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the dominant tree species. Engelmann spruce is found without subalpine fir at the lower elevations, but <br />only on cool, sheltered sites. Lodgepole pine and aspen are often mixed in at lower and middle <br />elevations, and limber pine and bristlecone pine are present at middle and higher elevations. <br />Understory vegetation can vary from sparse to quite dense, perhaps the densest of the conifer forests in <br />this region with the exception of dense Gambel oak under ponderosa pine. Blueberry, shrubby <br />cinquefoil, and Colorado currant are common components. <br />The avian community in this area has a comparatively large number of seed - eating birds, a reflection <br />of the abundant cone crops available here. Compared to eastern spruce forests, fewer birds of this <br />region are of conservation concern. Birds commonly found in this forest type include the Gray Jay, <br />Mountain Chickadee, Red - breasted Nuthatch, Ruby- Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Pine Grosbeak, <br />and Pine Siskin. <br />Three species are identified as high priority in Spruce -Fir habitats: Boreal Owl, Olive -sided Flycatcher, <br />and Hammond's Flycatcher. <br />The following birds are listed on the US Fish and Wildlife Service Birds of Conservation Concern <br />(BCC) — 2002 List for BCR 16- Southern Rockies /Colorado Plateau. These species have been <br />identified as species that may be found in the project area, have declining populations and should be <br />protected from habitat alterations. <br />The golden eagle is a bird of grasslands, shrublands, pinyon juniper woodlands, and ponderosa pine <br />forests, may occur in most other habitats occasionally, especially in winter. Nests are placed on cliffs <br />and sometimes in trees in rugged areas, and breeding birds range widely over surrounding habitats. <br />Northern harriers reside throughout Colorado, with highest densities on the eastern plains, mountain <br />parks, and western valleys. These hawks feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They <br />hunt by flying low over wetlands, grasslands, shrublands, and croplands. <br />Prairie falcons nest in scattered locations throughout the state where they inhabit the grassland and <br />cliff /rock habitat types. These falcons breed on cliffs and rock outcrops, and their diet during the <br />breeding season is a mix of passerines and small mammals. <br />Environmental Effects <br />Proposed Action <br />Direct and Indirect Impacts: The proposed project would not substantially increase the amount <br />of disturbance to migratory bird species in this area above what has already occurred on the <br />surrounding private lands from subdivision development and roads. Comparatively, the amount of <br />disturbance is small, less than 5 acres. The mining operation would have some effect initially from <br />noise, dust and mining activity, but resident birds would either become habituated to the disturbance or <br />avoid the area during operation. <br />Cumulative Impacts: The project area is located on an 80 acre parcel of BLM approximately 1 /4 <br />mile from the city of Fairplay and is surrounded by private land. The adjacent private land is <br />subdivided and developed with roads and homes present. The loss of habitat for nesting migratory <br />birds will likely continue as future housing development and infrastructure will likely be built in the <br />area. Recreational activities (hunting, OHV riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, etc.) are occurring <br />36 <br />