Powder River Basin – Montana

Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and 

Database Development

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Miles City Field Office

111 Garryowen Road

Miles City, MT 59301

406.233.2800

Prepared by:

SWCA Environmental Consultants

1043 Coffeen Avenue, Suite D

Sheridan, WY 82801

307.673.4303
Powder River Basin - Montana 

Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database 

Development 

Prepared for 

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land 

Management Miles City Field Office 

Prepared by 

SWCA Environmental Consultants 

April 30, 2010
 

Powder River Basin - Montana 

Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

Prepared for 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Land Management 

Miles City Field Office 

111 Garryowen Road 

Miles City, MT 59301 

406-233-2800 

Prepared by 

Laura L. Burckhardt, Mathew Spann, and Dan Hengel 

SWCA Environmental Consultants 

1043 Coffeen Avenue, Suite D 

Sheridan, WY 82801 

307-673-4303 

April 30, 2010 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

ii SWCA

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1

Project Area ............................................................................................................................ 2

COAL BED NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT IN WMPP FOCUS AREA ........................ 4

Protection Measures ............................................................................................................... 4

Raptors ............................................................................................................................... 5

Prairie Dogs/Black-footed Ferrets ...................................................................................... 5

Mountain Plover ................................................................................................................. 6

Gray Wolf/Canada Lynx/Grizzly Bear .............................................................................. 6

Greater Sage-grouse ........................................................................................................... 7

Sharp-tailed Grouse ............................................................................................................ 9

Big Game ........................................................................................................................... 9

General Wildlife ................................................................................................................. 9

RESEARCH, INVENTORY, MONITORING, AND DISTURBANCE THRESHOLDS ..... 10

Raptors ................................................................................................................................. 10

Prairie Dogs/Black-Footed Ferrets ....................................................................................... 11

Mountain Plovers ................................................................................................................. 12

Gray Wolf/Canada Lynx/Grizzly Bear ................................................................................ 13

Sage-grouse .......................................................................................................................... 13

Sharp-tailed Grouse .............................................................................................................. 15

Big Game ............................................................................................................................. 15

General Wildlife ................................................................................................................... 15

Aquatic Species .................................................................................................................... 16

CURRENT ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROJECT AREA .................................... 16

RESULTS OF RESEARCH, INVENTORY, AND MONITORING ACTIVITIES ............... 20

Research, Inventory, and Monitoring Conducted from 2000 to 2009 ................................. 20

Trends by Species ................................................................................................................ 20

Raptors ............................................................................................................................. 21

Bald Eagle Winter Roost .................................................................................................. 24

Prairie Dogs ...................................................................................................................... 27

Black-footed Ferrets ......................................................................................................... 29

Mountain Plover ............................................................................................................... 29

Gray Wolf/Canada Lynx/Grizzly Bears ........................................................................... 31

Sage-grouse ...................................................................................................................... 31

Sharp-tailed Grouse .......................................................................................................... 41

Big Game ......................................................................................................................... 43

General Wildlife ............................................................................................................... 47

Aquatic Species ................................................................................................................ 51

SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................ 51

Raptors ................................................................................................................................. 52

Bald Eagles .......................................................................................................................... 53

Prairie Dogs .......................................................................................................................... 53

Black-footed Ferrets ............................................................................................................. 53

Mountain Plover ................................................................................................................... 54

Gray wolf/Canada Lynx/Grizzly Bears ................................................................................ 54
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iii SWCA

Sage-grouse .......................................................................................................................... 54

Reference Leks ................................................................................................................. 54

Development within 2 Miles of Leks ............................................................................... 55

Changes in Lek Attendance ............................................................................................. 55

Sage-grouse Habitat ......................................................................................................... 55

Sharp-tailed grouse .............................................................................................................. 55

Big game .............................................................................................................................. 55

LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................................ 56
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LIST OF TABLES 

Table Page

Table 1. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, and 

Management Options for Raptors. ......................................................................... 10

Table 2. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, and 

Management Options for Prairie Dog and Black-footed Ferret. ............................ 12

Table 3. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, and 

Management Options for Mountain Plover............................................................ 13

Table 4. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, and 

Management Options for Sage-grouse. .................................................................. 14

Table 5. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, and 

Management Options for Big Game Species (BLM 2008a). ................................. 15

Table 6. Numerical Compilation of CBNG Wells Drilled in the PRB by Federal POD, 

Annually and Cumulatively, Including Producing, Abandoned, and Shut-in 

Wells. ..................................................................................................................... 18

Table 7. Numerical Compilation of CBNG Wells Drilled Outside Federal POD 

Boundaries, Annually and Cumulatively, Including Producing, Abandoned, 

and Shut-in Wells. .................................................................................................. 19

Table 8. Numerical Compilation of CBNG Wells Drilled Annually and Cumulatively 

in the WMPP Focus Area, Including Producing, Abandoned, and Shut-in 

Wells. ..................................................................................................................... 20

Table 9. Raptor Nest Surveys Conducted in the WMPP Focus Area from 2000 to 2009. .. 21

Table 10. Number of Nests by Species within the WMPP Focus Area. ................................ 24

Table 11. Bald Eagle Winter Roost Surveys Conducted in the WMPP Focus Area. ............ 25

Table 12. Black-footed Ferret Surveys Completed within the WMPP Focus Area. .............. 29

Table 13. CBNG Wells within 0.25 Mile of Suitable Mountain Plover Habitat within 0.5 

Mile of Fidelity Development Areas in the WMPP Focus Area. .......................... 31

Table 14. Peak Number of Males and Cumulative Number of Wells Drilled Annually 

within 2 Miles of Active Non-reference Leks. ......................................................... 35

Table 15. Peak Number of Males and Cumulative Number of Wells Drilled Annually 

within 2 Miles of Active Reference Leks. ............................................................. 37

Table 16. Big Game Surveys Conducted within the WMPP Focus Area. ............................. 46

Table 17. Avian Survey Point Counts Completed within the WMPP Focus Area. ............... 48

Table 18. BLM Special-status Animal Species Known to Occur or Potentially Occur 

within the WMPP Focus Area................................................................................ 50

Table 19. Summary of Monitoring Requirements Not Currently Being Met within the 

WMPP Focus Area. ................................................................................................ 52
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LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure Page

Figure 1. WMPP Focus Area location and surface ownership. ............................................... 3

Figure 2. Current energy development within the WMPP Focus Area. ................................ 17

Figure 3. Raptor nest locations within the WMPP Focus Area. ............................................ 23

Figure 4. Bald eagle winter roost observation areas within the WMPP Focus Area. ........... 26

Figure 5. Delineated prairie dog colonies within the WMPP Focus Area (largest 

recorded boundary displayed). ............................................................................... 28

Figure 6. Mountain Plover Habitat within the WMPP Focus Area. ...................................... 30

Figure 7. Sage-grouse leks within the WMPP Focus Area. .................................................. 34

Figure 8. Summary of lek activity and number of wells within 2 miles of active nonreference leks (2000–2009) in the WMPP Focus Area. ......................................... 39

Figure 9. Summary of lek activity and number of wells within 2 miles of active 

reference leks (2000–2009) in the WMPP Focus Area. ......................................... 39

Figure 10. Sage-grouse habitat within the WMPP Focus Area. .............................................. 40

Figure 11. Sharp-tailed grouse leks and operator-surveyed areas within the WMPP Focus 

Area. ....................................................................................................................... 42

Figure 12. Big game crucial habitat areas within the WMPP Focus Area. ............................. 44

Figure 13. Big game survey areas within the WMPP Focus Area. ......................................... 45

Figure 14. Avian survey locations within the WMPP Focus Area. ......................................... 49

LIST OF APPENDICES 

Appendix

A Survey and Monitoring Conducted within the WMPP Focus Area 2000–2009 

B Raptor Nest Monitoring within the WMPP Focus Area 

C Data Tables for Delineated Prairie Dog Colonies within the WMPP Focus Area 

D Sage-grouse Lek Attendance Figures for Non-reference Leks with Attendance History 

E Sage-grouse Lek Attendance Figures for Reference Leks 

F Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Attendance Monitoring Results 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

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INTRODUCTION 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Miles City Field Office (MCFO) manages for the 

multiple use of more than 2.7 million surface acres of public land and 12.4 million acres of 

subsurface mineral estate in 16 counties in eastern Montana. The BLM-MCFO achieves its 

multiple-use mission while considering and providing for responsible development of 

important oil and gas resources through the Final Supplement to the Montana Statewide Oil 

and Gas Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) and Proposed Amendment of the Powder 

River and Billings Resource Management Plans (RMPs) (BLM 2008a), including the Wildlife 

Monitoring and Protection Plan (WMPP) (BLM 2008b). The FSEIS and RMPs address future 

exploration for and development of BLM-managed coal bed natural gas (CBNG) and 

conventional oil and gas resources. Although the FSEIS covers lands administered by the 

BLM’s Billings Field Office, all current development has occurred within the boundaries of 

the BLM-MCFO. 

The WMPP document is the framework for wildlife monitoring and protection across the 

Powder River and Billings RMP areas and provides a template for regional and/or projectspecific WMPP development. The BLM, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP), and the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) work cooperatively to implement portions of the 

WMPP over the planning area, which excludes those lands administered by the U.S. Forest 

Service, the Crow, the Northern Cheyenne, and other Native American lands. The WMPP is 

implemented on federal lands, including split estate (lands in which the mineral rights are 

federally owned and the land ownership is non-federal), in cooperation with state agencies, 

federal agencies, tribal representatives, operators, and landowners. 

The goal of the WMPP (BLM 2008b) is to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife and serve as 

a communication tool to foster cooperative relationships among CBNG and conventional oil 

and gas industry operators (operators), resource management agencies, landowners, adjacent 

tribal governments, and the public. The overall purpose of the WMPP is to acquire baseline 

wildlife information, monitor wildlife populations, and assess the effectiveness of 

development stipulations. The WMPP was designed to facilitate the BLM’s ability to pinpoint 

problems (including the evaluation of other contributing factors), provide guidance for the 

design of project plans that include conservation for declining species, monitor the 

effectiveness of decisions, and make recommendations to adjust management to address 

specific situations. The WMPP is intended to be a fluid guidance document, with a goal of 

periodic review and revision if needed. If necessary, protective measures will be added, 

modified, or removed. 

Implementation of the WMPP began with the issuance of the Record of Decision for the Final 

Statewide Oil and Gas Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Proposed Amendment of 

the Powder River and Billings RMP (BLM 2003). Prior to issuance of the Record of 

Decision, little biological data existed for areas of potential CBNG development within the 

Powder River and Billings RMP areas. In 2003, survey requirements in areas of development 

were established with the issuance of the FEIS and WMPP. In 2008, survey requirements 

were updated to reflect new information and changes in policies, regulations, or activities 

since the FEIS was approved (BLM 2008a). Collection of consistent wildlife information 

identified in the WMPP involves landowners, operators, and state and federal agencies. An 
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2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

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interagency working group composed of a core team of agency biologists oversees the 

implementation of the programmatic elements of the WMPP. 

Wildlife data collection in support of CBNG development has been ongoing for 

approximately 10 years. This information, collected by many entities, has not been organized, 

consolidated, or summarized. Collection of much of the wildlife inventory and monitoring 

data is a requirement placed on industry. This requirement has largely been accomplished. A 

common criticism directed at the BLM is that all information is not readily available or used 

by the BLM. 

The WMPP 2009 Progress Report and Database Development Project (WMPP Project) is the 

first of a two-phase project. Phase 1 will assimilate the data and provide the BLM-MCFO 

with a summary of inventory, monitoring, and research conducted in the Powder River Basin 

(PRB) area in which CBNG development has occurred from 2000 to 2009; measure change in 

wildlife populations in relation to CBNG development; and allow the BLM-MCFO to review 

the available data to determine if the guidelines for inventory and monitoring set forth in the 

WMPP are being met. Phase 2 of the WMPP Project will use information collected and 

included in the Phase 1 report and database to analyze the impacts of CBNG development to 

wildlife species and their habitats. The objectives of Phase 2 are to 1) determine if there is a 

statistically significant correlation between changes in wildlife parameters, such as greater 

sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) lek attendance or raptor nest 

occupancy, to CBNG development (e.g. rate and/or density of development) and 2) assess the 

effectiveness of current stipulations and Conditions of Approval (COAs). The WMPP Project 

will facilitate the BLM-MCFO’s ability to pinpoint problems, design project plans that 

include conservation for declining species, and make recommendations to adjust management 

to address specific situations. 

PROJECT AREA 

The WMPP Project will focus on 933,513 acres of the PRB (WMPP Focus Area), which is 

bound to the north by the Northern Cheyenne Nation and Ashland District-Custer National 

Forest, to the east by the Powder River, to the south by the Montana/Wyoming state line, and 

to the west by the Crow Nation (Figure 1). The WMPP Focus Area is the primary area within 

the Powder River RMP area where CBNG development has occurred. 

The WMPP Focus Area’s climate is typical of the PRB with hot summers, cold winters, and 

the bulk of the precipitation occurring in late spring and early summer. The frost-free period 

on average lasts approximately 114 days. The PRB is considered semiarid and typically 

averages 12 to 14 inches of precipitation annually. Evaporation usually exceeds precipitation, 

and the total supply of moisture is low. Within the northern part of the PRB, annual 

precipitation appears to increase rapidly with elevation and, as a result, ranges from 12 inches 

at lower elevations to 18 inches of precipitation at higher elevations (around 4,000 feet) 

(Carlson and Cooper 2003). The mean maximum temperature in July is 72.2 degrees 

Fahrenheit (°F), while the mean minimum temperature is 21.5°F in January (based on the 

1961–1990 period of record) (Carlson and Cooper 2003). 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

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Figure 1. WMPP Focus Area location and surface ownership
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

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The LANDFIRE National Existing Vegetation Type layer (LANDFIRE) indicates that 

approximately 25% of the WMPP Focus Area is dominated by Northwestern Great Plains 

Mixed-grass Prairie, 24% is dominated by Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe, 24% 

is composed of Western Great Plains Sand Prairie, and 18% is Northwestern Great PlainsBlack Hills Ponderosa Pine Woodland and Savanna (LANDFIRE 2006). These four primary 

vegetation communities comprise approximately 91% of the WMPP Focus Area. 

COAL BED NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT IN WMPP FOCUS AREA 

As described under Alternative H of the FSEIS (BLM 2008a), the BLM manages the 

development of CBNG resources on BLM-administered lands in a phased manner through 

restrictions imposed by the BLM. This approach is designed to reduce the overall cumulative 

impacts to resources by managing the pace, placement, density, and intensity of federal 

CBNG development. The phased approach involves reviewing the Plans of Development 

(PODs), making a permit decision, monitoring and assessing impacts and adjusting 

operations, implementing mitigation measures, and reviewing thresholds. In addition to the 

standard POD review process, four evaluation screens for water, wildlife, Native American 

concerns, and air quality are applied. 

Under the wildlife screen, the BLM’s goal is conserving wildlife habitat and the sagebrush 

steppe/mixed grass prairie complex through the use of protective measures such as lease 

stipulations, best management practices (BMPs), and alternative development schemes as 

permit COAs. 

PROTECTION MEASURES 

Wildlife protective and conservation measures have been established through planning 

documents. These measures include lease stipulations, COAs, BMPs, and Terms and 

Conditions imposed through Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the 

USFWS. 

Lease stipulations are mandatory actions that were approved in the 1994 BLM Oil and Gas 

Environmental Impact Statement (BLM 1994). Lease stipulations reduce the possibility of 

impacts to wildlife populations, productivity, or habitat use through the protection of 

important breeding, nesting, and seasonal habitats. Lease stipulations combined with 

mitigation measures are also designed to reduce the likelihood of “take” of a federally listed 

species. Lease stipulations are applied to all projects on BLM-administered lands unless a 

waiver, exception, or modification has been issued. A lease stipulation may be waived if a 

determination is made that the proposed action will not adversely affect the species in 

question. An exception to a protection measure may be granted if the operator demonstrates 

the proposed action will not be significant or can be adequately mitigated. A modification 

may be made if it is determined that portions of the project area do not include habitat 

protected by the lease stipulation. 

During the project design and approval process, additional conservation measures for wildlife 

are also incorporated through the project plan design as COAs or BMPs. In general, COAs are 

protective measures that “provide a full range of practicable means to avoid or minimize harm 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

5 SWCA 

to wildlife species or their habitats” (BLM 2008a). COAs are applied on a project-by-project 

basis and can be found under the Programmatic Guidance for the Development of Project 

Plans within the WMPP (BLM 2008b) and the FSEIS (BLM 2008a). BMPs may be listed 

separately or incorporated as COAs. Wildlife monitoring data (described below under 

Research, Inventory, Monitoring, and Disturbance Thresholds) will be used to assess the 

appropriateness and effectiveness of these protective measures. If necessary, protective 

measures will be added, modified, or removed. 

Raptors 

Maintaining healthy raptor populations requires protection of crucial habitats and reducing 

mortality due to project-related infrastructure. Lease stipulations and/or Terms and Conditions 

are designed to limit disturbance to nesting raptors and winter roost sites and include the 

following. 

• No surface use from March 1 through August 1 within 0.5 mile of raptor nest sites that 

have been active within the past two years (except ferruginous hawk [Buteo regalis], 

bald eagle [Haliaeetus leucocephalus], and peregrine falcon [Falco peregrinus] nest 

sites). This stipulation does not apply to the operation and maintenance of production 

facilities (stipulation MT-13-4). 

• No surface occupancy or use within 0.5 mile of known ferruginous hawk nest sites 

that have been active within the past two years (stipulation MT-11-8 and MT-11-17). 

• No surface occupancy or use is authorized within 1 mile of identified peregrine falcon 

nests (stipulation MT-11-7). No surface occupancy within 0.5 mile of any identified 

bald eagle roost site. 

• No surface occupancy within 0.5 mile of know bald eagle nest sites that have been 

active within the past seven years and within bald eagle nesting habitat in riparian 

areas (stipulation MT-11-6). 

Additional COAs applied to PODs include conservation measures that minimize the effects of 

project-related infrastructure, such as roads, pipelines, and utility line corridors, on raptors 

(for a complete list of COAs, see A-11 to A-14 of the WMPP [BLM 2008b]). 

