2011-12-22_PERMIT FILE - X201123500 (2)

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Vegetation and Wildlife Baseline Survey Report Linc Energy Little Snake River Project (mice, rats, voles, gophers, ground squirrels, chipmunks), lagomorphs (jackrabbits (Lepus spp.), and cottontails (Svlvilagus spp.). These prey species are cyclically common, widespread throughout the region, and are important food sources for raptors and other predators. 5.7 Raptors The topography of the project area includes low bluffs and cliffs, and scattered large trees that provide suitable sites for raptor nesting. The entire project area contains suitable habitat for raptor hunting or foraging. Raptor species observed or expected to occur in the project area include the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Bald eagle (Hiliaeetus leucocephalus), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), red - tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), rough - legged hawk (Buteo lagopus). northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and short- eared owl (Asio jlammeus). Other raptors that likely use the area include: Sharp- shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), Broad - winged hawk (Buteo platypterus), and Long -eared owl (Asio otus). Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) could nest in old badger burrows, but they were not observed on or adjacent to the project area. Raptor species such as the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), screech owl (Megascops spp.), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) do not have suitable habitat on or adjacent to the exploration area (dense coniferous forests and riverine cliffs). All raptors and their nests are protected from take or disturbance under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC, § 703 et seq.). Golden and bald eagles are also afforded additional protection under the Bald Eagle Protection Act, amended in 1973 (16 USC, §669 et seq.). Nesting habitat in the project area is limited for many of the species that nest exclusively in trees or on cliffs, but several species are adapted to nesting on the ground, creek banks, buttes, or rock outcrops. Several raptor nests are located in trees along the stream channels that cross the exploration area. 5.7.1 Bald eagle The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a migrant and common winter resident of Moffat County. On July 9, 2007, the USFWS published a Federal Register notice (72 FR 37346) announcing that the bald eagle would be removed from the list of T &E species under the ESA. However, the protections provided to the bald eagle under the BGEPA and the MBTA remain in place. The exploration area is within mapped bald eagle winter range and winter forage area. Four bald eagle nests have been mapped along the Little Snake River immediately north of the exploration permit area. One bald eagle roost site occurs within the exploration area (adjacent to Site No. 7) and two more roost sites are located just outside the exploration area. Fourmile Creek, in the exploration area, is mapped as a bald eagle winter concentration area. 5.72 Peregrine falcon Peregrine falcons (delisted under ESA and still protected) use cliff and canyon habitats for breeding. Foraging areas include riparian zones and near shore environments where waterfowl and obligate riparian birds may be found. Populations within Moffat County are stable and seasonal. Nesting areas and potential nest sites are found along the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and on Cold Spring Mountain. Habitat Management, Inc. Page 16 December 2011