2013-07-01_PERMIT FILE - X201322801 (3)

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BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Sunset Trail Area Coal Exploration Plan EA • Olive -sided Flycatcher; • Northern Leopard Frog; and • Flammulated Owl; • Purple Martin. • Hoary Bat; Habitat requirements are discussed in detail in the FEIS, beginning on page 133 (USFS, 2012a). 3.8.2 Environmental Consequences 3.8.2.1 Proposed Action Direct and Indirect Effects The proposed action will involve ground disturbing activities, cutting trees and shrubs, and traffic which can cause a loss in suitable nesting habitat for birds, foraging habitat for all species, or direct mortality from vehicles (FEIS, beginning on page 133) (USFS, 2012a). American Marten There will likely be a complete loss of habitat suitability for American marten denning habitat from roads and pad construction in spruce -fir habitats (1.5 acres, Table 6). As only a small portion of the habitat would be affected, direct and indirect effects are anticipated to be insignificant. Northern Goshawk No active Goshawk nests are known to occur in the vicinity of the project. Lease stipulations (Appendix A) provide protection to known goshawk nest sites, should one be located. This design feature would help reduce the potential for loss of young during nesting as a result of nest abandonment due to disturbance. Implementation of the project is expected to result in the loss of 25.4 acres (Table 6) of mature aspen habitats in various stages of decline, which are currently suitable for goshawk foraging and nesting. An additional loss of 1.5 acre of spruce -fir habitat is also anticipated. Pygmy Shrew Suitable habitat (1.5 acres of spruce -fir, see Table 6) for the pygmy shrew would be converted to road and drill pads in the short term. This habitat should regenerate after project completion and reforestation. Shrews could be killed or injured during construction and from traffic. Because of the species' high reproductive rates and small portion of the habitat affected, direct and indirect effects are anticipated to be low and insignificant. Boreal Owl and Olive -Sided Flycatchers Boreal owl and olive -sided flycatchers are associated with spruce -fir habitats, similar to American marten. As a result, approximately 1.5 acres of suitable habitat may be lost as a result of road and drill pad construction, which will not be replaced until replanted conifers mature. The habitat lost represents a few individual territories. These species may use the newly created openings of the pads and roads for foraging. Creation of these openings would benefit this species. Occupied nesting habitat may also be impacted, which could cause a loss of young. Lease stipulations (Appendix A), including pre- disturbance survey and avoidance, provide protection for boreal owl nest sites. June 2013 22