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Baseline Technical Report <br />ARCADIS Report for Soils and Biological <br />Resources, MLE2 Project Area <br />red - breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), <br />steller's jay (Cyanocitta stellen), and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica); reptile species <br />such as the garter snake (Thamnophis spp.); larger mammals such as the coyote <br />(Canis latrans), red fox ( Vulpes vulpes), raccoon (Procyon lotor), skunk (Mephitis <br />mephitis), mountain lion (Fells concolor); and rodents such as the ground squirrel <br />(Spermophilus spp.), Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae), meadow vole <br />(Microtus spp.), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus spp.), jackrabbit (Lepus spp.), pine <br />squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisonv) and <br />deer mouse (Peromyscus spp.). <br />Shafts and adits associated with historic underground mining in the area represent <br />potential habitat for bat species such as the sensitive Townsend's big -eared bat <br />(Corynorhinus townsendiv). Suitable foraging habitat for bats exists along Cripple <br />Creek, Arequa Gulch, Squaw Gulch, Wilson Creek, Grassy Creek, and several <br />unnamed drainages on the north end of the District. No underground surveys for bats <br />were conducted during the 2011 site visit. <br />4.5 Potential Impacts to Wildlife Resources <br />Proposed project activities will likely result in the loss of foraging and calving habitat <br />for big game (particularly elk and mule deer), strutting habitat for grouse, habitat for <br />small mammals, and potentially nesting habitat for raptors. Per CMLRB's mining <br />rules and regulations (CMLRB 2010), all aspects of the mining and reclamation plan <br />should take into account the safety and protection of wildlife on the mine site, at <br />processing sites, and along all access roads to the proposed project sites with <br />special attention given to critical periods in the life of wildlife (e.g. elk calving, <br />migration routes, grouse strutting periods, raptor nesting periods, etc.). Habitat <br />management and creation should be directed toward encouraging the diversity of <br />both game and non -game species, and should provide protection, rehabilitation, or <br />improvement of wildlife habitat. <br />While no active raptor nests were found during the 2011 surveys, it is recommended <br />that if any active raptor nests are located prior to development, that the nests be <br />clearly marked in the field so that disturbance can be avoided. It is prohibited to take <br />a raptor, its nest, eggs, or young under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (and <br />under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in the case of eagles). CDOW has a <br />set of recommended no surface occupancy buffer zones and seasonal human <br />encroachment restrictions for active raptor nest sites (CDOW 2008). The <br />recommended buffer zones range from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile depending on the <br />species. Red - tailed hawks were observed in the project area and showed signs of <br />CCV Baseline Soils Biology Resource Report (11- 17- 11).doc 18 <br />