8
•
All known raptor nests or any newly documented nests will be protected in accordance
with the Black Hills National Forest Plan and the FWS Wyoming Ecological Services
Office’s Recommended Spatial and Seasonal Buffers for Breeding Raptors (2009).
Potential effects of disturbance, nesting phenology, human activities existing at onset of
nest initiation, species, topography, other sensitive species and plant species of local
concern, forest cover, nest protection standards, and other appropriate factors, as well
as recommendations used by state or federal agencies will be considered when
designing protection measures.
•
Surface-disturbing activities will be avoided from April 1 through August 15 to minimize
impact on active goshawk nests from additional human-caused noise and disruption
beyond that occurring at the time of nest initiation (e.g., road traffic, timber harvests,
construction activities, drilling) within 0.5 mile until the nest has failed or fledglings have
dispersed.
•
Surface disturbance will be avoided within 0.5 mile of winter roost sites for bald eagles
that are within line-of-site. If any roost sites or additional habitat for bald eagles is found
within the survey area, they would be protected from disturbance in accordance with the
Black Hills National Forest Plan.
•
As per the Memorandum of Understanding between the Forest Service and FWS (Forest
Service Agreement #08-MU-1113-2400-264) to promote the conservation of migratory
birds pursuant to EO 13186 2001), mitigation efforts for bird species observed during
breeding bird surveys will include the protection of important riparian habitats and any
other unique features identified within the Project Area (e.g., cliffs that may serve as
colonial nesting sites).
•
Nesting migratory birds will not be physically disturbed between May 1 and July 15 to
avoid illegal take of birds, eggs, young, and nests under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
•
Riparian areas (including the Whitelaw Riparian Improvement Project) or wetlands
where populations of sensitive species are located will be avoided during ground
disturbance. Project activities will avoid the creation of barriers (e.g., new open roads)
between redbelly snake hibernacula, wetlands, and riparian areas. Sufficient overstory
and ground litter will be maintained in order to maintain moisture regimes, ground level
temperatures, and humidity.
•
Disturbance to snail colonies in wetland and riparian areas will be avoided in order to
minimize impacts to sensitive and species of local concern. Sufficient overstory and
ground litter will be maintained in order to maintain moisture regimes, ground level
temperatures, and humidity.
•
Forest Service-approved buffers delineated for particular site conditions will be applied
around water sources, wetlands and riparian areas, and streams to avoid concentrations
of Forest Service-approved chemical herbicides in waterways that may harm aquatic life
and non-targeted vegetation.
2.6
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Class III cultural resource surveys will be conducted for proposed areas of disturbance. The
following measures will minimize impacts to cultural resources:
•
Any identified eligible or unevaluated cultural resource sites will be avoided by project
activities.
•
If previously undiscovered cultural resources are exposed as a result of exploration
operations, RER will cease operations, leave discoveries intact and notify the District
