, as well as the BLM's sensitive species list. Their occurrence in the area is possible; however, there are no known nest locations in or near the Loadout permit area (CDOW data shows the nesting distribution for the ferruginous hawk further to the west in Moffat County; CDOW, 2008). The saline /alkaline shrublands and abandoned croplands provide potential habitat for the Columbian sharp - tailed grouse (both a CDOW and BLM species of concern); however, there are no known leks in the permit area or near vicinity. Greater sandhill cranes are a state species of concern. CDOW has identified a historic sandhill crane nesting area along Sage Creek southeast of the project area. Seneca Coal Company has documented historic sandhill crane nest locations south of the permit area along Dry Creek (Jones & Stokes, 2008). There is no evidence of nesting activity within the permit area. Adjacent fields and improved pasture are used for loafing and/or foraging. Other BLM sensitive or state species of concern with the potential to occur in the permit or adjacent area are the northern goshawk, mountain plover, black tern, long - billed curlew, Barrow's goldeye and white faced ibis (BLM, 2008). Their occurrence would be as a rare seasonal visitor or migrant passing through the area. 2010 Federal and State Threatened and Endangered List The US Fish and Wildlife updated "Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Proposed Species by County" list (July 2010) was reviewed. The most current 2010 list for Routt County contains the following: "Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Proposed Species by County" July 2010 Bonytail Gila ele ans Endangered Canada lynx Lynx canadensis Threatened Colorado pikerninnow Ptychocheilus Lucius Endangered Greater Sage-grouse Centrocercus uro hasianus Candidate Greenback cutthroat trout Oncorh nchus clarki stomias Threatened Humpback chub Gila cypha Endangered Razorback sucker X auchen texanus Endangered Yellow - billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Candidate Note: the candidate species are not a statutory category. Source: http: / /www.fws.gov/ mountain - prairie /endspp /CountyLists/Colorado • MR -21 13 Revised 11 /10