Prairie Dogs/Black-footed Ferrets 

Prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colonies are often habitat for sensitive wildlife species, such as 

black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes). Black-footed ferrets inhabit extensive prairie dog 

complexes, typically composed of several smaller colonies in proximity to one another that 

provide a sustainable prey base. The BLM’s goal is to maintain prairie dog colonies and 

protect associated species through the use of lease stipulations, COAs, Terms and Conditions, 

and BMPs. 

• Prior to surface disturbance, a surface use plan of operations for oil and gas activities 

must be approved for black-footed ferret reintroduction areas (stipulation MT-12-2). 

• In areas containing potential habitat for black-footed ferrets (prairie dog colonies and 

complexes 80 acres or more in size with a burrow density of five burrows per acre), 
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surveys will be conducted to determine the presence or absence of black-footed 

ferrets. If black-footed ferrets are discovered, consultation with the USFWS will be 

initiated and surface use restrictions may be applied (stipulation MT-12-3). 

Mountain Plover 

Mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) habitat generally consists of large prairie dog towns 

and sparsely vegetated areas on mesa tops. Breeding and nesting habitat for mountain plover 

is a limiting factor for this species. As such, the BLM’s goal is to protect areas of known 

mountain plover habitat and limit disturbance to areas of potential habitat. Lease stipulations 

and Terms and Conditions include the following timing and surface occupancy stipulations 

(BLM 2008b). 

• Surface use is prohibited within 0.25 mile of active mountain plover nest sites. 

• No surface occupancy on any active prairie dog colonies on federal surface within 

suitable mountain plover habitat. 

• Controlled surface use stipulation applied between April 1 and July 31 on any active 

prairie dog town occupied by mountain plovers. 

• No surface use on any active prairie dog town within 0.25 mile of an active mountain 

plover nest once nesting has been confirmed. 

• A disturbance-free buffer zone of 0.25 mile will be established around all mountain 

plover nesting locations between April 1 and July 31. 

• No surface occupancy of ancillary facilities (e.g., compressor stations, processing 

plants) within 0.5 mile of known nesting areas. 

Additional COAs applied to PODs include conservation measures that limit disturbance to 

habitat and individuals, provide for reclamation of disturbances, and reduce mortality due to 

project-related infrastructure (for a complete list of COAs, see A-11 to A-12 of the WMPP 

[BLM 2008b]). 

Waivers

Exceptions and/or waivers to lease stipulations may be granted by the BLM through 

consultation with the USFWS. 

Gray Wolf/Canada Lynx/Grizzly Bear 

Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are federally 

protected under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 2000, 2010a). If these species or their 

habitat were found to be potentially impacted by CBNG development, formal consultation 

with the USFWS will be required (stipulation MT-16-2). Potential protective measures could 

include avoidance or buffers around potential habitat areas and/or measures to prevent 

attracting these species to project sites (BLM 2008a). 

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) were reintroduced into the Greater Yellowstone area in 1995 and 

1996 as part of a non-essential, experimental population (the Northern Rocky Mountain 

Distinct Population Segment) under the Endangered Species Act. On April 2, 2009, the 
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USFWS published a final rule on the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment 

delisting gray wolf populations, in Idaho and Montana, while retaining wolves in Wyoming as 

a non-essential, experimental population under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 2009). 

If gray wolves were found to be potentially impacted by CBNG development, notification and 

consultation with the BLM will be required (stipulation MT-16-2). 

Greater Sage-grouse 

The sage-grouse is a candidate species for listing under the under the Endangered Species Act 

(USFWS 2010b). The BLM manages sage-grouse populations to maintain habitat 

connectivity and healthy populations to serve as source populations. In addition, within the 

crucial habitat areas the BLM will maintain sage-grouse habitat so that population trends 

follow the general magnitude of decline or increase when compared to control leks. Crucial 

habitat areas have been identified in the planning area. When development is proposed within 

crucial sage-grouse habitat, the BLM will rely on science, professional judgment, and 

monitoring data to determine the acceptable level of disturbance. For crucial habitat areas the 

objective is to maintain sage-grouse populations on the northern end of the PRB, permit 

genetic exchange with other populations, and ensure source populations remain available for 

areas where sage-grouse may have been reduced or displaced due to CBNG development or 

other factors. Outside crucial habitat areas, connectivity will be maintained by reducing 

habitat fragmentation. 

Management actions focus on minimizing disturbance on seasonal habitats. To meet 

management objectives, standard lease stipulations apply to all PODs; in addition, PODs must 

demonstrate specific sage-grouse conservation actions. Actual placement of wells will depend 

on the operator’s ability to outline a strategy where effects to sage-grouse will be minimized 

and where the species will not be displaced from any crucial habitat as a result of these 

actions. The following examples illustrate the types of measures that should be developed and 

included in the PODs: 

• Within 1 mile of a lek, surface disturbance proposals will be sited to meet objectives 

for sage-grouse habitat management, including avoiding loss of sagebrush (Artemisia 

tridentata), especially in linear routes; avoiding installation of perching structures; and 

keeping noise disturbance levels to less than 10 decibels above background noise on 

active leks. 

• Proposals for storage ponds or produced water discharge into vegetated drainages in 

summer sage-grouse habitat will be designed to minimize the potential for outbreaks 

of West Nile virus. 

• The operator will be required to map and avoid seasonal habitats when proposing 

placement of infrastructure. 

Lease stipulations include standard timing and surface occupancy stipulations and 

development of guidelines for produced water to reduce the spread of West Nile virus. 

Specifically, lease stipulations and Terms and Conditions designed to protect sage-grouse 

include the following (BLM 2008b): 

• No surface occupancy within 0.25 mile of a lek (stipulation MT-11-4). 
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• Surface use is prohibited from March 1 through June 15 in grouse nesting habitat 

within 2 miles of a known lek. This stipulation does not apply to the operation and 

maintenance of production facilities (stipulation MT-13-3). 

• Surface use is prohibited from December 1 through March 31 within designated 

crucial winter range. 

COAs and BMPs designed to reduce the spread of West Nile virus include the following 

(BLM 2008b): 

• Overbuild the size of ponds to accommodate a greater volume of water than is 

discharged. 

• Build steep shorelines to reduce shallow water and aquatic vegetation around the 

perimeter of impoundments. Use of this construction technique could be harmful to 

certain wildlife species such as birds and will require consideration on a case-by-case 

basis. 

• Maintain the water level below rooted vegetation for a muddy shoreline that is 

unfavorable habitat for mosquito larvae. 

• Construct dams or impoundments that restrict downslope seepage or overflow. 

• Line the channel where discharge water flows into the pond with crushed rock, or use 

a horizontal pipe to discharge inflow directly into existing open water. 

• Line the overflow spillway with crushed rock, and construct the spillway with steep 

sides to preclude the accumulation of shallow water and vegetation. 

• Fence pond sites to restrict access by livestock and other wild ungulates. 

• Use adulticides and larvicides to target mosquito populations. 

• Introduce native fish species into ponds. 

• Use electric-, solar-, or wind-powered fountains or aerators in ponds. 

• Use a vertical discharge pipe in the center of the impoundment to create a ripple effect 

and aerate the water to support a fish population. 

Specific conservation actions, applied as COAs, address the design and placement of project 

infrastructure to minimize effects to sage-grouse. COAs include measures designed to avoid 

loss of sage-grouse habitat, avoid displacement of sage-grouse from crucial habitats, reduce 

the spread of West Nile virus infection, and reduce increased mortality due to project-related 

activities (for a complete list of COAs, see A-12 to A-14 of the WMPP [BLM 2008b]). 

If management actions, COAs, and/or BMPS are insufficient or overly restrictive, the BLM 

will make the needed changes in order to maintain sage-grouse populations. Science and 

monitoring data will provide the basis for formulating alternative development scenarios, and 

decisions will be coordinated with MFWP. See the Research, Inventory, Monitoring, and 

Disturbance Thresholds section below for further details. 
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Waivers

The stipulation for no surface occupancy within 0.25 mile of a lek may be waived if the BLM 

authorized officer, in coordination with MFWP, determines the entire leasehold can be 

occupied without adversely affecting sage-grouse lek sites or if the lek sites within 0.25 mile 

of the leasehold have not been attended for five consecutive years. 

Sharp-tailed Grouse 

Lease stipulations and Terms and Conditions designed to protect sharp-tailed grouse 

(Tympanuchus phasianellus) include the following (BLM 2008b): 

• No surface occupancy within 0.25 mile of a lek. 

• Surface use is prohibited from March 1 through June 15 in sharp-tailed grouse nesting 

habitat within 2 miles of a known lek. 

• Surface use is prohibited from December 1 through March 31 within designated 

crucial winter range. 

Waivers

The stipulation for no surface occupancy within 0.25 of a lek may be waived if the BLM 

authorized officer, in coordination with MFWP, determines the entire leasehold can be 

occupied without adversely affecting sharp-tailed grouse lek sites or if the lek sites within 

0.25 mile of the leasehold have not been attended for five consecutive years. 

Big Game 

Disturbance of big game species during the parturition period and on winter range can 

increase stress and may influence species distribution (Morgantini and Hudson 1980; HaydenWing Associates [Hayden-Wing] 1990), resulting in short- and long-term adverse effects. To 

reduce these impacts, the following lease stipulations are applied: 

• Surface use is prohibited from December 1 to March 31 within crucial winter range 

for wildlife (does not apply to the operation and maintenance of production facilities) 

(stipulation MT-13-1). 

To help protect big game species, which rely seasonally or year-long on crucial habitat, COAs 

and BMPs may also be applied to PODs to reduce the loss, fragmentation, degradation, and 

isolation of connected crucial habitats. Other management actions may be applied that reduce 

mortality caused by project-related infrastructure. 

General Wildlife 

Protective measures for general wildlife species are designed to affect the pace, placement, 

density, and intensity of CBNG activities. Protective measures may be modified if results of 

monitoring and research efforts indicate a change in wildlife species populations within 

crucial habitats or adjacent to POD areas (BLM 2008b). 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

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RESEARCH, INVENTORY, MONITORING, AND DISTURBANCE 

THRESHOLDS 

The WMPP (BLM 2003; BLM 2008b) and Alternative H of the FSEIS (BLM 2008a) set forth 

guidelines for research, inventory, monitoring, and disturbance thresholds for each species or 

species group within the Powder River and Billings RMP areas. These guidelines were 

designed to allow for adequate data collection and establish significance criteria for assessing 

species trends, which will shed light on the effectiveness of stipulations and protection plans 

outlined in the FSEIS (BLM 2008a) and the WMPP (BLM 2008b). These monitoring 

guidelines, as outlined below, generally apply to federally managed surface and subsurface 

acres. In some cases, operators have applied these monitoring requirements to private and 

state lands. 

RAPTORS 

Changes in raptor populations (including number of nest sites and nest productivity) will be 

assessed through the use of annual and five-year inventory surveys, research, and other 

population-level indicators conducted by the BLM, MFWP, and operators (Table 1). Baseline 

inventories have also been conducted prior to development and can be used to assess effects 

from development. If downward trends are observed and are related to CBNG development, 

the BLM may use adaptive management techniques to adjust stipulations and COAs (see 

Table 1). 

Table 1. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, 

and Management Options for Raptors. 

Species Item Location Technique Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Remedial 

Action 

Trigger 

Raptors 

Active nest 

locations 

(excluding 

burrowing 

owls [Athene 

cunicularia]) 

Project 

area plus 1-

mile buffer 

Air/ground 

field 

inspection 

Number of 

nests 

Every three 

years 

Downward 

trend in 

occupancy 

Raptor 

productivity 

(including 

burrowing 

owl) 

Active 

nests 

within 1 

mile of 

project 

disturbance 

Air/ground 

field 

inspection 

Nest 

success/failure 

species 

productivity 

Annually 

Downward 

trend in nest 

success, 

overall 

productivity 

Raptor 

productivity–

selected 

undeveloped 

comparison 

area 

CBNG 

project area 

Air/ground 

field 

inspection 

Nest 

success/failure 

species 

productivity 

Every five 

years 

Information 

used as 

support to 

determine 

downward 

trend 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

11 SWCA 

Species Item Location Technique Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Remedial 

Action 

Trigger 

Burrowing 

Owl 

Active nest 

locations 

Specific 

project area 

plus 0.5-

mile buffer 

(within 

active 

prairie dog 

town) 

Ground 

inspection Occupancy 

Twice 

yearly 

(June–

August) 

Humancaused 

disturbance 

to owls 

related to 

oil and gas 

activities 

such as 

vandalism 

and 

harassment 

Source: BLM (2008a, 2008b). 

PRAIRIE DOGS/BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS 

As described in the WMPP (BLM 2008b), prairie dog colonies on federally managed surface 

and subsurface within 0.5 mile of a CBNG project area have been identified, mapped, and 

surveyed by operators (Table 2). If downward trends in acreage of occupied prairie dog towns 

are observed on federally managed surface acres related to CBNG development, the BLM 

may use adaptive management techniques to adjust stipulations and COAs or reinitiate 

consultation with the USFWS as appropriate (see Table 2). 

Additionally, the BLM has been determining acreage of occupied prairie dog habitat within 

suitable mountain plover habitat on federally managed surface acres within areas of 

development. These data will be used to estimate impacts, including habitat loss, that CBNG 

development has on occupied prairie dog town acreage within specific project areas. 

Active prairie dog colonies have also been mapped by operators to determine if habitat is 

available for black-footed ferrets within 0.5 mile of a specific project. Within the PRB, prairie 

dog colonies that meet USFWS size criteria as potential black-footed ferret habitat are 

required to be surveyed to determine active burrow density and the presence/absence of blackfooted ferrets. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

12 SWCA 

Table 2. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, 

and Management Options for Prairie Dog and Black-footed Ferret. 

Species Item Location Technique Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Remedial 

Action 

Trigger 

Prairie 

Dog 

Active 

prairie dog 

colony 

Specific 

project area 

plus 0.5-mile 

buffer 

Air/ground 

inspection Occupancy Annually 

Documented 

prairie dog 

fatalities 

caused by 

oil and gas 

activities 

Blackfooted 

Ferret 

Occupancy 

Prairie dog 

towns larger 

than 80 acres 

located 

within 0.5 

mile of 

proposed 

activity 

Ground 

inspection Occupancy 

Determined 

on a sitespecific 

basis in 

coordination 

with the 

USFWS 

Habitat 

decline or 

prairie dog 

fatalities 

caused by 

oil and gas 

activities - 

occupancy 

of blackfooted ferret 

sites would 

be managed 

in a Blackfooted Ferret 

Management 

Plan 

Source: BLM (2008a, 2008b). 

MOUNTAIN PLOVERS 

As described in the WMPP (BLM 2008b), the BLM, the USFWS, and MFWP will estimate 

and identify potential mountain plover habitat using predictive models. Potential habitat areas 

will then be refined by field validation to determine the presence/absence of potentially 

suitable mountain plover habitat. In areas of suitable habitat, surveys will be conducted prior 

to ground-disturbing activities at the CBNG project area plus a 0.5-mile buffer (Table 3). 

Efforts will also be made to identify mountain plover nesting areas not subject to CBNG 

development to be used as reference sites. 

These data will be used to document suitable mountain plover habitat within the WMPP 

Focus Area and document any loss of habitat (as described under the prairie dog section 

above). The amount of disturbance (number of CBNG wells) within 0.25 mile of suitable 

habitat will be used to assess the potential impact. If the data are available, comparisons will 

be made of the trends in mountain plover nesting occupancy between reference areas and 

areas experiencing CBNG development. The BLM will use these data to determine if 

mountain plover habitat is being impacted by CBNG development and determine compliance 

with the take of habitat and individuals outlined in the biological opinion (BLM 2008a). 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

13 SWCA 

Table 3. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, 

and Management Options for Mountain Plover. 

Species Item Location Technique Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Remedial 

Action 

Trigger 

Mountain 

Plover 

Active nest 

locations 

Specific 

project 

development 

area plus 0.5-

mile buffer 

(within areas 

less than 4-

inch average 

vegetation 

height and 

prairie dog 

towns) 

Ground 

inspection Occupancy 

Twice 

yearly 

(April 15–

June 30) 

Humancaused 

disturbance 

to mountain 

plovers 

related to 

oil and gas 

activities 

such as 

vandalism 

and 

harassment 

Source: BLM (2008a, 2008b). 

GRAY WOLF/CANADA LYNX/GRIZZLY BEAR 

As outlined in the WMPP (BLM 2008b), areas bordering Yellowstone National Park and 

suitable habitat for the gray wolf, Canada lynx, and grizzly bear will be surveyed for these 

species. The WMPP Focus Area does not meet these criteria, and these species do not 

regularly occur within the PRB. If these species were found to occur in the PRB, 

reconnaissance-level surveys for sign (scat, tracks, etc.) of these species will be required 

(BLM 2008a). 

SAGE-GROUSE 

As described in the WMPP (BLM 2008b), sage-grouse lek inventories will be conducted in 

areas of high potential for development and at least once every five years (Table 4). In areas 

with development, lek location inventories will be conducted annually on affected sections, 2-

mile buffers, and selected undeveloped reference areas. Lek location and attendance will be 

monitored within 2 miles of development areas such that all leks on these areas are surveyed 

three times annually. 

Reference leks, similar in habitat and within proximity to areas currently being developed, 

have been established to allow comparisons of lek attendance between developed and 

undeveloped areas. The reference leks will also be surveyed for lek attendance three times 

annually. 

Sage-grouse winter use surveys of suitable habitat within 2 miles of proposed development 

areas will be conducted to identify sage-grouse wintering concentration areas. These surveys 

will be conducted between November and February when suitable conditions exist. If the data 

are available, trends in winter use will be presented and compared to historical information. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

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14 SWCA 

Lek attendance data will be used to demonstrate overall trends in activity for those leks 

(expressed as the number of males per lek), and comparisons will be made between leks in 

developed areas and reference leks. Annual and cumulative (if appropriate) changes in 

development within 2 miles of leks and lek attendance will be assessed. Survey data will also 

be overlaid on the development areas to assess if the survey frequency and area requirements 

set forth in the WMPP are being met. 

