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The removal of snags will be restricted to only those that pose a safety concern or
when absolutely necessary for project activities. Forest Service personnel will be
notified prior to the cutting of any snags in order to inspect the snag and determine if
an alternate solution is feasible. Where possible, any snags cut as safety hazards
will be left on site.
To protect important upland game bird (i.e., grouse and turkeys) breeding and
nesting habitat, project activities and surface use will be avoided near identified leks
or nest sites during the breeding and nesting periods. Any newly documented winter
grouse concentration areas or wild turkey roost sites will also be avoided during the
appropriate seasonal and daily periods (i.e., winter and early morning/late evening).
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 the FWS
(Forest Service Agreement #08-MOU-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 emphasized to the extent possible 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 emphasized to the extent possible 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.
