2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (21)

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areas in March /April and remain in the area until chicks fledge and are independent in September. Bald Eagle: This species was de- listed as Threatened by the USFWS in 2007, but remains listed as a threatened under Colorado law. The White River floodplain and associated riparian habitat contains scattered cottonwood stands which serve as nesting and roosting sites for Bald eagles. The nearest identified winter roosts are located approximately 1 mile upstream and 1.75 miles downstream of the Phase 2 project area. Both roost sites are located on private property. There are no known nesting sites within 1 mile of the project area. Northern Harrier: This species is listed by CDOW as a species of special concern. They typically nest on the ground in grasslands, low shrubs and particularly in marshes with tall grasses. The riparian areas along the White River provide suitable nesting and foraging habitat for this species. They prey chiefly on small rodents and birds. Breeding commences in late March or early April and chicks are fledged and usually independent by mid - September. Northern Goshawk: This species is listed by BLM as a sensitive species. They are an uncommon resident in the Piceance Basin, nesting primarily in mature pinyon juniper woodlands. Nest sites are usually located in the largest tree in a particular stand and the same nest may be re -used for many years. Similar to other raptors, they general breed in March /April, fledge chicks in late summer and chicks are generally independent by mid - September. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: TESS Birds No TESS raptor nests have been found on the property and the Phase 2 site itself is an open grassland system providing no nesting habitat for such species whatsoever. Surrounding PJ forest types on adjacent properties could potentially harbor raptor nests, but these were not surveyed as they are not owned by the Proponent and they are all at least 0.5 miles from the proposed pit operating site. Neo- Tropical / Passerine Species: These species all generally prefer either sagebrush shrublands, PJ woodlands or riparian vegetation for critical nesting functions, with the exception of Vesper and Lark sparrows, which will utilize open grasslands for nesting. However since the grasslands on the Phase 2 site consist of heavily grazed, non - native cheatgrass pastures, the site is providing extremely low habitat capability to any of these species at present. Therefore the proposed gravel pit will have little, if any, potential effect to these species. Greater Sage- Grouse: There are no records of this species utilizing the Phase 2 site in any way, and there is no suitable habitat present, therefore there will be no effect to this species. Environmental Solutions, Inc. Page 16 of 30 March 09