Changes in management of future development will occur if male attendance on leks within 2 

miles of CBNG development declines by 25% over five-year increments (BLM 2008a). Changes 

may also be made if lesser declines occur in a period of less than five years, when compared with 

predetermined reference leks (BLM 2008a). If downward trends in habitat occupancy or lek 

attendance are observed, the BLM may use adaptive management strategies. These strategies 

could include not authorizing or limiting the number of federal well sites, roads, and 

infrastructure; not authorizing or restricting the timing of operations conducted on federal leases; 

extending timing and/or increasing distance from leks; or implementing stipulations, COAs, or 

off-site habitat management/mitigation. Similarly, if populations remain comparable with the 

reference leks or increase over a five-year monitoring period, management of development may 

be modified to be less restrictive or the pace of development may be increased (BLM 2008a). 

Table 4. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, 

and Management Options for Sage-grouse. 

Species Item Location Technique Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Remedial 

Action 

Trigger 

Sagegrouse 

Sage-grouse 

lek location 

Overall 

project area 

Aerial 

field 

inspection 

Number, 

location of 

leks 

Every five 

years 

Downward 

trend in 

habitat 

occupancy 

Sage-grouse 

lek 

attendance 

Specific 

project 

development 

areas plus 2-

mile buffer 

Air/ground 

field 

inspection 

Number of 

males/lek 

Three 

times 

annually 

Downward 

trend in lek 

attendance 

Sage-grouse 

winter 

habitat 

Specific 

project 

development 

areas plus 2-

mile buffer 

Air/ground 

field 

inspection 

Occupancy 

When 

suitable 

conditions 

exist

Downward 

trend in 

habitat 

occupancy 

or quality 

caused by 

oil and gas 

activities 

Source: BLM (2008a, 2008b). 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

15 SWCA 

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE 

Sharp-tailed grouse lek sites and attendance is monitored throughout the WMPP Focus Area 

by the BLM, MFWP, and operators. Prior to development activities, operator-financed 

inventories are conducted within the area of development plus a 2-mile buffer. Following 

development, leks within developed areas plus a 2-mile buffer are routinely surveyed and lek 

attendance recorded. Changes in lek status will be identified and presented. 

BIG GAME 

Changes in big game (including pronghorn [Antilocapra americana], elk [Cervus 

canadensis], white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus], and mule deer [Odocoileus 

hemionus], if applicable) populations will be assessed through the use of annual big game 

inventories and seasonal habitat use surveys (BLM 2008b) (Table 5). Comparisons in trends 

between big game seasonal habitat reference areas and seasonal habitats associated with 

CBNG development may provide insight into the response of big game to CBNG 

development. 

Adaptive management strategies will be used if a 30% or more decline (based on MFWP 

adaptive harvest thresholds) is observed in mule deer or pronghorn populations over a threeyear period relative to baseline and/or adjacent populations (BLM 2008a). Adaptive 

management strategies may include extension of timing stipulations or COAs, off-site habitat 

management, or enhancement (BLM 2008a). 

Table 5. Summary of Inventory and Monitoring Requirements, Impact Thresholds, 

and Management Options for Big Game Species (BLM 2008a). 

Species Item Location Technique Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Remedial 

Action 

Trigger 

Big Game Seasonal 

habitat use 

Specific 

project 

development 

areas plus 1-

mile buffer 

Air/ground 

field 

inspection 

Occupancy Annually 

Downward 

trend in 

habitat 

occupancy 

Source: BLM (2008a, 2008b). 

GENERAL WILDLIFE 

The identification of project-related wildlife deaths is important to designing and assessing 

the effectiveness of mitigation opportunities to reduce direct and indirect impacts from 

project-related activities. As described in the WMPP (BLM 2008b), wildlife mortality from 

project pits and vehicle collisions has been monitored by operators. These data will be used to 

report avian mortality from collisions with vehicles, electrocutions, well pits, and other 

sources. If the data are available, areas of high concentrations of wildlife mortality will be 

mapped and identified. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

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Operators, federal and state agencies, universities, and private individuals have been 

conducting surveys and research on various wildlife and vegetation species within the WMPP 

Focus Area. All available data, including songbird inventories, will be gathered and presented 

with the survey method description, surveyor, date, and a map delineating areas surveyed. 

BLM special-status species known or suspected to occur in the WMPP Focus Area will be 

identified and presented. 

AQUATIC SPECIES 

As described in the WMPP, the health of these ecosystems has been monitored through 

inventories and studies of benthic macroinvertebrates, periphyton, fisheries, amphibians, and 

aquatic reptiles (BLM 2008b). As described in the WMPP, species distribution, abundance, 

and population diversity at baseline, control, and treatment sites will be compared to 

determine if aquatic communities are changing as a result of the discharge of CBNG produced 

water and development within the PRB. Data and analysis from these inventories and research 

studies are maintained and conducted by the PRB Aquatic Task Force. Results of these 

studies are included within this report. 

CURRENT ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROJECT AREA 

Energy development within the WMPP Focus Area consists of coal and CBNG development. 

There are currently two coal mines operating within the Focus Area, Decker Mine and Spring 

Creek Mine (Figure 2). 

Decker Mine, near Decker, Montana, was discovered by Kiewit Mining Group Inc. in 1961. 

Decker Coal Company developed the mine in the early 1970s and began shipments in 1972. 

Decker Mine consists of two distinct mining areas, East Decker and West Decker. The mine is 

currently under the management of Kiewit Mining Group Inc. 

Spring Creek Mine is northwest of Decker Mine near Decker in the northwest section of the 

PRB. The mine was acquired by Rio Tinto Energy America in 1993 and previously owned by 

NERCO Mining Company, a mining and natural resource company of PacifiCorp. In 

November 2009, Spring Creek Mine was transferred to Rio Tinto Energy America to Cloud 

Peak Energy during a corporate split. 

CBNG development within the WMPP Focus Area is currently being conducted by two 

operators, Pinnacle Gas Resources (Pinnacle) and Fidelity Exploration and Production 

Company (Fidelity). Pinnacle currently operates the Coal Creek POD northeast of Spring 

Creek Mine (see Figure 2). Fidelity currently operates the Badger Hills, Coal Creek, Dry 

Creek, Deer Creek North, and Decker Mine East PODs, all located south and/or east of the 

Decker and Spring Creek mines (see Figure 2). 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

17 

Figure 2. Current energy development within the WMPP Focus A
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

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There are currently 1,152 CBNG wells drilled, including producing, abandoned, and shut-in 

wells, within the WMPP Focus Area (Montana Board of Oil and Gas 2009). These CBNG 

wells are distributed by land and mineral ownership as follows: 

• 17 on federal surface/federal minerals; 

• 163 on private surface/federal minerals; 

• 859 on private surface/private minerals; and 

• 113 on state surface/state minerals. 

The number of CBNG wells drilled annually and cumulatively by land and surface ownership 

within federal POD boundaries is displayed in Table 6. The number of CBNG wells drilled 

annually and cumulatively that fall outside federal POD boundaries is displayed in Table 7. 

The number of CBNG wells drilled annually and cumulatively within the WMPP Focus Area 

is displayed in Table 8. 

Table 6. Numerical Compilation of CBNG Wells Drilled in the PRB by Federal POD, 

Annually and Cumulatively, Including Producing, Abandoned, and Shut-in Wells. 

POD Name - 

Operator Year

Federal 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Private 

Mineral

State 

Surface/ 

State 

Minerals

Wells 

by 

Year

Total 

Wells

Coal Creek – 

Pinnacle

2002 0 0 1 0 1

17 2003 0 0 1 0 1

2004 0 5 0 0 5

2005 0 2 8 0 10

Badger Hills – 

Fidelity

1997 0 1 0 0 1

204

2001 0 0 3 0 3

2002 0 0 2 0 2

2003 0 85 63 20 168

2006 0 0 18 10 28

2007 0 1 0 0 1

2008 0 1 0 0 1

Coal Creek – 

Fidelity

1998 0 1 0 1 2

145 

1999 0 0 2 0 2

2003 1 0 0 0 1

2005 0 15 68 16 99

2006 0 0 19 0 19

2007 7 6 1 0 14

2008 5 2 0 0 7

2009 1 0 0 0 1

Decker Mine East – 

Fidelity

2007 0 0 7 0 7 14 2008 0 7 0 0 7
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

19 SWCA 

POD Name - 

Operator Year

Federal 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Private 

Mineral

State 

Surface/ 

State 

Minerals

Wells 

by 

Year

Total 

Wells

Deer Creek North – 

Fidelity

2001 0 0 1 0 1

201

2004 0 0 2 0 2

2005 0 0 84 0 84

2006 0 0 89 3 92

2007 0 0 8 0 8

2008 0 6 0 0 6

2009 0 8 0 0 8

Dry Creek – 

Fidelity

1997 0 3 3 0 6

132 

1998 0 0 2 0 2

1999 0 0 35 0 35

2000 0 0 51 0 51

2001 0 0 5 0 5

2002 0 0 2 0 2

2004 2 0 3 11 16

2005 0 15 0 0 15

Total 16 158 478 61 713 713 

Source: Montana Board of Oil and Gas (2009). 

Table 7. Numerical Compilation of CBNG Wells Drilled Outside Federal POD 

Boundaries, Annually and Cumulatively, Including Producing, Abandoned, and Shut-in 

Wells. 

Year

Federal 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Private 

Mineral

State 

Surface/ 

State 

Minerals

Wells by 

Year Total Wells

1990 1 0 1 0 2

439

1997 0 2 1 0 3

1998 0 0 17 0 17

1999 0 0 72 0 72

2000 0 0 40 0 40

2001 0 2 12 0 14

2002 0 0 6 0 6

2003 0 1 32 2 35

2004 0 0 11 2 13

2005 0 0 39 0 39

2006 0 0 114 19 133

2007 0 0 13 1 14

2008 0 0 6 4 10

2009 0 0 1 0 1

Unknown 0 0 16 24 40

Total 1 5 381 52 439 439 

Source: Montana Board of Oil and Gas (2009). 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

20 SWCA 

Table 8. Numerical Compilation of CBNG Wells Drilled Annually and Cumulatively 

in the WMPP Focus Area, Including Producing, Abandoned, and Shut-in Wells. 

Year

Federal 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Federal 

Mineral

Private 

Surface/ 

Private 

Mineral

State 

Surface/ 

State 

Minerals

Wells by 

Year Total Wells

1990 1 0 1 0 2 

1,154

1997 0 6 4 0 10 

1998 0 1 21 1 23 

1999 0 0 109 0 109 

2000 0 0 91 0 91 

2001 0 2 21 0 23 

2002 0 0 11 0 11 

2003 1 86 96 22 205 

2004 2 5 16 13 36 

2005 0 32 199 16 247 

2006 0 0 240 32 272 

2007 7 7 29 1 44 

2008 5 16 6 4 31 

2009 1 8 1 0 10 

Unknown 0 0 16 24 40 

Total 17 163 861 113 1,154 1,154 

Source: Montana Board of Oil and Gas (2009). 

RESULTS OF RESEARCH, INVENTORY, AND MONITORING 

ACTIVITIES 

RESEARCH, INVENTORY, AND MONITORING CONDUCTED FROM 2000 TO 

2009 

Research, inventory, and monitoring efforts have been conducted by agencies and operators 

within the WMPP Focus Area since 2000. These survey efforts are outlined in Appendix A. 

Monitoring and research conducted within the WMPP Focus Area by federal and state 

agencies are summarized in Table 1A. Monitoring conducted by operators both on federally 

managed surface acres and federal mineral estate lands and private and state lands are 

summarized in Table 2A. Aquatic research and monitoring conducted in the WMPP Focus 

Area are summarized in Table 3A.This information is delineated by the year(s) conducted, 

project proponent and conductor, description of the project, and general results to date. 

TRENDS BY SPECIES 

All data collected within the WMPP Focus Area provided to the BLM through 2009 were 

included in the data analysis. In some cases, monitoring data collected by operators and the 

Coal Mines were not available and could not be included in this analysis. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

21 SWCA 

Raptors 

Aerial and ground raptor nest surveys have been conducted within the WMPP Focus Area by 

the BLM and operators since the 1970s (Table 9). These surveys have included location, 

species information, and productivity information for some nests. The total area within the 

WMPP Focus Area surveyed for nests is unknown. Operators have surveyed within 1 mile of 

their development areas (see Figure 3). In addition, Greystone Environmental Consultants, 

Inc. (Greystone 2004a) has completed a raptor survey and inventory covering 376,000 acres 

of suitable nesting habitat within Big Horn County, Montana. The survey area associated with 

incidental observations and data collected by other agencies is unknown. 

Table 9. Raptor Nest Surveys Conducted in the WMPP Focus Area from 2000 to 2009. 

Surveyor Year Survey 

Mode Dates Development Area 

Number of Nests 

Surveyed 

(nest status) 

Decker Mine 2004–2008 Ground Unknown Decker Mine 118 nests (26 

active)1

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones 

and Stokes 

1976–2003 Ground Unknown Spring Creek Mine 49 known sites2

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones 

and Stokes 

2004 Ground Unknown Spring Creek Mine 

49 known sites, 32 

intact nests 2 (9 

active) 

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones 

and Stokes 

20005 Ground Unknown Spring Creek Mine 

49 known sites, 32 

intact nests 2 (7 

active) 

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones 

and Stokes 

2006 Ground Unknown Spring Creek Mine 

49 known sites, 32 

intact nests 2 (11 

active) 

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones 

and Stokes 

2007 Ground Unknown Spring Creek Mine 

49 known sites, 32 

intact nests 2 (12 

active) 

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones 

and Stokes 

2008 Ground Unknown Spring Creek Mine 

49 known sites, 32 

intact nests 2 (12 

active) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2002 Aerial/ 

Ground 5/28 Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek 

44 nests 

(16 active, 28 

inactive) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2003 Aerial/ 

Ground 5/13, 5/28 Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek 

46 nests 

(22 active, 24 

inactive) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2004 Aerial/ 

Ground 4/23, 5/11, 6/3 Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek, Deer Creek, Pond Creek 

72 nests 

(30 active, 42 

inactive) 

BLM/ 

Greystone 2004 Aerial/ Ground 5/18–5/21 Big Horn County 

35 nests 

(23 active, 12 

inactive) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2005 Aerial/ 

Ground 

4/5, 4/6, 4/22, 

4/26, 4/28, 6/21

Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry 

Creek, Deer Creek North, Pond 

Creek, Spring Creek, Deer 

Creek South 

81 nests 

(36 active, 40 

inactive, 5 

unknown) 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

22 SWCA 

Surveyor Year Survey 

Mode Dates Development Area 

Number of Nests 

Surveyed 

(nest status) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2006 Aerial/ 

Ground 4/29, 6/6–6/8 

Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry 

Creek, Deer Creek North, Pond 

Creek, Spring Creek, Deer 

Creek South, Corral Creek 

96 nests 

(44 active, 52 

inactive) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2007 Aerial/ 

Ground 

5/4, 5/7, 5/8, 

5/22–5/25 

Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry 

Creek, Deer Creek North, Deer 

Creek South, Pond Creek, 

Spring Creek, Corral Creek, 

Decker Mine East 

141 nests 

(37 active, 70 

inactive)3

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2008 Aerial/ 

Ground 5/5, 5/9, 5/10 

Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Deer 

Creek North, Deer Creek South, 

Corral Creek, Decker Mine 

East, Penson 

96 nests 

(32 active, 41 

inactive)3 

Pearl Field 

Services/ 

Arcadis 

2008 Unknown 4/15–7/25 Forks Ranch 

27 nests 

(5 active, 22 

inactive) 

Fidelity/ 

HaydenWing 2009 Unknown Unknown 

Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry 

Creek, Deer Creek North, Deer 

Creek South, Decker Mine 

East4

197 nests5

1

Survey information was not available for all years, information may be incomplete. 

2

Number of intact nests based on 2008 survey results. 3

Active status is only available for nests within 1 mile of PODs. 

4

Additional PODs may have been surveyed. 

5

Active status is unknown for 2009.

In total, 359 unique raptor nest locations have been recorded and reported to the BLM 

throughout the WMPP Focus Area (Figure 3); however, the highest concentrations of nests 

fall within the required survey area for development areas (see Figure 3). The most common 

raptor species nesting in the WMPP Focus Area are red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), 

golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), and great horned owl 

(Bubo virginianus) (Table 10). 

Raptor nest occupancy and productivity monitoring has been conducted at all 359 nests 

(Appendix B, Table 1B). Survey requirements for raptor nests within development areas have 

been met. Select undeveloped areas have not been established for nest productivity 

monitoring. Trends in productivity and status of nests within developed and undeveloped 

areas have not been assessed due to insufficient data. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

23 

Figure 3. Raptor nest locations within the WMPP Focus Area
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

24 SWCA 

Table 10. Number of Nests by Species within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Common Name Total Nests1

American kestrel 3

Bald eagle 14

Burrowing owl 24

Common barn owl 1

Cooper’s hawk 1

Golden eagle 44

Great horned owl 34

Osprey 18

Peregrine falcon 1

Prairie falcon 39

Red-tailed hawk 152

Swainson’s hawk 1

Unknown Buteo spp. 4

Unknown raptor 43

Grand Total 379

1

Number of nests may overlap between species. More than one species 

may have used a unique nest location between 2000 and 2009.

Bald Eagle Winter Roost 

Aerial bald eagle winter roost surveys have been conducted within the WMPP Focus Area by 

the BLM and operators (Table 11). The overall extent of the WMPP Focus Area surveyed is 

unknown; however, surveys have reportedly been conducted within upland and riparian 

habitats. Surveys conducted in the uplands have documented little use by roosting bald eagles. 

In contrast, the entire surveyed length of the Tongue River has been consistently shown to 

harbor roosting bald eagles (Figure 4). 

Winter Roost Surveys

During the winters of 2003/2004 and 2004/2005, the BLM-MCFO conducted bald eagle 

winter roost surveys from Birney, Montana, to approximately 5 miles south of the 

Montana/Wyoming border along the Tongue River (see Table 11) (BLM 2004, 2005). Results 

of these two surveys showed that bald eagles were predominantly sighted along the Tongue 

River where mature cottonwoods and open water are present and prey species are available. 

