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a. Wildlife - An onsite visit to the proposed 9400' portal pad and road site <br />was conducted on September 14, 2011 and a Biological Assessment and <br />Evaluation was completed on September 26, 2011. It was determined that <br />the project site is not within lynx habitat and the immediate area near the <br />site has been disturbed in the past. The area in which approximately 600' <br />of new road will be built passes through open grassland which may <br />provide some nesting/foraging habitat for several species, along with <br />being utilized as winter range by mule deer and a small number of elk. <br />Based on the analysis discussed above, It has been determined that the <br />project may impact individual Brewers Sparrow, Sage Sparrows and <br />Loggerhead Shrike but is not likely to cause a trend towards Federal <br />listing or result in loss of viability in the planning area. The scale and <br />extent of this project is such that it would not have a discernible effect on <br />any of the Forest's MIS population trends. <br />b. Plants — There are no Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed plants known <br />or suspected to inhabit the Rio Grande National Forest. No Sensitive <br />species are known from the project area (the area where disturbance might <br />occur). A field reconnaissance was conducted and no Sensitive plant <br />species were encountered. These sites all have considerable ground <br />disturbance. An abbreviated Biological Evaluation format was utilized <br />because implementation of the proposed action would have no effect on <br />Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed plants. Furthermore, the proposed <br />action will have no impact on Forest Service designated Sensitive plants. <br />Implementation of the proposed action, including mitigation measures, <br />would not contribute to a loss of viability of any plant species or cause any <br />plant species to move toward federal listing. This project is consistent <br />with the Forest Service objectives relative to sensitive species. Literature <br />and habitat requirements for the Forest's special status plants are available <br />upon request. <br />2. Floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds: <br />This project will not affect a municipal watershed, floodplain, or wetland area. <br />The proposed disturbances are well out of any water influence zones. Proper <br />installation of sediment controls, as described in the plan of operations, would <br />prevent or minimize sedimentation from the construction operations from entering <br />any nearby streams. To further ensure that wetland- related impacts are minimized, <br />Best Management Practices will be incorporated. All construction operations will <br />be consistent with Forest Service and State of Colorado guidelines. <br />Underground Exploration at Bulldog Mine <br />5 (Page <br />