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CDPW personnel have reviewed the proposed conveyor corridor geotechnical investigation with <br />respect to Columbian sharp - tailed grouse and Greater sage - grouse habitat with the suggested buffers <br />of 0.6 and 0.4 mile for Greater sage - grouse and Columbian sharp - tailed grouse leks respectively. The <br />proposed conveyor corridor geotechnical investigation is within critical grouse breeding habitat, which <br />includes lek locations and nesting habitat. The majority of Greater sage - grouse and Columbian sharp - <br />tailed grouse nests are located within 4 miles and 1.25 miles respectively. Both species may abandon <br />their nests with disturbance. We recommend timing the activity to avoid surface disturbances during <br />the production period for both Greater sage grouse (March 1 -June 30) and Columbian sharp - tailed <br />grouse (March 15 -July 30). Therefore, we recommend conducting the conveyor corridor geotechnical <br />investigation after July 31. <br />The CDPW is not aware of any federally listed threatened or endangered species habitat that will be <br />impacted by the proposed activity. The greater sandhill crane is a Colorado species of concern and <br />may utilize some areas within the proposed project but should not be impacted as long as the grouse <br />timing recommendations listed above are followed. <br />If surface disturbance is excessive and reclamation necessary on localized sites, the CDPW <br />recommends reclamation with a rangeland seed mix, which contains a broad array of native grass, <br />forb, and shrub species desirable for wildlife, including Columbian sharp - tailed grouse and Greater <br />sage - grouse. Use high diversity (10 species or more) reclamation seed mixes in Columbian sharp - tailed <br />grouse habitat. Use approved CP -4D (Columbian sharp - tailed grouse) seed mixes, based on soil type, <br />available from Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Service, or other seed mixes <br />approved by CDPW. Avoid aggressive non - native grasses in Columbian sharp - tailed grouse habitat <br />reclamation. A small percentage of the appropriate species of big sagebrush should be re- seeded on <br />disturbed sites. Reclamation of breeding habitat should include a substantially higher percentage of <br />forbs than other areas. Native and select non - native forbs and legumes should be considered a vital <br />component of reclamation seed mixes. <br />If you have any questions or concerns please contact District Wildlife Manager, Steve Znamenacek at <br />970 846 -3732. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. <br />11 <br />Si er y, <br />James M. Haskins <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />Steamboat Springs, CO <br />cc: Ron Velarde, S. Znamenacek, Area File, Liza Rossi <br />