From 2003 to 2008, bald eagle roost surveys were completed by Hayden-Wing in support of 

Fidelity’s Dry Creek, Deer Creek, Pond Creek, Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Deer Creek North 

and South, and Spring Creek PODs (Hayden-Wing 2002, 2003a, 2003b, 2005, 2006a, 2006b, 

2008a, 2008b; Fidelity 2009). Suitable habitat was found along the entire surveyed route of 

the Tongue River corridor. The Decker Mine East POD was added to the areas surveyed in 

the 2006/2007 survey season with three upland and three riparian surveys completed on 

Fidelity’s approved PODs. In the 2007/2008 survey season, the proposed Penson POD was 

added to the areas surveyed. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

25 SWCA 

During the 2005/2006 survey season, Pinnacle hired Western Land Services to conduct aerial 

surveys along the Tongue River corridor north of the Montana/Wyoming state line. 

Table 11. Bald Eagle Winter Roost Surveys Conducted in the WMPP Focus Area. 

Surveyor Winter Survey Mode Number of 

Flights 

Habitat 

Surveyed 

Fidelity/Hayden-Wing 2002/2003 Aerial 1 Riparian/Upland 

BLM 2003/2004 Aerial 3 Riparian 

Fidelity/Hayden-Wing 2003/2004 Aerial 6 Riparian/Upland 

BLM 2004/2005 Aerial 2 Riparian 

Fidelity/Hayden-Wing 2004/2005 Aerial 3 Riparian/Upland 

Fidelity/Hayden-Wing 2005/2006 Aerial 6 Riparian/Upland 

Pinnacle/Western Land 

Services 2005/2006 Aerial 3 Riparian 

Fidelity/Hayden-Wing 2006/2007 Aerial 6 Riparian/Upland 

Fidelity/Hayden-Wing 2007/2008 Aerial 6 Riparian/Upland 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

26 

Figure 4. Bald eagle winter roost observation areas within the WMPP F
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

27 SWCA 

Prairie Dogs 

Only black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) have been documented within the 

WMPP Focus Area. Prairie dog colonies within the WMPP Focus Area have been surveyed 

during operator- and BLM-funded surveys between 2003 and 2009 using aerial and ground 

survey methods (Appendix C, Table 1C). All survey data available within the WMPP Focus 

Area (Greystone 2004b, 2005; BLM 2009; Montana Natural Heritage Program 2009) were 

mapped, and overlapping colony boundaries were given the same colony identification 

number. In total, 240 unique towns were identified within or overlapping within the WMPP 

Focus Area. When multiple delineated boundaries were present for one colony, the largest 

delineated colony boundary was used to display the distribution of towns within the WMPP 

Focus Area (Figure 5). The size of each prairie dog colony, by survey date and method, is 

displayed in Table C1 (Appendix C). 

The number of CBNG wells drilled annually and cumulatively within 0.25 mile of a prairie 

dog town was calculated and is displayed by colony identification number in Table C2 (see 

Appendix C). When multiple survey boundaries were present for one colony, a 0.25-mile 

buffer was placed around the largest delineated colony boundary. Forty-seven colonies have 

CBNG wells within 0.25 mile of their delineated boundary, representing a total of 422 wells. 

These colonies are primarily within Big Horn County (n = 43), with a few colonies 

overlapping into Sheridan County, Wyoming (n = 4). No prairie dog colonies within Powder 

River or Rosebud counties have CBNG wells within 0.25 mile of their colony boundaries. 

Forty-eight of the 240 prairie dog colonies have been surveyed multiple times, either within 

the same year, by different methods, or across different years (see Appendix C, Table 1C). 

Only one colony (BIPD-003) was surveyed annually as required by the WMPP (BLM 2008b) 

and FSEIS (BLM 2008a). Of the colonies that had multiple years of survey data, changes in 

colony size over time could only be calculated for 11 of the colonies (see Appendix C, Table 

1C). Aerial and ground survey methods are known to have varying degrees of accuracy, as 

aerial surveys may overestimate colony size. Change in colony size was not calculated if 

ground surveys were not conducted over multiple years (n = 23), multiple colonies had 

merged into one colony over time (n = 8), or if survey date or survey mode was unknown (n = 

6). On average, 11 colonies increased in size by 9.56 acres. However, changes in size ranged 

from a loss of 79.6 acres to an increase of 81.4 acres. The number of wells present within 0.25 

mile of these 11 colonies ranged from 0 to 29 wells. The quality of the data collected on 

colony boundaries between years is unknown. Additionally, the natural variation of prairie 

dog colony size over time in the WMPP Focus Area is unknown. No reference colonies have 

been identified by the BLM within the WMPP Focus Area. As a result, the response of 

colonies to CBNG development could not be compared with reference colonies. Data are 

currently insufficient to gauge the response of prairie dog colonies to energy development 

within the WMPP Focus Area. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

28 

Figure 5. Delineated prairie dog colonies within the WMPP Focus Area (largest recor
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

29 SWCA 

Black-footed Ferrets 

Black-footed ferret surveys have been completed within 10 of the prairie dog colonies within 

the WMPP Focus Area between 2003 and 2009 (Table 12). All surveys within the WMPP 

Focus Area have been conducted by Hayden-Wing on behalf of Fidelity following blackfooted ferret survey guidelines (USFWS 1989; BLM 2008b). No black-footed ferrets were 

observed during any of the surveys (Hayden-Wing 2003c, 2003d, 2004, 2005; Fidelity 2009). 

Waivers for black-footed ferret surveys within the WMPP Focus Area were granted to 

Fidelity for the Deer Creek and Pond Creek PODs (USFWS 2005). Other waivers for blackfooted ferret surveys were also granted (personal communication, email from Dale Tribby, 

Biologist, BLM-MCFO, to Laura Burckhardt, SWCA Environmental Consultants, April 9, 

2009). Decision documents outlining which POD boundaries waivers were granted were not 

made available by the USFWS during preparation of this report. 

Table 12. Black-footed Ferret Surveys Completed within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Prairie 

Dog 

Colony ID

Development Area Start Date 

of Survey Surveyor Mode Number Observed

BIPD-001 Badger Hills 7/16/2003 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-017 Pond Creek 10/24/2003 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-019 Pond Creek 10/24/2003 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-007 Dry Creek 8/24/2004 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-008 Dry Creek 8/24/2004 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-015 Pond Creek 8/24/2004 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-016 Pond Creek 8/24/2004 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-013 Pond Creek 8/24/2004 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-051 Dietz POD 5/8/2008 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

BIPD-025 Unknown 7/2/2009 Fidelity/Hayden-Wing Pick-up 0

Mountain Plover 

Mountain plover habitat was modeled by Big Sky Conservation Institute in 2003 (Greystone 

2004b) based on geographic information system (GIS) analysis using slope and vegetation 

coverage. The BLM-MCFO selected Greystone to verify the accuracy of this model and 

assess suitable habitat within the region. In 2004, Greystone conducted aerial and ground 

assessments in Big Horn, Powder River, and Rosebud counties to field verify approximately 

50% (29 of the 61 areas) of the areas that were modeled as suitable habitat (Figure 6). These 

surveys were not conducted within the entire area classified as potential habitat by Big Sky 

Conservation Institute, but were of locations within these areas considered suitable by 

Greystone. No mountain plovers were observed and habitat surveyed indicated little potential 

mountain plover habitat (Greystone 2004b). In 2004 and 2005, Hayden-Wing was hired by 

Fidelity to assess mountain plover habitat suitability within prairie dog colonies near 

development areas (see Figure 6) (Hayden-Wing 2005; Fidelity 2009). No mountain plovers 

were observed during these surveys. The overall area within the WMPP Focus Area assessed 

by the BLM and Fidelity for suitable mountain plover habitat is displayed in Figure 6.
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

30 

Figure 6. Mountain Plover Habitat within the WMPP Focus Ar
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

31 SWCA 

In 2008, Fidelity also conducted point observations for mountain plover within prairie dog 

colonies near their development areas (see Figure 6) (Fidelity 2009). Operators have also been 

conducting surveys for mountain plover within suitable habitat located within 0.5 mile of 

development areas. No mountain plovers have been observed within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Acreage of suitable mountain plover habitat within the entire WMPP Focus Area could not be 

estimated based on the available data (Greystone 2004b; Fidelity 2009). In total, 979 acres of 

suitable mountain plover habitat areas are located within 0.5 miles of Fidelity development 

areas (Fidelity 2009). There are currently 143 CBNG wells that fall within 0.25 mile of 

suitable mountain plover habitat within 0.5 mile of Fidelity development areas (Table 13). 

Sufficient data are not available at this time to determine if mountain plover habitat has 

increased or decreased within in the WMPP Focus Area. Additionally, assessment of trends in 

mountain plover nesting occupancy between reference areas and areas experiencing CBNG 

development could not be made. No nesting occupancy data are available within the WMPP 

Focus Area, and reference areas have not been established for comparison purposes. 

Table 13. CBNG Wells within 0.25 Mile of Suitable Mountain Plover Habitat within 0.5 

Mile of Fidelity Development Areas in the WMPP Focus Area. 

Year Count of Wells

1997 3

1998 7

1999 61

2000 13

2001 10

2002 0 

2003 12

2004 8

2005 16

2006 10

2007 3

2008 0 

2009 0

Grand Total 143

Sources: Fidelity (2009), Montana Board of Oil and Gas (2009), Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission 

(2009).

Gray Wolf/Canada Lynx/Grizzly Bears 

No surveys were conducted for gray wolf, Canada lynx, or grizzly bears from 2000 to 2009. 

These species are not known or expected to occur within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Sage-grouse 

Lek Monitoring

Sage-grouse lek location surveys have been conducted throughout the entire WMPP Focus 

Area by operators, the BLM, and MFWP. These surveys have documented 51 sage-grouse 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

32 SWCA 

leks within the WMPP Focus Area (Figure 7) (Fidelity 2009; MFWP 2009a), primarily in Big 

Horn and Powder River counties. Seventeen of the 51 leks have been active since 2000. 

Since 2003, operators have been required to conduct annual surveys within the POD, plus a 2-

mile buffer, on federally managed surface acres and federal mineral estate lands. The BLM, 

MFWP, and researchers have conducted additional surveys throughout the WMPP Focus 

Area. In total, lek attendance surveys have been conducted on 43 of the 51 leks within the 

WMPP Focus Area (see Figure 7; Appendix D and E). Since 2003, 12 of these leks have been 

monitored annually for lek attendance (Fidelity 2009; MFWP 2009a). One of the unmonitored 

leks, BISG-029, is located within 2 miles of a POD on federally managed surface acres and 

federal mineral estate lands. 

Based on available data, the annual lek attendance monitoring requirements (BLM 2008b) 

may not have been met for all leks. Monitoring requirements have largely been met within 

and adjacent to federally managed surface acres and federal mineral estate lands. 

Non-reference Leks

There are 42 non-reference leks within the WMPP Focus Area, 17 of which are currently 

active (Table 14, see Figure 7). Twenty-eight non-reference leks have CBNG wells located 

within 2 miles of a lek. The average number of peak males observed on active non-reference 

leks is 4 (range = 1–12) (see Figure 7, Table 14, and Figures 1D–6D in Appendix D). The 

trend in active non-reference lek attendance and cumulative number of wells drilled since 

2000 is displayed in Figure 8. 

Within the last five years, lek attendance has declined by 13.7%; however, many of these leks 

(n = 29) experienced no change because lek attendance was already at 0 males/lek. Since 

2003, lek attendance has declined by 36%; however, 23 leks experienced no change because 

lek attendance was already 0 males/lek. 

Reference Leks

Reference leks have been established within the WMPP Focus Area (n = 9) and south of the 

WMPP Focus Area in Wyoming (n = 3) (see Figure 7). Reference leks were established so 

comparisons could be made between leks in developed and undeveloped areas. Of the 12 

established reference leks, six currently have development (CBNG wells) within 2 miles of 

the lek (Table 15; see Figures 1E–3E in Appendix E). The average number of peak males 

observed on reference leks is 14 (range = 4–24) (see Table 15). The trend in reference lek 

activity and cumulative number of wells drilled since 2000 is displayed in Figure 9 (MFWP 

2009a; WGFD 2009). 

Within the last five years, average lek attendance increased by 44% (range = -76%–700%), 

and two leks increased in attendance by 240% and 700%, respectively. The other nine leks 

experienced an average decline in attendance of 55% (range = 0–100%). Annual lek 

attendance and CBNG wells within 2 miles of reference leks are displayed in Figures 1E–3E 

in Appendix E. 
Devel

CBNG

WMP

wells 

these r

Sage-g

Within

of gen

survey

sage-g

across

areas u

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per lek ( =

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yed and obs

grouse or sig

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used as migr

wder River Ba

2009 P

hin 2 Miles o

e been drilled

ea. The numb

= 22.39, stan

ks ranges fro

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grouse habita

servations of

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P Focus Are

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Progress Rep

of Leks

d within 2 m

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ndard error [S

om 1 to 26 w

ea 89,481 ac

at have been

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o recorded f

ea (see Figur

dors have not

a Wildlife Mo

port and Data

33

miles of 30 le

within 2 mi

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wells ( = 10

cres of crucia

n mapped (F

se were reco

from 2001 to

re 7); howev

t been mapp

onitoring and

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orded. Addit

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use habitat an

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tional winter

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leks) within

from 1 to 14

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inter habitat

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ks are distrib

esting habita

SWCA 

n the 

45 

s of 

acres 

t was 

ns of 

buted 

at and 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

34 

Figure 7. Sage-grouse leks within the WMPP Focus Area. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

35 

Table 14. Peak Number of Males and Cumulative Number of Wells Drilled Annually within 2 Miles of Active 

Lek Name 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20

BISG-002 

# Males 3 4 ND 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 2 2 3 3 3 3 

BISG-005 

# Males ND 0 ND 1 4 14 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 1 1 4 6 9 9 9 9 

BISG-006 

# Males ND 12 ND 0 ND 0 ND 2 4 

Total Wells 1 3 7 9 12 16 19 19 19 

BISG-014 

# Males 5 0 ND 0 0 0 0 0 1 

Total Wells 2 2 2 32 32 104 110 131 144 1

BISG-020 

# Males 12 12 ND 0 ND 8 18 11 2 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-021 

# Males ND 0 ND 2 ND ND ND 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-023 

# Males 10 8 6 0 ND 0 8 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 16 17 18 18 

BISG-024 

# Males ND 2 0 0 ND 5 18 3 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-025 

# Males 5 0 ND 0 ND 0 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-027 

# Males ND ND ND 3 ND 0 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-037 

# Males ND 30 ND 4 7 3 2 3 5 

Total Wells 0 3 7 1 14 18 24 28 28 2
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

36 

Lek Name 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20

BISG-040 

# Males ND 0 4 0 ND 0 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 

BISG-041 

# Males ND 2 ND 0 ND ND 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 

POSG-039 

# Males ND ND ND 5 ND 10 7 2 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

POSG-042 

# Males 12 6 ND 0 ND 0 0 0 1 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 

POSG-045 

# Males ND 2 ND 0 ND 0 0 0 10 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

POSG-046 

# Males ND 2 ND 0 ND 0 0 0 0 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Average of Peak Male Count 12 7 5 2 3 4 3 3 3 Range of Peak Male Count 3–35 0–30 0–10 0–13 0–7 0–21 0–18 0–26 0–34 0–Total Wells 3 9 17 49 67 167 183 212 225 2ND = No lek counts conducted.
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

37 

Table 15. Peak Number of Males and Cumulative Number of Wells Drilled Annually within 2 Miles of Ac

Lek Name 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20

BISG-008 

# Males 12 27 7 0 0 1 3 5 6 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-010 

# Males 30 30 0 16 34 48 38 ND 17 1

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-011 

# Males 0 5 3 5 4 8 12 12 5 

Total Wells 23 23 23 23 24 26 26 26 26 2

BISG-016 

# Males 50 40 0 5 10 15 24 12 14 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 

BISG-017 

# Males ND 0 ND 2 10 19 30 6 20 1

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-022 

# Males 30 21 ND 2 14 29 65 20 37 1

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

BISG-026 

# Males ND 30 0 2 4 14 16 15 7 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 1

POSG-038 

# Males 10 20 10 0 ND 13 14 2 5 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

POSG-041 

# Males 35 30 10 13 ND 21 0 26 34 2

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 

WY-Elder Reservoir 

# Males ND ND ND ND ND ND 45 30 7 2

Total Wells 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 

WY-Kendrick 

# Males 0 ND 4 0 0 5 7 0 0 1

Total Wells 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 4 1
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

38 

Lek Name 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20

WY-Weller 

# Males ND ND ND ND 7 14 13 21 12 

Total Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Average of Peak Male Count 21 23 4 5 9 17 22 14 14 1Range of Peak Male Count 0–50 0–40 0–10 0–16 0–34 1–48 3–65 0–30 0–37 0–Total Wells 23 23 23 25 26 28 30 31 47 6ND = No lek counts conducted.
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

39 SWCA 

Figure 8. Summary of lek activity and number of wells within 2 miles of active nonreference leks (2000–2009) in the WMPP Focus Area. 

Figure 9. Summary of lek activity and number of wells within 2 miles of active 

reference leks (2000–2009) in the WMPP Focus Area.

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males 

Year

Total Wells Average of Peak Male Count

0

50

100

150

200

250

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males 

Year

Total Wells Average of Peak Male Count
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

40 

Figure 10. Sage-grouse habitat within the WMPP Focus Area
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

41 SWCA 

Sharp-tailed Grouse 

Sharp-tailed grouse leks are located throughout the WMPP Focus Area (Figure 11). In total, 

129 sharp-tailed grouse leks have been located within the WMPP Focus Area (Fidelity 2009; 

MFWP 2009a). The total area inventoried for sharp-tailed leks is unknown. Operators have 

surveyed proposed development areas plus a 2-mile buffer within the WMPP Focus Area (see 

Figure 11). Lek attendance has been monitored primarily by operators on 42 of the 129 leks, 

concentrated in areas of development. The majority of lek attendance monitoring has occurred 

on leks within Big Horn County between 2004 and 2007. Of the 42 leks that have had 

attendance monitoring data collected, 13 leks have been active since 2000 (see Figure 11). On 

average, active leks had five males present (range = 0–16). Detailed information on lek 

attendance surveys and results is provided in Appendix F, Table 1F, which displays 

monitoring data for leks were birds were observed. Table 2F displays monitoring data for leks 

where no birds have been observed. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

42 

Figure 11. Sharp-tailed grouse leks and operator-surveyed areas within the WM
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

43 SWCA 

Big Game 

Winter range for white-tailed deer, mule deer, and antelope is present within the WMPP 

Focus Area (Figure 12). Elk distribution areas also occur within the WMPP Focus Area (see 

Figure 12). Elk winter or parturition ranges have not been mapped within the WMPP Focus 

Area. Bighorn sheep are not known or expected to occur within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Big game winter surveys and production surveys for mule deer and antelope have been 

conducted by Spring Creek Mine and Decker Coal Company since 1989 (Table 16). 

