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BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Sunset Trail Area Coal Exploration Plan EA <br />Ongoing or reasonably foreseeable future activities within this area, when combined with the <br />proposed action, are not likely to contribute to long -term cumulative impacts on American marten, <br />northern goshawk, elk, Merriam's wild turkey, or red -naped sapsucker. <br />3.9.2.2 No Action Alternative <br />Under the no action alternative, there would be no impacts from disturbance and therefore no <br />impacts on management indicator species. <br />3.10 Migratory Birds <br />3.10.1 Affected Environment <br />Migratory and other birds of conservation concern do occur in the exploration area. A list is <br />available in the FEIS, on page 153 (USFS, 2012a). <br />3.10.2 Environmental Consequences <br />3.10.2.1 Proposed Action <br />Direct and Indirect Effects <br />Exploration may impact species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Stipulations <br />requiring breeding bird surveys and including timing restrictions where needed for specific species, <br />may mitigate impacts on migratory birds. However, some bird habitat will be altered in the short <br />term and may result in a type conversion of 30 acres. This is likely to impact individual migratory <br />birds, especially passerines and other birds which utilize aspen, spruce -fir, and shrubs for nesting. <br />These impacts are not anticipated to result in declines in populations of any species protected by the <br />Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Disturbed areas may provide foraging opportunities for some species, <br />and eventual revegetation of project sites, to whichever habitat type grows back, will result in <br />suitable nesting and foraging habitat for some species. <br />The proposed exploration will occur in the late spring, summer, and early fall months and avoid <br />riparian habitats. Operations will be located to not interfere with raptor nesting sites. <br />Cumulative Effects <br />While natural processes and management activities will continue to impact migratory birds <br />wherever removal or habitat conversions occur, cumulative impacts from the proposed action would <br />be minor. <br />3.10.2.2 No Action Alternative <br />Under the no action alternative, there would be no impacts from disturbance and therefore no <br />impacts on migratory birds. <br />3.11 Wetlands and Riparian Areas, and Aquatic Habitats <br />3.11.1 Affected Environment <br />Riparian areas, wetlands, and ponds occur in and near the project area. Lease stipulations and Best <br />Management Practices (BMPs) prevent pads and roads in wetlands except for crossing of drainages <br />for access, when other access is not feasible. <br />June 2013 26 <br />