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

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5.Z3 Mountain plover Mountain plovers (proposed threatened under ESA; proposal withdrawn September 2003) typically breed in sparsely vegetated upland areas. The species is primarily found in upland areas between Vermillion Bluffs and northwest Moffat County and is often associated with white - tailed prairie dog towns, as prairie dogs keep the plant cover sparse. 5.8 Upland Game Birds The greater sage - grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Columbian sharp- tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) are the main upland game bird species known to occur in the exploration permit area. The status of greater sage - grouse (a candidate species) is discussed in the T &E section of this report. 5.8.1 Columbian sharp tailed grouse Columbian sharp- tailed grouse are one of six sub - species of sharp - tailed grouse found in North America. The eastern portion of the Little Snake exploration area is within mapped Columbian sharp- tailed grouse overall range. The extreme far eastern side of the exploration area is within mapped winter range for Columbian sharp- tailed grouse. No production areas have been mapped in the exploration area but several are located about 3 miles east of the project area. 5.9 Other Birds Vegetation and Wildlife Baseline Survey Report Linc Energy Little Snake River Project The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have the primary responsibility for administration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918), its amendments, and subsequent acts. All migratory birds are listed as trust species and require USFWS to manage these species. However, the list of species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) is a subset of the trust species, and can be found at: http:// www. fws. gov/ migratorybirds /intrnitr /mbta /mbtintro.html. More information on MBTA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act can be found at http: / /www.fws.gov /permits /ltr.shtml. The MBTA specifically protects migratory birds and their nests from possession, sale, purchase, barter, transport, import, and export, and take. The regulatory definition of take (50 CFR 10.12), means to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect. Work that could lead to the take of a migratory bird or eagle, their young, eggs, or nests (for example, if you are going to erect new roads, or power lines in the vicinity of a nest), should be coordinated with the USFWS office before any actions are taken. 5.10 Amphibians, Reptiles, and Aquatic Species Wildlife surveys completed throughout the north- western Colorado, have documented various amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic species. Many of these species are locally common inhabitants within suitable habitat. However, others are uncommon with a few species being classified as Species of Special Concern by the CDOW. 5.10.1 Fish Aquatic habitat in the exploration area is limited by the ephemeral nature of surface waters. The lack of deepwater habitat and extensive and persistent water sources limits the presence and Page 17 Habitat Management, Inc. December 2011