Additional aerial surveys for mule deer and antelope were conducted within the WMPP Focus 

Area between 2004 and 2009 (Figure 13, see Table 16). Big game ground surveys were also 

conducted by Fidelity in 2003 and 2004 within Big Horn County. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

44 

Figure 12. Big game crucial habitat areas within the WMPP Focus 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

45 

Figure 13. Big game survey areas within the WMPP Focus Are
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

46 SWCA 

Table 16. Big Game Surveys Conducted within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Proponent/ 

Surveyor Years Mode Targeted Species Survey Type 

Spring Creek 

Mine/Jones and 

Stokes 

1989–

present 

Air Mule deer 

and antelope 

Annual monitoring surveys for 

wintering big game 

Ground Mule deer 

and antelope Annual monitoring production surveys 

Decker Coal 

Company/WWC 

Engineering 

1998–

present 

Air 

Mule deer, 

white-tailed 

deer1

, and 

antelope 

Annual monitoring surveys for 

wintering big game 

Ground Mule deer 

and antelope Annual monitoring production surveys 

Fidelity/HaydenWing 

2003–2004 Ground All Annual monitoring surveys of Fidelity 

PODs 

2005–2008 Air Mule deer Annual monitoring surveys of Fidelity 

PODs 

BLM/Mackie 2004–2005 Air Mule deer Mule deer surveys on southern portion 

of Northern Cheyenne Reservation 

MFWP 2008–2009 Air 

Antelope 

and mule 

deer 

Baseline surveys 

1

In 2008, white-tailed deer were added to the targeted species. 

Mule Deer Surveys

Spring Creek Mine has been conducting aerial winter surveys and ground production surveys 

for mule deer since 1989; however, trends can only be assessed using 1995–2008 data (Jones 

and Stokes 2008). From 1995 to 2008, the minimum population density for mule deer ranged 

from 0.8 to 8.5 mule deer/square mile. During 2008, winter mule deer density was near the 

long-term average of 4.8 mule deer/square mile (Jones and Stokes 2008). Production surveys 

indicate that the ratio of fawns per 100 does have fluctuated over the last 15 years (1994–

2008), but yielded an average of 62:100 during that period (Jones and Stokes 2008). 

Decker Coal Company has been conducting aerial winter surveys and ground production 

surveys for mule deer since 1998. From 1998 to 2008, an average of 603 (range = 256–1,153) 

mule deer were observed during the west side surveys, and 279 (range = 138–441) were 

observed during the east side surveys (Decker Coal Company 2008). No productivity data for 

mule deer were reported (Decker Coal Company 2008). 

During the springs of 2004 and 2005, aerial surveys for mule deer were conducted on the 

southern portion of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and adjacent public and private lands 

(see Figure 13). In 2004, three flights were conducted with reported sighting of 247 mule deer 

(Mackie 2004). In 2005, two flights were conducted with reported sightings of 221 mule deer 

(Mackie 2005). Along with mule deer, several other species including antelope, white-tailed 

deer, black bear (Ursus americanus), coyote (Canis latrans), and sharp-tailed grouse were 

also recorded. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

47 SWCA 

In 2003 and 2004, Fidelity conducted ground observations for big game species within the 

development areas in Big Horn County (Hayden-Wing 2003b, 2005). From 2005 to 2008, 

aerial winter surveys for mule deer were conducted within Big Horn County development 

areas (Hayden-Wing 2006a, 2006b, 2008a, 2008b). Although different areas were surveyed 

between 2005–2006 and 2007–2008, the average number of mule deer observed per survey 

decreased over time. As the area surveyed was not consistent, an analysis of trend cannot be 

made at this time. 

During the springs of 2008 and 2009, MFWP conducted baseline aerial surveys for mule deer 

(MFWP 2009c). In 2008, 3,327 mule deer (1,989 or 59.8% adults), 413 elk (329 or 79.6% 

adults), and 40 white-tailed deer (25 or 62.5% adults) were observed. In 2009, 2,129 mule 

deer (1,185 or 55.7% adults), 214 elk (163 or 76.2% adults), and 51 white-tailed deer (30 or 

58.8% adults) were observed. 

Antelope

Spring Creek Mine has been conducting aerial winter surveys and ground production surveys 

for antelope since 1989; however, trends can only be assessed using 1995–2008 data (Jones 

and Stokes 2008). From 1995 to 2008, the minimum winter population density for ranged 

from 0.6 to 4.2 animals/square mile (Jones and Stokes 2008). No productivity data for 

antelope was reported (Jones and Stokes 2008). 

Decker Coal Company has been conducting aerial winter surveys and ground production 

surveys for antelope since 1998. From 1998 to 2008, an average of 209 (range = 71–372) 

antelope were observed during the west side surveys, and 256 (range = 99–444) were 

observed during the east side surveys (Decker Coal Company 2008). From 1998 to 2008, the 

number of bucks per 100 does ranged from 7 to 200, and the number of fawns per 100 does 

ranged from 0 to 133 (Decker Coal Company 2008). 

During the summers of 2008 and 2009, MFWP conducted baseline aerial surveys for antelope 

(MFWP 2009c). In 2008, 1,382 antelope including 164 yearling bucks, 235 adult bucks, 711 

does, and 272 fawns were observed. In 2009, 768 antelope were observed including 43 

yearling bucks, 135 adult bucks, 454 does, and 136 fawns. 

Response of Big Game to Energy Development

Survey data are not currently available to allow for the assessment of trends in big game 

species related to energy development. While multiple surveys have been conducted within 

the WMPP Focus Area, they have not been repeated over a broad enough time frame, or the 

survey protocol and data have not been analyzed to determine if they can be used for future 

trend analysis (personal communication, email from Windy Davis, Biologists, MFWP, to 

Laura Burckhardt, SWCA Environmental Consultants, September 30, 2009). Additionally, 

big game mortality related to project-related infrastructure or increased traffic within the 

WMPP Focus Area has not been reported. 

General Wildlife 

Various research and monitoring surveys have been conducted within the WMPP Focus Area 

for targeted non-game species or incidental general wildlife observations (see Appendix A). 

Results of these surveys have been used to assess the extent of avian surveys within the 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

48 SWCA 

WMPP Focus Area and generate a list of observed BLM special-status species within the 

WMPP Focus Area. 

Avian Surveys

Avian surveys have been conducted throughout the WMPP Focus Area from 1996 to 2009 

(Table 17, Figure 14). Surveys have consisted primarily of point count surveys either along 

roadways or waterways, and the number of each bird species observed (visually or audibly) 

has been recorded. Avian mortality information resulting from collisions with vehicles, 

electrocutions, well pit mortality, etc., has not been reported within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Table 17. Avian Survey Point Counts Completed within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Surveyor Observer Date Year Study Name Citation 

Avian 

Science 

Center 

N/A 

June 3–June 26 2002 

Landbird 

Monitoring 

Program 

Montana 

Natural 

Heritage 

Program 2009

June 1–June 26 2003 

June 1–July 7 2004 

May 22–June 28 2006 

May 21–June 30 2007 

May 26–June 24 2008 

BLM Atkinson and 

Hendricks June 23–July 10 2007 

BLM - 

Sagebrush 

Succession 

Point 

Montana 

Natural 

Heritage 

Program 2009

Decker Coal 

Company N/A 

June 4–June 12 1996 Breeding Bird 

Survey Native 

Habitat 

Montana 

Natural 

Heritage 

Program 2009

June 14–June 25 1999 

June 18–June 25 2002 

Montana 

State 

University 

Bramblett June 22 2002 

Prairie 

Riparian 

Native 

Species 

Surveys 

Montana 

Natural 

Heritage 

Program 2009

Rocky 

Mountain 

Bird 

Observatory 

Unknown June 15–July 22 2009 Unknown 

Rocky 

Mountain 

Bird 

Observatory 

2009 

Spring Creek 

Coal Mine 

Thunderbird 

Consulting 

June 17–June 19 1996 

Breeding Bird 

Surveys 

Montana 

Natural 

Heritage 

Program 2009

May 30–June 1 2001 

June 5–June 7 2006 

U.S. 

Geological 

Survey 

Skagen and 

Adams June 10–June 11 2001 Roadside Surveys 

Skagen and 

Adams 2001 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

49 

Figure 14. Avian survey locations within the WMPP Focus Are
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

50 SWCA 

BLM Special-status Species

Operator- and agency-funded research efforts for non-game species have been conducted 

throughout the WMPP Focus Area (see Appendix A). Additionally, general observations of 

wildlife and vegetation species have been reported. Results of these survey efforts have been 

used to prepare a list of known or suspected BLM special-status species expected to occur in 

the WMPP Focus Area (Table 18). 

Table 18. BLM Special-status Animal Species Known to Occur or Potentially Occur 

within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Scientific Name Common Name

Accipiter gentilis northern goshawk

Ammodramus bairdii Baird’s sparrow

Ammodramus leconteii* Le Conte’s sparrow

Anthus spragueii* Sprague’s pipit

Antrozous pallidus pallid bat

Apalone spinifera spiny softshell

Aquila chrysaetos golden eagle

Athene cunicularia burrowing owl

Bufo cognatus great plains toad

Buteo regalis ferruginous hawk

Buteo swainsonii Swainson’s hawk

Calcarius mccownii* McCown’s longspur

Calcarius ornatus* chestnut-collared longspur

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus willet

Centrocercus urophasianus sage-grouse

Chelydra serpentina snapping turtle

Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend's big-eared bat

Cycleptus elongates* blue sucker

Cynomys ludovicianus black-tailed prairie dog

Euderma maculatum* spotted bat

Gavia immer* common loon

Haliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle

Heterodon nasicus western hog-nosed snake

Lampropeltis triangulum milksnake

Lanius ludovicianus loggerhead shrike

Larus pipixcan Franklin’s gull

Macrhybopsis gelida sturgeon chub

Melanerpes erythrocephalus red-headed woodpecker

Myotis evotis* long-eared myotis

Myotis volans* long-legged myotis

Numenius americanus long-billed curlew

Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri* Yellowstone cutthroat trout

Oreoscoptes montanus sage thrasher

Phalaropus tricolor Wilson’s phalarope

Phrynosoma hernandesi short-horned lizard

Picoides articusi black-backed woodpecker

Polyodon spathula* paddlefish
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

51 SWCA 

Scientific Name Common Name

Rana pipiens northern leopard frog

Sander canadensis sauger

Sitta pygmaea* pygmy nuthatch

Spea bombifrons plains spadefoot

Spiza Americana* dickcissel

Spizella breweri Brewer's sparrow

*Species potentially occurring within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Sources: BLM (2008a), Montana Natural Heritage Program (2009). 

Aquatic Species 

Baseline studies and monitoring of aquatic species has been conducted by the BLM, MFWP, 

the U.S. Geological Survey, and operators under the direction and guidance of the PRB 

Interagency Aquatic Task Group (see Table 3A, Appendix A). To date, no federally protected 

species have been document within the WMPP Focus Area. Results of these survey efforts are 

maintained by the Powder River Basin Interagency Aquatic Task Group (2009). 

SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS 

With the implementation of the WMPP, the WMPP Focus Area became one of the most 

intensely monitored areas in the Powder River and Billings RMP areas. This WMPP Project 

was designed to collect and organize all available wildlife monitoring data collected by 

various organizations in the WMPP Focus area; provide a summary of inventory, monitoring, 

and research conducted in the WMPP Focus Area from 2000 to 2009; assess change in 

wildlife populations in relation to CBNG development growth; and allow the BLM-MCFO to 

review the available data to determine if the guidelines set forth in the WMPP are being met. 

Research, inventory, and monitoring efforts have been conducted by agencies and operators 

within the WMPP Focus Area since 2000. All readily available data from these efforts were 

collected, analyzed, presented in this report, and stored in a database for the BLM-MCFO. 

Changes in wildlife populations in relation to CBNG development growth could not be 

assessed due to lack of consistent data collection efforts or because sufficient years of 

monitoring data do not exist for trend assessment (see individual species sections and Table 

19 below). A summary of inventory, monitoring, and research conducted in the WMPP Focus 

Area for each species and an assessment of WMPP guideline compliance are provided below. 

As a result of this report, the agencies responsible for managing wildlife species or their 

habitats, as well as those operators, landowners, and other governmental agencies, have a 

consolidated document summarizing the inventory and monitoring data collected related to 

CBNG development. In addition, the BLM can analyze the data collected, as well as the data 

not collected, and make a determination as to the need to amend the requirements for these 

data. Data collected can be used to identify data gaps, research needs, and areas where better 

wildlife data management needs to be incorporated.

This WMPP Project could not have been possible without the support of the many 

landowners, CBNG industry, and their contractors, coal mines and their contractors and 

governmental agencies. This support, willingness to provide the requested data, and patience 

is appreciated. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

52 SWCA 

Table 19. Summary of Monitoring Requirements Not Currently Being Met within the 

WMPP Focus Area. 

Species Item Location Unit of 

Measure 

Frequency 

and 

Duration 

Requirements 

Met 

Raptors 

Productivityselected 

undeveloped 

comparison area 

Powder River and 

Billings RMP 

planning area 

Nest 

success/failure 

species 

productivity 

Every five 

years 

No1

Prairie 

Dog 

Active prairie 

dog colony 

Specific project 

area plus 0.5-mile 

buffer 

Occupancy Annually No1

Established 

reference 

colonies 

Powder River and 

Billings RMP 

planning area 

Occupancy Annually No 

Mountain 

Plover 

Established 

reference nesting 

areas 

Powder River and 

Billings RMP 

planning area 

Occupancy 

Twice 

yearly 

(April 15–

June 30) 

No 

Sagegrouse 

Established 

reference leks 

with no CBNG 

wells within 2 

miles 

Powder River and 

Billings RMP 

planning area 

Number of 

males/lek Annually 

Partially; five 

reference leks 

have CBNG 

wells within 2-

mile buffer 

Winter habitat 

Specific project 

development areas 

plus 2-mile buffer 

Occupancy Annually No1

Sharptailed 

Grouse 

Lek attendance 

Specific project 

development areas 

plus 2-mile buffer 

Number of 

males/lek Unknown 

Criteria for 

survey 

requirements 

and 

measurement 

of change is 

not established

Big 

Game 

Seasonal habitat 

reference area 

use 

Powder River and 

Billings RMP 

planning area 

Occupancy Annually 

No; reference 

areas not 

established 

General 

Wildlife 

Reporting of 

mortality due to 

project related 

infrastructure and 

activities 

Project 

development areas Mortality Year-round 

No; mortality 

information 

not currently 

reported 

1

 Waived in whole or in part by the BLM.

RAPTORS 

Survey requirements for active nest locations within 1 mile of project development areas have 

been met within the WMPP Focus Area. The total area within the WMPP Focus Area that has 

been surveyed for nests is unknown. In total, 359 unique raptor nest locations have been 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

53 SWCA 

recorded throughout the WMPP Focus Area (see Figure 3); however, the highest 

concentrations of nests fall within the required survey area for development areas (see Figure 

2 for areas of development). Trends in nest occupancy have not been assessed due to 

insufficient data. 

Survey requirements for raptor productivity within 1 mile of project development areas have 

been met within the WMPP Focus Area. Raptor nest occupancy and productivity monitoring 

has been conducted at all 359 nests (see Table 1B, Appendix B). Trends in nest success and 

overall productivity have not been assessed due to insufficient data and as a result of the 

BLM’s decision to remove some requirements for nest productivity monitoring. 

Survey requirements for raptor nests within undeveloped comparison areas have not been met. 

Select undeveloped comparison areas have not been established for nest productivity 

monitoring and impact assessments. 

BALD EAGLES 

Aerial bald eagle winter roost surveys have been conducted within the WMPP Focus Area by 

the BLM and operators (see Table 11). The overall extent of the WMPP Focus Area surveyed 

is unknown; however, surveys have been reported to have been conducted within upland and 

riparian habitats. The majority of survey efforts have been concentrated along the Tongue 

River. 

PRAIRIE DOGS 

Survey requirements for location of active prairie dog colonies within 0.5 mile of project 

development areas have been met within the WMPP Focus Area. In total, 240 unique towns 

were identified within or overlapping the WMPP Focus Area. 

Annual activity survey requirements for prairie dog colonies within 0.5 mile of project 

development areas are not being met. Forty-eight of the 240 prairie dog colonies have been 

surveyed multiple times, either within the same year, by different methods, or across different 

years (see Appendix C, Table 1C). However, only one colony (BIPD-003) was surveyed 

annually as required by the WMPP (BLM 2008b) and FSEIS (BLM 2008a). The BLM has 

since decided to remove some requirements for annual monitoring. 

No reference colonies have been identified by the BLM within the WMPP Focus Area. As a 

result, the response of colonies to CBNG development could not be compared with reference 

colonies. Forty-seven colonies have CBNG wells within 0.25 mile of their delineated 

boundary, representing a total of 422 wells. No mortalities related to project infrastructure 

have been reported. Data are currently insufficient to gauge the response of prairie dog 

colonies within the WMPP Focus Area to development. 

BLACK-FOOTED FERRETS 

Survey requirements for occupancy of active prairie dog colonies larger than 80 acres within 

0.5 mile of project development areas have been met within the WMPP Focus Area. Blackfooted ferret surveys have been completed within 10 of the prairie dog colonies within the 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

54 SWCA 

WMPP Focus Area between 2003 and 2009. No black-footed ferrets were observed during 

any of the surveys. As a result of dialog between the BLM and the USFWS, the requirement 

for future black-footed ferret surveys will likely be eliminated (personal communication, 

written comments from Dale Tribby, Biologist, BLM-MCFO, to Laura Burckhardt, SWCA 

Environmental Consultants, April 13, 2009). 

