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In January 2013 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed to list the Gunnison sage - <br />grouse as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and also proposed critical habitat <br />for the species. The Uncompahgre Pit site is within Occupied Habitat for Gunnison sage - grouse, <br />as mapped by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and within critical habitat for the species <br />proposed by FWS. However, no Gunnison sage - grouse have been reported on the site, and the <br />species is believed by CPW biologists to no longer be present in the area (see attached report). <br />There are no active leks within at least 10 miles of the site. <br />Although the bald eagle has been de- listed as an endangered species, the lack of trees in the <br />permit area has made the area undesirable and none have been seen on the property. There are <br />also no known nests within '/2 mile of the permit area. <br />The applicant hired Bio -Logic Inc. to evaluate the existing use and potential use of the permit <br />area by Gunnison Sage Grouse. This report is included in Appendix A. This report confirms that <br />the permit area is not currently occupied by the Grouse and, for a variety of reasons, is not <br />considered ideal habitat. Also, the local office of the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife <br />has been contacted by the Applicant and has been working with the Applicant on various aspects <br />of the mining and reclamation plan. The evaluation letter from Parks and Wildlife is also <br />included in Appendix 1. <br />5. Fish Resources <br />None. There are no water bodies in the permit area. <br />6. General Effects of the Operation on the Existing Wildlife of the Area <br />Mining operations on the site would not cause disturbance impacts to Gunnison sage - grouse <br />because the species is not present on or near the site and no leks are present within at least <br />several miles. Gravel extraction and crushing activities will no doubt create some disturbance to <br />big game and other animals near the site. This area will be used by more big game in the winter <br />months when activities in the pit are minimal. Mining activities will also remove habitat <br />Uncompahgre Pit, February 2013 H -2 <br />