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

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BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Sunset Trail Area Coal Exploration Plan EA Flammulated Owl Project activities, including removal of suitable flammulated owl habitat may result in loss of nests and young. Lease stipulations (Appendix A), including pre - disturbance survey and avoidance, provide protection for raptor nest sites. Implementation of the proposed action would result in the loss of 25.4 acres of mature aspen, which is suitable nesting and foraging habitat (Table 6). Regeneration discussion and assumptions are the same as for goshawk noted above. Avoidance of known sites, if possible, would reduce risks to this species. Hoary Bat While the project does not include any removal of cottonwood trees, the primary roosting sites of the hoary bat, there is a possibility that bats may be roosting in aspen or spruce trees which may be removed as a result of the surface disturbance associated with drill pad and associated road construction. Therefore, there is a possibility of disturbance during roosting and loss of individuals or roosting habitat as a result of exploration activities. Loss of such roosting habitat would impact individuals in the long term, until such habitat grew back. The potential for loss or degradation of foraging habitat along streams and at ponds in the area is negligible. Northern Leopard Frog The lack of wetlands will prevent impacts from siltation and fuel spills on the northern leopard frog. By stipulation (Appendix A), surface use or disturbances will avoid riparian, wetland or floodplain areas unless there is no practical alternative. Culverts will be used for seven stream crossings. Adults may be killed by construction of roads and drill pads and traffic if they get on the road or drill pad location. There is also a possibility that movement of tadpoles or adult frogs may be curtailed by placement of culverts at stream crossings. Purple Martin Purple martin use aspen habitats, similar to flammulated owls. Project activities, including removal of suitable habitat, are likely to occur during the nesting period, and may result in loss of nests and young. Implementation of the proposed action would result in the loss of 25.4 acres of suitable nesting and foraging habitat (mature aspen) (Table 6). Regeneration discussion and assumptions are the same as for goshawk noted above. Avoidance of known sites, if possible, would reduce risks to this species. Cumulative Effects For all Forest Service Region 2 Sensitive Species present or with habitat in the exploration area, the determination of effects is that the exploration project may adversely affect individuals but is not likely to result in a loss of viability in the planning area, not, cause a trend towards.federal listing from the reasonably foreseeable actions. 3.8.2.2 No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, there would be no impacts from disturbance and therefore no impacts on USFS R2 Sensitive Species. June 2013 23