MOUNTAIN PLOVER 

Requirements for modeling potential mountain plover habitat have been met within the 

WMPP Focus Area. Potential habitat areas have been refined by field validation within 

approximately half of the modeled areas in the WMPP Focus Area. Survey requirements have 

also been met in areas of suitable habitat that fall within 0.5 mile of project development 

areas. 

Reference mountain plover nesting areas not subject to CBNG development have not been 

established within the WMP Focus Area. Sufficient data are not available at this time to 

determine if mountain plover habitat has increased or decreased within in the WMPP Focus 

Area. Additionally, assessment of trends in mountain plover nesting occupancy between 

reference areas and areas experiencing CBNG development could not be made. Currently, 

143 CBNG wells fall within 0.25 mile of suitable mountain plover habitat within the WMPP 

Focus Area. 

GRAY WOLF/CANADA LYNX/GRIZZLY BEARS 

No surveys have been conducted for gray wolf, Canada lynx, or grizzly bears. These species 

are not known or expected to occur within the WMPP Focus Area. 

SAGE-GROUSE 

Survey requirements for lek attendance monitoring within 2 miles of project development areas 

have largely been met within the WMPP Focus Area. Sage-grouse lek location surveys have 

been conducted throughout the entire WMPP Focus Area by operators, the BLM, and MFWP. 

Lek attendance surveys have been conducted within and adjacent to areas of development by 

operators, the BLM, MFWP, interest groups, and researchers. In total, 51 sage-grouse leks have 

been documented within the WMPP Focus Area (see Figure 7) (Fidelity 2009; MFWP 2009a); 

lek attendance surveys have been conducted on 43 of these (see Appendix D and E). Since 

2000, 12 of the 43 leks have been monitored annually for lek attendance (Fidelity 2009; MFWP 

2009a). One of the unmonitored leks, BISG-029, is within 2 miles of a POD on federally 

managed surface acres and federal mineral estate lands. Based on available data, the annual lek 

attendance monitoring requirements (BLM 2008b) are largely being met for all leks. 

Reference Leks 

Reference leks have been established within the WMPP Focus Area (n = 8) and south of the 

WMPP Focus Area in Wyoming (n = 3). Of the 11 established reference leks, five currently 

have development (CBNG wells) within 2 miles of the lek. Reference leks are designed to be 

used as a comparison between lek attendance in developed and undeveloped areas. New 
refere

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overall trend

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Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

56 SWCA 

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———. 2005. Bald Eagle Winter Roost Surveys along the Upper Tongue River, 2005. Miles 

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———. 2008a. Final Supplement to the Montana Statewide Oil and Gas EIS and Proposed 

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Montana. August 2, 2005. 8pp. 

———. 2009. News, Information and Recovery Status Reports. Gray wolves in the northern 

Rocky Mountains. Available online at http://www.fws.gov/mountainprairie/species/mammals/wolf/. Accessed February 2009. 

______. 2010a. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; reinstatement of protections 

for the grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem in compliance with court 

order. Federal Register 75(58):14496-14498. 

______. 2010b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; 12-month findings for 

petitions to list the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as threatened or 

endangered. Federal Register 75(55):13909–14014. 

Western Land Services. 2006. Tongue River Bald Eagle Survey Report. Prepared for United 

States Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management Miles City Field Office. 

Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 2009. Greater Sage-grouse lek monitoring data. Excel 

and GIS data are available from WGFD upon request. Accessed October 30, 2009. 

Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission. 2009. Tabular and Spatial Oil and Gas Well Data. 

Available online at http://wogccms.state.wy.us. Accessed December 30, 2009. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

SWCA 

Appendix A 

Survey and Monitoring Conducted within the WMPP Focus Area 

2000–2009 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-1 

Table 1A. Monitoring and Research Conducted within the WMPP Focus Area (2000–2

Project 

Proponent Project Conductor Description Start End General Results 

BLM BLM 

Comprehensive landscape level sagegrouse lek surveys. 2000 2003 Surveyed 42 lek locations, 13 were active, wit

observed. 

BLM BLM 

Annual sage and sharptailed grouse lek counts 2000 Ongoing Lek counts were conducted and results recorde

the statewide database. Emphasis has been pla

BLM USGS Roadside avian surveys 2001 2001 

Nearly 700 birds with 37 separate species werincreased as habitat structure and diversity incMeadowlark was the most common sighted sp

BLM BLM 

Aerial prairie dog surveys 2001 2003 

Document prairie dog colonies in the Montana River Basin. 

MFWP MSU 

2002 prairie riparian native species surveys 2002 2002 Point count surveys for birds on Bitter Creek. 

BLM BLM 

Sage-grouse winter habitat survey 2002 2003 Surveyed 41,000 acres. 8 winter flocks, 173 sa

BLM, USFS, 

UofM UofM Breeding bird inventory 2002 Ongoing Observations of bird species. 

BLM 

Montana Natural 

Heritage Program 

Hanging Woman basin plant and animal resources 2003 2003 Compiled a biological inventory of the Hangin

BLM 

Big Sky 

Conservation 

Institute Mountain plover habitat 2003 2003 

Computer modeling of mountain plover habitaWMPP. 

BLM UofM 

Impacts to CBNG development on sagegrouse 2003 2007 

First documented impact of West Nile virus imRadio collared sage-grouse for population studto be monitored with nest success normal at 40grouse resulting from CBNG development docmapping in project utilizing Spot-5 imagery co

BLM 

Greystone 

Environmental 

Mountain plover habitat evaluation, and blacktailed prairie dog surveys 2004 2004 

Identified new colonies and verified known/exist181 active colonies within the survey area. The Mmodel from the Big Sky Conservation Institute (found to overestimate the potential habitat within 

BLM 

Greystone 

Environmental 

Raptor surveys and inventory for Big Horn County 2004 2004 

35 raptor nests were documented, of the 35 do7 separate species were documented. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-2 

Project 

Proponent Project Conductor Description Start End General Results 

BLM & 

MFWP MFWP 

Bald eagle productivity surveys 2004 2004 Surveys were completed in June. 

BLM BLM 

Bald eagle winter roost surveys 2004 2005 

In 2004, helicopter surveys completed on 3 septotal of 62 bald eagle observations. Bald eaglethroughout the survey area where open water aavailable. In 2005, fixed wing aircraft surveys days revealed a total of 19 observations. The mwere along the Tongue River in areas containi

BLM & BIA Mackie/BLM 

Mule deer surveys on and adjacent to a portion of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation 2004 2005 

Densities of mule deer were generally 1–2 per private lands, and much lower on the Northern Numbers of mule deer appear low compared to within the area. Population may have been unddue to sight ability. 

BLM 

Montana State 

University 

Mosquito populations and production in the in the PRB 2004 2006 

Found mosquito (Culex tarsalis) responsible fvirus was to some extent dependent on emergereproduction. Provided recommendations for mproduced as a result of CBNG development. 

BLM 

Montana Natural 

Heritage Program 

Landscape-level breeding bird surveys 2007 2007 Point count surveys for birds. 

MFWP, 

BLM, Avian 

Science 

Center 

Avian Science 

Center Bird monitoring surveys 2007 2007 

Habitat was classified based on transects in the Decker/Tongue regions. 

Aquatics Task 

Group 

MT Natural Heritage 

Program & WY 

Natural Diversity 

Database Herptile/Bat monitoring 2008 2010 

Group documented occurrence of several specsome species were more abundant than previofor some species than previously known and thfacing rocky slopes to both herptiles and bats. off of Tiger Salamanders due to Rana virus. 

BLM BLM 

Sage-grouse movements related to CBNG development 2008 2010 

Objective was to look at general sage-grouse mMontana portion of the PRB. Several radio coWyoming. In general, movements were not lar

BLM UofM 

Sage-grouse population viability analysis 2009 2010 

Report to be submitted in summer 2010. Objecstressors affecting sage-grouse populations anindividually or in combination with one anothpopulations through time. 

BIA = Bureau of Indian Affairs; UofM = University of Montana.
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-3 

Table 2A. Monitoring Conducted by Operators within the WMPP Focus Area (2000–2009). 

Project 

Proponent 

Project 

Conductor Description/Area Year Species Surveyed General Results 

Decker Coal 

Company 

Decker Coal 

Company 

Annual wildlife surveys on Decker Coal Mine 

2000–

2008 

Big game, raptors, waterfowl, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, passerine birds 

Annual count of the vertebrate fau

Spring Creek 

Mine 

Jones and 

Stokes 

Annual wildlife surveys on Spring Creek Mine 

2000–

2008 

Big game, raptors, bald eagles, waterfowl, sage-grouse, sharptailed grouse, turkeys, lagomorphs, bats, amphibians and reptiles 

Annual count of the vertebrate fau

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Baseline wildlife inventory in Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek 

2002 

Raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse 

Surveys documented: 44 raptor neeagle nest, 11 black-tailed prairie colonies, 5 mountain plover habit7 sage-grouse leks, and 4 sharp-tagrouse leks. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing Bald eagle surveys along the Tongue River 2003 Bald eagles Survey documented 53 bald eagle

throughout the survey area. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Baseline wildlife inventory in Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek PODs 

2003 

Raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, black-footed ferret 

Survey documented: 46 raptor neseagle nest, 96 bald eagles observeblack-tailed prairie dog colonies, mountain plover habitat patches, nmountain plover, 9 sage-grouse lesharp-tailed grouse leks, no blackferrets. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing Black-footed ferret survey in Badger Hills PODs 2003 Black-footed ferrets No black-footed ferrets were obseFidelity Hayden- Wing 

Black-footed ferret survey in Sheridan County, Wyoming, and Pond Creek POD in Big Horn County, Montana 

2003 Black-footed ferrets No black-footed ferrets were obse
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-4 

Project 

Proponent 

Project 

Conductor Description/Area Year Species Surveyed General Results 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Wildlife surveys for Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek and Deer Creek, Pond Creek 

2003– 

2004 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, black-footed ferrets 

Survey documented: 43 bald eagleagle locations along the Tongue bald eagle nests, 20 sage-grouse lsharp-tailed grouse leks, 72 raptor mountain plover habitat patches, nmountain plover, 29 black-tailed pcolonies, no black-footed ferrets. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Black-footed ferret survey in Pond Creek and Dry Creek PODs 

2004 Black-footed ferret 

Six black-tailed prairie dog colonisurveyed; no black-footed ferrets sighted. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Wildlife surveys for Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek, Deer Creek North, Pond Creek, Spring Creek, and Deer Creek South 

2004– 

2005 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer 

Survey documented: 79 bald eaglesage-grouse leks, 29 sharp-tailed gleks, 81 raptor nests, 1 active bald nest, 21 mountain plover habitat pmountain plover were observed, 3tailed prairie dog colonies, 369 mcounted on winter range. 

Nance 

Petroleum 

Corporation 

Greystone 

Trail Creek POD black-tailed prairie dog surveys 

2005 Black-tailed prairie dog 

Survey documented 10 active blacprairie dog colonies; burrowing owwere found in 3 colonies. 

PetroCanada 

Resources 

HaydenWing East of Hanging Woman Creek 2005 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, black-footed ferrets 

No survey results are available. 

Pinnacle 

Western 

Land 

Services 

Coal Creek POD surveys 2005 Bald eagle winter roosts Bald eagles observed along the To

River. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Wildlife surveys for Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek, Deer Creek North, Pond Creek, Spring Creek, and Deer Creek South, and Corral Creek 

2005– 

2006 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer 

Survey documented: 91 bald eaglesage-grouse leks, 36 sharp-tailed gleks, 95 raptor nests (21 new, 44 a52 inactive), 1 bald eagle nest, 21 plover habitat patches, no mountaobserved, and 36 black-tailed praicolonies; mule deer were counted critical winter range. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-5 

Project 

Proponent 

Project 

Conductor Description/Area Year Species Surveyed General Results 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Badger Hills, Coal Creek, Corral Creek, Decker Mine East, Deer Creek North PODs sage-grouse nesting habitat 

2006 Sage-grouse habitat Survey documented 6 sage-grouse 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Wildlife surveys for Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Dry Creek, Deer Creek North, Deer Creek South, Pond Creek, Spring Creek, and, and Corral Creek, and Decker Mine East 

2006– 

2007 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer 

Survey documented: 92 bald eagle observations, 24 sage-grouse lekstailed grouse leks, 141 raptor nestmountain plover habitat patches, nmountain plover were documenteblack-tailed prairie dog colonies; were counted on the critical winte

Fidelity Hayden- Wing 

Annual wildlife surveys in Coal Creek, Badger Hills, Deer Creek North, Deer Creek South, Corral Creek, Decker Mine East, Penson 

2008 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer 

Survey documented: 76 bald eagleobservations, 24 sage-grouse lekstailed grouse leks, 96 raptor nestsmountain plover habitat patches, nmountain plover, and 27 black-taidog colonies; mule deer were couthe critical winter range. 

Pearl Field 

Services Arcadis Forks Ranch POD wildlife surveys 2008 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse Ute Ladies-tresses 

Survey documented: no bald eagle 27 raptor nests, 5 sage-grouse leksharp-tailed grouse, no mountain habitat, and potential Ute Ladies-thabitat exists. 

Fidelity Hayden- Wing Annual wildlife surveys 2008– 2009 

Bald eagles, raptors, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, burrowing owls, sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer 

Survey documented: 92 bald eagle observations, 37 sage-grouse lekstailed grouse leks, 197 raptor nestmountain plover, and 4 black-tailedog colonies. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-6 

Table 3A. Aquatic Research and Monitoring Conducted in the WMPP Focus Area (2000

Project 

Proponent 

Project 

Conductor Description Start End General Results 

MFWP MFWP Fish surveys on Tongue River Reservoir 1960s Ongoing 

Cyclic patterns in fish populations, abundapast 40 years. Currently these cyclic patterCBNG development or other activities witWatershed. 

MTDEQ, 

EPA, BLM, 

USGS 

Tetra Tech and 

USGS 

Aquatic biological data for Hanging Woman, Otter, and Pumpkin creeks 

1999 

2004, may 

be ongoing 

for some 

sites 

Insufficient data to determine trends in bioInformation will be used to develop Total and provide baseline information for reseathe Tongue and Powder River drainages. 

BLM 

Confluence 

Consulting 

Inc. 

Biological, physical, chemical integrity of streams in the Tongue River Basin 

2002 2003 

Streams that may be affected by CBNG demanaged based on an understanding of the integrity of the area streams. 

EPA MFWP and USGS Toxicity of salt from CBNG on fish in the Tongue and Powder River drainages 2003 Ongoing 

Percent survival significantly decreased fodays in 625 mg NaHCO3/L. Fish species, diversity and physical habitat were highly sampled sites in the Tongue and Powder dlaboratory bioassays were conducted to gaderive water quality criteria for sodium bicguidelines. 

MFWP MFWP 

Fish sampling and habitat on Rosebud, Young's, Hanging Woman, Waddle, Pumpkin, and Spring creeks and Little Powder, Powder and Tongue rivers 

2003 Ongoing 

A final report in 2000 indicated historicallfacilitated a considerable sauger migration years have experienced little migration moinsufficient data to determine the cause of biological diversity are not apparent on the 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

A-7 

Project 

Proponent 

Project 

Conductor Description Start End General Results 

Aquatics 

Task Group 

Montana State 

University 

Effects of CBNG on Fish Assemblages 2004 2008 

Species richness and index of biotic integrsimilar between developed and undeveloperelationships existed between overall IBI sscores and the number or density of CBNG Streams composed largely or entirely of prinhabited by reproducing populations of seOther evidence suggested that CBNG may assemblages over time. Conductivity was otreatment streams and was negatively relatBicarbonate, one of the primary salts in prbe harmful to some species of fish. One saspecies, northern plains killifish, was obsetreatment streams. 

BLM 

Confluence 

Consulting 

Inc. 

Biological integrity of streams in Tongue River basin and Rosebud Creek. 

2004 2005 Provided baseline data. 

BLM 

Maxim 

Technologies 

Baseline Amphibian and Reptile surveys 2004 2005 Several locations within the study area har

species. 

Aquatics 

Task Group USGS Assessment of Aquatic communities 2005 2008 

The project established current conditions habitat in the PRB. Samples and measuremmacroinvertebrate, algal, and fish communsites located on the mainstem Tongue and various tributaries. 

EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; MTDEQ = Montana Department of Environmental Quality; USGS = U.S. Geological S
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

SWCA 

Appendix B

Raptor Nest Monitoring within the WMPP Focus Area
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-1 SWCA 

Table 1B. Raptor Nest Monitoring Data within the WMPP Focus Area. 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

AMKE09S39E2401 American 

Kestrel 2008 6/26/2008 Active Nest 0 0 

AMKE09S39E2801 American 

Kestrel 2008 6/26/2008 Active Nest 0 0 

AMKE09S42E0901 American 

Kestrel 2004 5/1/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

BAEA06S42E1301 Bald Eagle 2005 3/1/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

BAEA07S41E0701 Bald Eagle 1979 6/30/1979 Unknown 0 0 

BAEA07S41E1401 Bald Eagle 1992 3/1/1992 Active Nest 0 0 

BAEA08S41E0501 Bald Eagle 1984 3/20/1984 Unknown 0 0 

BAEA08S41E0502 Bald Eagle 2004 5/21/2004 Active Nest 0 3 

BAEA08S41E0503 Bald Eagle 

1995 3/1/1995 Active Nest 0 1 

1996 3/1/1996 Active Nest 0 1 

1997 3/1/1997 Active Nest 0 2 

1998 3/1/1998 Active Nest 0 2 

1999 3/1/1999 Active Nest 0 3 

2001 3/1/2001 Active Nest 0 2 

2002 3/1/2002 Active Nest 0 2 

2003 3/1/2003 Active Nest 0 2 

2004 3/1/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

2005 3/1/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

BAEA08S41E0504 Bald Eagle 1984 8/1/1984 Occupied 0 0 

BAEA08S41E0505 Bald Eagle 1993 8/1/1993 Active Nest 0 1 

BAEA08S41E1801 Bald Eagle 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

BAEA09N40E3301 Bald Eagle 2007 6/22/2007 Active But Failed 0 0 

BAEA09S40E3301 Bald Eagle 

2002 5/28/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 

4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 1 

5/11/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

6/3/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

6/18/2004 Active Nest 0 1 

6/28/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 3 

6/21/2005 Active Nest 0 3 

2006 

2/23/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

4/29/2006 Abandoned 0 0 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

6/30/2006 Abandoned 0 1 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-2 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

BAEA09S40E3302 Bald Eagle 

2000 3/1/2000 Active Nest 0 1 

2002 3/1/2002 Active Nest 0 1 

2003 3/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

2005 3/1/2005 Active Nest 0 3 

BAEA09S40E3303 Bald Eagle 

1999 3/1/1999 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 3/1/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

BAEA09S40E3304 Bald Eagle 2001 8/1/2001 Active Nest 0 1 

BUOW08S39E3401 Burrowing 

Owl 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW08S39E3402 Burrowing 

Owl 2000 7/31/2000 Active Nest 0 2 

BUOW08S43E2301 Burrowing 

Owl 1979 4/1/1979 Active Nest 0 5 

BUOW08S45E2401 Burrowing 

Owl 1979 1/1/1979 Unknown 0 0 

BUOW09S39E0201 Burrowing 

Owl 

2005 7/5/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 6/7/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S39E0202 Burrowing 

Owl 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 4 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S39E0203 Burrowing 

Owl 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S39E0204 Burrowing 

Owl 2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S39E0205 Burrowing 

Owl 2001 4/15/2001 Active Nest 0 4 

BUOW09S39E0206 Burrowing 

Owl 1997 7/15/1997 Active Nest 0 4 

BUOW09S39E0207 Burrowing 

Owl 1998 7/28/1998 Active Nest 0 8 

BUOW09S39E0208 Burrowing 

Owl 1999 7/28/1999 Active Nest 0 6 

BUOW09S39E0209 Burrowing 

Owl 2000 7/31/2000 Active Nest 0 7 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-3 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

BUOW09S39E2301 Burrowing 

Owl 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

6/21/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

7/6/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S39E2501 Burrowing 

Owl 1984 1/1/1984 Unknown 0 0 

BUOW09S39E3601 Burrowing 

Owl 

2005 6/21/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

7/12/2006 Inactive Nest 0 5 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S39E3602 Burrowing 

Owl 

2006 7/12/2006 Active Nest 0 3 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S40E0101 Burrowing 

Owl 

2006 7/12/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S40E1901 Burrowing 

Owl 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

6/21/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

7/6/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S40E2001 Burrowing 

Owl 

2006 7/12/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S41E0401 Burrowing 

Owl 

2004 

6/28/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

8/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

7/6/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S41E0801 Burrowing 

Owl 

2004 8/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

6/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

7/6/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S41E0802 Burrowing 

Owl 

2004 8/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

6/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

7/6/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

BUOW09S43E1601 Burrowing 

Owl 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-4 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

COBO09S40E1901 Common Barn 

Owl 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

COHA09S41E3501 Cooper's 

Hawk 2003 8/3/2003 Active Nest 0 2 

GHOW05S42E2601 Great Horned 

Owl 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 2 

GHOW06S40E2501 Great Horned 

Owl 1983 1/1/1983 Unknown 0 0 

GHOW06S42E0101 Great Horned 

Owl

1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 1 

GHOW06S42E2801 Great Horned 

Owl

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW08S39E1901 Great Horned 

Owl 2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW08S39E2301 Great Horned 

Owl 1976 1/1/1976 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW08S39E3401 Great Horned 

Owl 1998 6/1/1998 Gone 0 0 

GHOW08S40E1901 Great Horned 

Owl

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW08S40E1902 Great Horned 

Owl

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW08S40E2901 Great Horned 

Owl

1995 6/1/1995 Gone 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW08S40E3401 Great Horned 

Owl 1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S39E0401 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S39E1401 Great Horned 

Owl

1976 1/1/1976 Active Nest 0 0 

1977 1/1/1977 Active Nest 0 0 

1978 1/1/1978 Active Nest 0 0 

1979 1/1/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Unknown 0 0 

1982 1/1/1982 Unknown 0 0 

1983 1/1/1983 Unknown 0 0 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S39E1402 Great Horned 

Owl 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 2 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-5 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

GHOW09S39E1501 Great Horned 

Owl

2002 5/28/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

 6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

 6/8/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S39E2301 Great Horned 

Owl

1975 1/1/1975 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1976 1/1/1976 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1977 1/1/1977 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1978 1/1/1978 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1982 1/1/1982 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1983 1/1/1983 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1984 1/1/1984 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S39E2401 Great Horned 

Owl

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/26/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

GHOW09S39E3401 Great Horned 

Owl 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 3 

GHOW09S39E3403 Great Horned 

Owl

2007 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2008 

5/10/2008 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/11/2008 Inactive Nest 0 0 

Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2009 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

GHOW09S40E0201 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S40E1101 Great Horned 

Owl 2006 12/14/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S40E1801 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S40E1901 Great Horned 

Owl

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 6/7/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-6 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

GHOW09S40E2401 Great Horned 

Owl

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

 6/23/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

 6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S40E2802 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 6/26/2007 Active But Failed 0 0 

GHOW09S40E3001 Great Horned 

Owl

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest No 

Data 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/8/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S41E0101 Great Horned 

Owl

2006 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Active But Failed 0 0 

GHOW09S41E0601 Great Horned 

Owl 2008 6/26/2008 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S41E0801 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S41E1201 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S41E1501 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 6/26/2007 Active But Failed 0 0 

GHOW09S41E2201 Great Horned 

Owl 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S48E0101 Great Horned 

Owl 1983 4/1/1983 Active Nest 0 0 

GHOW09S48E0501 Great Horned 

Owl 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

GOEA07.5S41E3301 Golden Eagle 

1980 6/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 6/1/1981 Active Nest 0 2 

1982 6/1/1982 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA07S41E0701 Golden Eagle 2003 5/17/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S39E0501 Golden Eagle 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

GOEA08S39E1901 Golden Eagle 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA08S39E2001 Golden Eagle 2001 6/1/2001 Gone 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-7 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

GOEA08S39E2002 Golden Eagle 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S39E2301 Golden Eagle 1976 1/1/1976 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S39E2501 Golden Eagle 1976 1/1/1976 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S39E2601 Golden Eagle 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S40E1401 Golden Eagle 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 1 

1982 1/1/1982 Active Nest 0 0 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S40E1901 Golden Eagle 

1978 1/1/1978 Active Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S40E1902 Golden Eagle 2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA08S40E3501 Golden Eagle 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 3 0 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/7/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/30/2006 Gone 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

GOEA08S43E0901 Golden Eagle 1979 5/16/1979 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S43E0902 Golden Eagle Unknown Unknown Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA08S46E2801 Golden Eagle 2005 5/31/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S38E0101 Golden Eagle 1984 1/1/1984 Unknown 0 0 

GOEA09S38E0102 Golden Eagle 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S39E1301 Golden Eagle 

1979 1/1/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S39E1501 Golden Eagle 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/8/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 

4/23/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

5/13/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

5/28/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S39E1601 Golden Eagle 1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA09S39E2401 Golden Eagle 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-8 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

GOEA09S39E3501 Golden Eagle 

1981 6/1/1981 Active Nest 0 2 

1982 6/1/1982 INDE 0 0 

2002 5/28/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA09S40E1801 Golden Eagle 

1982 1/1/1982 Active Nest 0 2 

1983 1/1/1983 Active Nest 0 2 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA09S40E3001 Golden Eagle 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 

4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/8/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 2 

GOEA09S41E0501 Golden Eagle 2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

GOEA09S41E0601 Golden Eagle 

1980 1/1/1980 Unknown 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Unknown 0 0 

GOEA09S41E0602 Golden Eagle 

1977 1/1/1977 Active Nest 0 0 

1978 1/1/1978 Active Nest 0 0 

1979 1/1/1979 Active Nest 0 1 

1980 1/1/1980 Unknown 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Unknown 0 0 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA09S41E0603 Golden Eagle 1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S41E1401 Golden Eagle 

2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 2 

2005 

4/5/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-9 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

GOEA09S41E1501 Golden Eagle 2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

GOEA09S41E2201 Golden Eagle 

1977 1/1/1977 Active Nest 0 0 

1978 1/1/1978 Active Nest 0 0 

1979 1/1/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S41E2401 Golden Eagle 

1977 1/1/1977 Active Nest 0 0 

1978 1/1/1978 Active Nest 0 1 

1979 1/1/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S41E3501 Golden Eagle 

2005 6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S43E1101 Golden Eagle 1979 5/16/1979 Inactive Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S43E1102 Golden Eagle 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

GOEA09S44E1201 Golden Eagle 2005 5/31/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

GOEA09S47E1301 Golden Eagle 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

GOEA09S48E0401 Golden Eagle 2005 

6/2/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

8/25/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

GOEA09S48E0501 Golden Eagle 2005 

6/2/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

8/25/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S48E1901 Golden Eagle 2005 

6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

8/25/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

GOEA09S48E1902 Golden Eagle 2006 6/19/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

OSPR08S39E2501 Osprey 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 3 

2002 6/1/2002 Active Nest 0 2 

2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 2 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 2 

2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 3 

OSPR08S39E2502 Osprey 2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 2 

OSPR08S39E2601 Osprey 2001 7/15/2001 Active Nest 0 3 

OSPR08S40E2701 Osprey 2004 5/19/2004 Active Nest 0 1 

OSPR08S40E2702 Osprey 2008 6/26/2008 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR08S40E3001 Osprey 

2002 6/1/2002 Active But Failed 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Active But Failed 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-10 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

OSPR08S40E3002 Osprey 2002 6/1/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR08S40E3003 Osprey 2002 6/1/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR08S40E3401 Osprey 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1101 Osprey 1981 1/1/1981 Active But Failed 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1102 Osprey 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1103 Osprey 2004 4/23/2004 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

2007 5/13/2007 Gone 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1501 Osprey 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active But Failed 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1502 Osprey 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1601 Osprey 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR09S40E1701 Osprey 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

OSPR09S40E2901 Osprey 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

OSPR09S40E2902 Osprey 

2005 5/6/2005 Occupied 0 0 

6/21/2005 Occupied 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PEFA09S39E3302 Peregrine 

Falcon 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA06S40E2501 Prairie Falcon 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active But Failed 0 0 

PRFA06S40E3401 Prairie Falcon 

1980 1/1/1980 Unknown 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 4 

PRFA06S41E0701 Prairie Falcon Unknown Unknown Active Nest 0 4 

PRFA06S41E0801 Prairie Falcon 1979 1/1/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

PRFA06S42E2001 Prairie Falcon 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 5 3 

PRFA07.5S41E3401 Prairie Falcon 1981 6/1/1981 Active Nest 0 1 

PRFA07.5S41E3501 Prairie Falcon 1981 6/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA07S41E1601 Prairie Falcon 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 1 

1981 1/1/1981 Occupied 0 0 

PRFA07S43E1201 Prairie Falcon 2004 6/13/2004 Active Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-11 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

PRFA08S38E2201 Prairie Falcon 

1983 1/1/1983 Active Nest 0 1 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 3 

1985 1/1/1985 Active Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Active Nest 0 4 

1987 1/1/1987 Active Nest 0 3 

Unknown Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA08S38E3301 Prairie Falcon 

1985 1/1/1985 Active Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Active Nest 0 0 

Unknown Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA08S39E0501 Prairie Falcon 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 4 4 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA08S39E1401 Prairie Falcon 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Active Nest 0 2 

2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA08S39E1402 Prairie Falcon 2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 1 

PRFA08S39E2301 Prairie Falcon 1976 1/1/1976 Active Nest 0 0 

PRFA08S46E0901 Prairie Falcon 2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 4 4 

PRFA08S48E0201 Prairie Falcon 2005 

6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

8/25/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

PRFA08S48E2201 Prairie Falcon 2008 7/6/2008 Occupied 0 0 

PRFA09S38E1401 Prairie Falcon 

1985 1/1/1985 Active Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Inactive Nest 0 0 

Unknown Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA09S38E2301 Prairie Falcon 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 0 

1985 1/1/1985 Active Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Active Nest 0 0 

Unknown Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA09S39E1201 Prairie Falcon 

1982 1/1/1982 Active Nest 0 0 

1983 1/1/1983 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1984 1/1/1984 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1985 1/1/1985 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1987 1/1/1987 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S39E1202 Prairie Falcon 2005 6/1/2005 Unknown 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-12 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

PRFA09S39E1401 Prairie Falcon 

1982 1/1/1982 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1983 1/1/1983 Active Nest 0 4 

1984 1/1/1984 Occupied 0 0 

1985 1/1/1985 Occupied 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Inactive Nest 0 4 

2002 5/28/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Occupied 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/7/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

7/12/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S39E1402 Prairie Falcon 

2006 7/12/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S39E1403 Prairie Falcon 

2004 Unknown Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 Unknown Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2007 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2008 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2009 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA09S39E3301 Prairie Falcon 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/28/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S39E3401 Prairie Falcon 

1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 0 

1985 1/1/1985 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1986 1/1/1986 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S39E3402 Prairie Falcon 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/6/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/8/2006 Occupied 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-13 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

PRFA09S39E3404 Prairie Falcon 

2007 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2008 

5/10/2008 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/11/2008 Inactive Nest 0 0 

Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2009 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA09S40E1901 Prairie Falcon 

1982 6/1/1982 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1983 6/1/1983 Active Nest 0 3 

1984 6/1/1984 Active Nest 0 5 

1985 6/1/1985 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1986 6/1/1986 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Unknown 0 0 

 6/7/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 4 

PRFA09S40E1902 Prairie Falcon 

2004 Unknown Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 Unknown Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2007 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2008 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

2009 Unknown Unknown 0 0 

PRFA09S40E2901 Prairie Falcon 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Gone 0 0 

PRFA09S40E3001 Prairie Falcon 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 No 

Data 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/30/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/28/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S43E0901 Prairie Falcon 1979 7/2/1979 Active Nest 0 1 

PRFA09S48E0101 Prairie Falcon 1979 7/3/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S48E1101 Prairie Falcon 2005 6/2/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

PRFA09S48E1801 Prairie Falcon 

1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

2006 6/28/2006 Active Nest 0 1 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-14 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

PRFA09S48E1901 Prairie Falcon 2006 6/19/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

PRFA09S48E2001 Prairie Falcon 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA05S41E2201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA05S41E2301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA05S41E3301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA05S42E2601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 3 

RTHA06S39E1801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/21/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA06S41E2001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 7/6/1979 Active Nest 0 2 

RTHA06S41E2701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 5/7/1979 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA06S41E3201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Unknown 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA06S41E3202 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA06S42E1301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 3 0 

RTHA06S42E2201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA06S42E2801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 1 0 

RTHA06S42E2802 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 2 0 

RTHA06S42E2901 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA07.5S41E3301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA07S39E1701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2008 6/21/2008 Occupied 0 0 

RTHA07S39E2201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA07S40E1801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA07S41E0601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Unknown 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA07S41E0701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1991 12/14/1991 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA07S41E1101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA07S41E1201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-15 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA07S41E1401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active But Failed 2 0 

RTHA07S41E2301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA07S42E0601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 1 1 

2005 6/1/2005 Occupied 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1002 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1003 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2001 6/1/2001 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1102 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 6/1/2002 Active Nest 0 1 

2003 6/1/2003 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1103 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive 

Alternative Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Destroyed Nest No 

Data 0 

RTHA08S39E1104 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 1 1 

2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 1 1 

RTHA08S39E1105 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1106 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1994 6/1/1994 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1107 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA08S39E1201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1997 6/1/1997 Gone 0 0 

RTHA08S39E1202 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1997 6/1/1997 Gone 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Occupied 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 0 1 

2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-16 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA08S39E2301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1996 6/1/1996 Gone 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2302 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2006 12/31/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1994 6/1/1994 Gone 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/23/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2702 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1994 6/1/1994 Gone 0 0 

RTHA08S39E2703 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 0 3 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E3401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S39E3402 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1994 6/1/1994 Gone 0 0 

RTHA08S39E3403 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Active But Failed 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA08S39E3404 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2001 

6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 0 

Unknown Unknown No 

Data 2 

RTHA08S40E0101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S40E0301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S40E1201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-17 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA08S40E1501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S40E2901 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 2 

RTHA08S40E2902 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S40E2903 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA08S40E3201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Active Nest 0 2 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Active Nest 0 1 

2004 6/1/2004 Active Nest 0 1 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S40E3401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1980 1/1/1980 Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA08S41E0501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1981 1/1/1981 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S41E0701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/21/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S42E1301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S43E1801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 

5/8/1979 Active Nest 0 1 

7/14/1979 Active But Failed 0 0 

RTHA08S43E2901 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 5/16/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S43E2902 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S43E3301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S44E1801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 7/12/1979 Active Nest 0 3 

RTHA08S48E2701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1983 4/1/1983 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA08S48E2702 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1975 6/1/1975 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA09S39E0201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive 

Dilapidated Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

5/7/2006 Gone 0 0 

2007 5/13/2007 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S39E0202 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/21/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/7/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-18 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S39E0203 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S39E0204 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2001 6/1/2001 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2002 6/1/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 6/1/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E0205 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 6/1/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 6/1/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E0401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/25/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Unknown 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E0402 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/26/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

2006 4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

Unknown UNKN Active Nest 0 1 

RTHA09S39E1001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/20/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1002 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2007 5/28/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1003 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/26/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1004 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/26/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Unknown 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 2 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-19 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 6/22/2005 Active But Failed 0 0 

2006 

3/31/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

4/29/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1402 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/26/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E1501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/21/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/8/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E2001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S39E2401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S39E2701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 

5/28/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-20 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S39E2901 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Active Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

RTHA09S39E3401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Gone 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Gone 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/6/2006 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S39E3501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E0101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

1981 6/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 

4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

6/27/2004 INDE 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E0102 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2008 6/29/2008 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E0201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/30/2006 Gone 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S40E0202 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E1701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-21 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S40E1801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

3/31/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

4/4/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

4/12/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

4/25/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

4/26/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/2/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

6/6/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E1802 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Gone 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/28/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/7/2006 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/23/2005 Gone 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/27/2006 Gone 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2202 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 4/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/8/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive 

Dilapidated Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Destroyed Nest No 

Data 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-22 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S40E2701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 

4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

6/30/2004 Active Nest 0 1 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/23/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

Unknown Unknown Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2702 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/23/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/30/2006 Gone 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2703 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2002 5/28/2002 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2003 5/13/2003 Inactive Nest No 

Data 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active But Failed 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Abandoned 0 0 

6/30/2006 Abandoned 0 2 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E2802 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/6/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-23 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S40E3101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/8/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

6/29/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E3201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1984 1/1/1984 Active Nest 0 2 

RTHA09S40E3202 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 1 

6/21/2005 Unknown 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/8/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

2007 6/26/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E3203 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Destroyed Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/8/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/30/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/28/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E3401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/13/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 4/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/8/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S40E3402 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2008 6/26/2008 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E0101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-24 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S41E0102 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 

6/6/2006 Active Nest 0 3 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E0601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 

4/6/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/22/2005 Active But Failed 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 

RTHA09S41E0701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Active Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/30/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E0702 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 3 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E1101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 4/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

2006 6/1/2006 Gone 0 1 

2007 6/26/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E1102 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 

4/29/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest No 

Data 

No 

Data 

RTHA09S41E1103 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 6/6/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E1301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 5/18/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

1/26/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/29/2006 Unknown 0 0 

7/12/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E1501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/21/2005 Active But Failed 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/6/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/30/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E1601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 6/28/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E1602 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2007 6/26/2007 FAIL 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-25 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S41E1701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 3 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E2001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

6/22/2005 Active Nest 0 2 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/13/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E2201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2003 5/28/2003 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

6/22/2005 Active But Failed 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E2801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 

4/29/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/6/2006 Occupied 0 0 

6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 1 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E3001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/22/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/23/2005 Gone 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/13/2007 Active But Failed 0 0 

RTHA09S41E3002 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S41E3201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 

2005 10/18/2005 Unknown 0 0 

2006 6/30/2006 Active Nest 0 2 

2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S42E0301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S42E0601 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2005 4/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S42E0701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2005 5/4/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S42E1301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2003 7/21/2003 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S43E0301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-26 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

RTHA09S43E1001 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 5/16/1979 Active Nest 0 2 

RTHA09S43E1101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 5/16/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S43E1201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 5/16/1979 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S43E2101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1979 5/8/1979 Active Nest 0 3 

RTHA09S43E2701 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S43E3401 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S43E3501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S44E0501 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S44E0801 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S44E0802 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S48E1101 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2005 6/2/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

RTHA09S48E1901 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1983 7/5/1983 Unknown 0 0 

RTHA09S48E1902 Red-tailed 

Hawk 1983 7/6/1983 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA10S42E0201 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA10S42E0301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/18/2004 Active Nest 0 0 

RTHA10S43E0301 Red-tailed 

Hawk 2004 5/19/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

SWHA09S40E0201 Swainson's 

Hawk 2006 

4/29/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

6/7/2006 Unknown 0 0 

6/30/2006 Active But Failed 0 0 

UNBU06S40E2501 Unknown 

Buteo

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNBU07S40E2701 Unknown 

Buteo

1980 1/1/1980 Inactive Nest 0 0 

1981 1/1/1981 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNBU09S39E3501 Unknown 

Buteo 2007 5/4/2007 Gone 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-27 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

UNBU09S41E0601 Unknown 

Buteo

2005 

4/6/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

4/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/22/2005 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2006 

4/29/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

6/7/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA06S41E3001 Unknown 

Raptor 2004 5/21/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA08S38E2501 Unknown 

Raptor 2004 5/20/2004 Unknown 0 0 

UNRA08S40E3501 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA08S48E3301 Unknown 

Raptor 2005 

1/12/2005 Unknown 0 0 

10/30/2005 Active Nest 0 0 

UNRA08S48E3302 Unknown 

Raptor 2006 1/12/2006 Unknown 0 0 

UNRA09S39E2701 Unknown 

Raptor 2008 5/4/2008 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S39E2702 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S39E3301 Unknown 

Raptor 2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S39E3501 Unknown 

Raptor 

2004 4/23/2004 Inactive Nest 0 0 

2005 

4/28/2005 Did Not Locate 0 0 

6/22/2005 Gone 0 0 

2006 4/29/2006 Gone 0 0 

 6/6/2006 Gone 0 0 

UNRA09S40E2401 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S40E2601 Unknown 

Raptor 

2006 6/30/2006 Gone 0 0 

2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S40E2701 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 6/26/2007 Active Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0101 Unknown 

Raptor 2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0102 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0103 Unknown 

Raptor 2006 6/6/2006 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0301 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0302 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0303 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E0501 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

B-28 SWCA 

Raptor Nest ID Species Name Year Date Nest Activity 

Status # Eggs # Young 

UNRA09S41E1201 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E1301 Unknown 

Raptor 2007 5/4/2007 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E1601 Unknown 

Raptor 2008 5/4/2008 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S41E1701 Unknown 

Raptor 2008 5/4/2008 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S47E1301 Unknown 

Raptor 1983 7/6/1983 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S47E1302 Unknown 

Raptor 1983 7/6/1983 Inactive Nest 0 0 

UNRA09S48E0801 Unknown 

Raptor 2005 8/25/2005 Unknown 0 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

SWCA 

APPENDIX C 

Data Tables for Delineated Prairie Dog Colonies within the WMPP Focus 

Area 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-1 SWCA 

Table 1C. Delineated Prairie Dog Colonies within the WMPP Focus Area with 

Survey Date, Surveyor, Mode, Status, Size, Change in Size over Time, and CBNG Wells 

within 0.25 Mile of Colony Indicated. 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-001 

*/*/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 81.83 

-79.60 25 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 74.84 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/Hayden Ground – 40.08 

1/10/2008 Fidelity/Hayden Ground Inactive 2.23 

BIPD-002 4/29/2005 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 11.90 ND 0 

BIPD-003 

6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 20.41 

+7.10 17 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 63.37 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 70.54 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 62.91 

4/4/2005 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 27.51 

BIPD-0042

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 45.65 

NC 40 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 46.34 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 142.09 

5/3/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 38.27 

5/3/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 94.69 

5/3/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 3.91 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 12.89 

BIPD-005 7/25/2008 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 5.81 ND 0 

BIPD-006 7/25/2008 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 14.17 ND 0 

BIPD-007 

6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 215.05 

0.00 29 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 318.51 

5/3/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 129.91 

6/1/2004 Fidelity/Hayden Ground Active 215.05 

BIPD-008 

6/1/2003 Fidelity/Hayden Ground Active 16.84 

NC 13 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 52.63 

BIPD-0102

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 144.34 

NC 28 

5/4/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 71.37 

5/4/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Inactive 3.57 

6/2/2005 Fidelity/Hayden Ground – 80.93 

7/23/2008 Fidelity/Hayden Ground Active 130.77 

BIPD-011 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 91.72 

+47.47 22 

5/4/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 70.96 

6/2/2005 Fidelity/Hayden Ground – 55.34 

7/23/2008 Fidelity/Hayden Ground Active 118.44 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-2 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-012

6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 7.64 

NC 15 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.35 

BIPD-0132

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 159.67 

NC 1 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 38.57 

8/24/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 237.07 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 39.63 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 37.01 

7/3/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 274.01 

5/1/2009 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 126.56 

BIPD-014 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 92.96 

NC 0 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 130.72 

BIPD-0152

5/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 64.04 

NC 0 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.42 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 13.66 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 64.04 

6/2/2005 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 67.74 

BIPD-016 

5/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 36.05 

0.00 0 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 36.05 

BIPD-017 6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 6.50 ND 3 

BIPD-018 

6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 2.48 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.13 

BIPD-019 6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 2.65 ND 6 

BIPD-020 

5/4/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 42.23 

+81.37 19 6/2/2005 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 68.63 

1/10/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 123.60 

BIPD-021 

6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 14.80 

+12.14 7 

1/9/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 26.95 

BIPD-022 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 10.88 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 13.24 

BIPD-023 5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 20.22 ND 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-3 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-024 5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 3.12 ND 3 

BIPD-025 5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 5.11 ND 10 

BIPD-026 5/24/2007 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 8.14 ND 0 

BIPD-0272

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 6.27 

5/1/2004 NC 15 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 0.60 

7/23/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 29.96 

BIPD-028 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 112.73 

+2.57 

0 

5/1/2004 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 27.28 0 

1/10/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 29.85 0 

BIPD-029 6/2/2005 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Inactive 2.35 ND 0 

BIPD-030 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 195.14 

NC 

0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 116.40 0 

6/2/2005 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 25.69 0 

BIPD-031 6/2/2005 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Inactive 0.23 ND 6 

BIPD-032 

6/2/2005 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 4.62 

+10.09 

0 

7/23/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 14.72 0 

BIPD-033 

1/24/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 3.07 

-2.14 8 

1/10/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 0.93 

BIPD-034 7/13/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 7.26 ND 0 

BIPD-035 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 202.18 

+26.17 1 7/12/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 144.38 

1/9/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 170.55 

BIPD-036 7/12/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Inactive 4.10 ND 0 

BIPD-037 10/27/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 4.44 ND 1 

BIPD-038 10/27/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 4.17 ND 2 

BIPD-039 1/10/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 5.53 ND 1 

BIPD-040 12/16/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 6.21 ND 3 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-4 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-041 11/14/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 4.73 ND 13 

BIPD-044 5/24/2007 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 3.28 ND 1 

BIPD-045 5/23/2007 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 3.72 ND 0 

BIPD-046 1/9/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 2.19 ND 0 

BIPD-047 1/10/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 2.15 ND 0 

BIPD-048 1/10/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 1.80 ND 0 

BIPD-049 1/8/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Inactive 1.37 ND 3 

BIPD-050 1/9/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Inactive 5.21 ND 7 

BIPD-051 5/8/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 0.51 ND 6 

BIPD-052 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 86.05 

NC 15 

12/16/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 25.83 

BIPD-053 12/16/2008 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 3.55 ND 3 

BIPD-055 7/9/2009 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 1.38 ND 1 

BIPD-056 7/12/2009 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 2.84 ND 4 

BIPD-057 7/18/2009 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 42.93 ND 11 

BIPD-058 7/18/2009 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Active 2.46 ND 3 

BIPD-059 5/11/2005 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 1.34 ND 0 

BIPD-060 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 12.48 

NC 6 

Unknown Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 5.53 

BIPD-061 Unknown Unknown2 Unknown – 129.04 ND 0 

BIPD-062 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 12.41 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 18.74 

BIPD-063 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 58.49 

NC 7 

5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 29.18 

BIPD-064 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 14.00 ND 9 

BIPD-065 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 181.41 ND 0 

BIPD-066 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 80.79 ND 0 

BIPD-067 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 74.37 ND 0 

BIPD-069 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 39.18 ND 0 

BIPD-070 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 83.13 ND 0 

BIPD-071 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 101.87 ND 0 

BIPD-072 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 42.39 ND 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-5 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-073 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 46.04 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 67.79 

BIPD-074 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 21.47 

NC 0 

BIPD-075 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 22.39 

BIPD-0762

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 16.06 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.48 NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 50.16 

BIPD-077 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 83.96 ND 0 

BIPD-078 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 36.96 ND 0 

BIPD-079 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 88.81 ND 0 

BIPD-080 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 35.18 ND 0 

BIPD-081 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 32.42 ND 0 

BIPD-082 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 141.96 ND 0 

BIPD-083 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 11.67 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 47.92 

BIPD-084 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.12 ND 0 

BIPD-085 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 25.90 ND 0 

BIPD-086 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 107.03 ND 0 

BIPD-087 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 64.30 ND 0 

BIPD-088 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 41.49 ND 0 

BIPD-089 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 67.28 ND 0 

BIPD-090 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 72.09 ND 0 

BIPD-091 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 24.70 ND 0 

BIPD-092 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 14.93 ND 0 

BIPD-093 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 15.35 ND 0 

BIPD-094 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 48.82 ND 0 

BIPD-095 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 25.35 ND 0 

BIPD-096 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 44.72 ND 0 

BIPD-097 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 10.83 ND 0 

BIPD-098 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 21.80 ND 0 

BIPD-099 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 16.63 ND 0 

BIPD-100 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.44 ND 0 

BIPD-101 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 30.14 ND 0 

BIPD-102 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.25 ND 0 

BIPD-103 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 23.05 ND 0 

BIPD-104 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 31.77 ND 0 

BIPD-105 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.76 ND 0 

BIPD-106 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 15.45 ND 0 

BIPD-107 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 31.23 ND 0 

BIPD-108 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 22.19 ND 0 

BIPD-109 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 54.40 ND 0 

BIPD-110 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 31.25 ND 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-6 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-111 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 46.91 ND 0 

BIPD-112 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 82.28 ND 0 

BIPD-113 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 259.26 ND 0 

BIPD-114 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 36.09 ND 0 

BIPD-115 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 37.64 ND 0 

BIPD-116 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 74.80 ND 0 

BIPD-117 5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 13.49 ND 0 

BIPD-118 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 241.23 

NC 0 

5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 67.93 

BIPD-119 5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 29.22 ND 0 

BIPD-1202

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 66.58 

5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 62.08 NC 0 

5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 5.34 

BIPD-122 5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 4.84 ND 0 

BIPD-123 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 131.64 

NC 0 

5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 4.94 

BIPD-125 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 85.45 

NC 0 

5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 55.94 

BIPD-131 5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 24.43 ND 0 

BIPD-132 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 52.81 

NC 0 

5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 54.28 

BIPD-133 5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 28.74 ND 0 

BIPD-134 5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 5.05 ND 0 

BIPD-135 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 20.94 

NC 0 

5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 82.55 

BIPD-137 5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 6.95 ND 0 

BIPD-138 5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 24.51 ND 0 

BIPD-139 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 98.73 

5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 100.60 NC 0 

Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 9.78 

BIPD-140 5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 29.71 ND 0 

BIPD-141 5/5/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 3.61 ND 0 

BIPD-142 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 88.10 ND 7 

BIPD-143 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 53.18 ND 0 

BIPD-144 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 32.69 ND 17 

BIPD-145 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 46.40 ND 4 

BIPD-146 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.26 ND 0 

BIPD-147 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 6.25 ND 0 

BIPD-148 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 16.03 ND 0 

BIPD-149 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 11.11 ND 0 

BIPD-150 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 16.40 ND 1 

BIPD-151 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 11.85 ND 9 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-7 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

BIPD-152 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 32.41 ND 0 

BIPD-153 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 25.60 ND 0 

BIPD-154 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 74.78 ND 0 

BIPD-155 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 20.57 ND 0 

BIPD-156 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 122.24 ND 1 

BIPD-157 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 146.87 ND 0 

BIPD-158 5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 24.74 ND 0 

BIPD-159 5/6/2004 BLM/Greystone Ground Active 44.73 ND 0 

POPD-002 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.06 ND 0 

POPD-005 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 35.58 ND 0 

POPD-006 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 65.21 ND 0 

POPD-007 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 226.95 ND 0 

POPD-0082

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 107.59 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 62.08 NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 173.48 

POPD-010 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 17.89 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 13.24 

POPD-011 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 130.69 ND 0 

POPD-012 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 111.49 ND 0 

POPD-013 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 51.15 ND 0 

POPD-014 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 240.65 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 64.00 

POPD-015 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 112.00 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 98.12 

POPD-016 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 43.04 ND 0 

POPD-017 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 68.47 ND 0 

POPD-018 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 234.11 ND 0 

POPD-019 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 27.01 ND 0 

POPD-020 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.06 ND 0 

POPD-021 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 40.84 ND 0 

POPD-022 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 69.27 

NC 0 

Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 21.16 

POPD-023 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.95 ND 0 

POPD-024 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 20.15 ND 0 

POPD-025 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Inactive 103.86 ND 0 

POPD-026 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 117.76 ND 0 

POPD-027 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 64.05 ND 0 

POPD-028 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 148.62 ND 0 

POPD-029 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 30.31 ND 0 

POPD-030 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 30.96 ND 0 

POPD-031 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 70.52 ND 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-8 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

POPD-032 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 35.65 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 307.95 

POPD-033 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 190.09 ND 0 

POPD-034 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 38.95 ND 0 

POPD-035 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 14.08 ND 0 

POPD-036 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 20.12 ND 0 

POPD-037 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 19.14 ND 0 

POPD-038 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 32.18 ND 0 

POPD-039 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 39.45 ND 0 

POPD-040 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 32.17 ND 0 

POPD-041 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 55.63 ND 0 

POPD-042 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 41.21 ND 0 

POPD-043 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 85.77 ND 0 

POPD-044 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 46.61 ND 0 

POPD-045 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 23.43 ND 0 

POPD-048 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 27.44 ND 0 

POPD-050 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 13.14 ND 0 

POPD-051 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 12.68 ND 0 

POPD-052 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 18.35 ND 0 

POPD-055 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 20.93 ND 0 

POPD-057 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 29.81 ND 0 

POPD-058 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 26.99 ND 0 

POPD-059 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 4.85 ND 0 

POPD-060 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 61.09 ND 0 

POPD-061 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 0.74 ND 0 

POPD-062 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 7.59 ND 0 

POPD-063 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 65.04 ND 0 

POPD-064 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 2.05 ND 0 

POPD-065 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 10.88 ND 0 

POPD-066 

Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 11.62 

NC 0 

Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 32.06 

POPD-067 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 33.11 ND 0 

POPD-068 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 2.29 ND 0 

POPD-069 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 1.82 ND 0 

POPD-070 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 4.82 ND 0 

POPD-071 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 2.64 ND 0 

POPD-072 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 50.13 ND 0 

POPD-073 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 4.44 ND 0 

POPD-074 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 17.16 ND 0 

POPD-075 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 15.91 ND 0 

POPD-076 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 29.43 ND 0 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-9 SWCA 

Colony ID Date 

Mapped Operator/Surveyor Survey Mode1 Status Acres Change 

in Size Wells 

POPD-077 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 85.73 

NC 0 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 97.53 

ROPD-001 

3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 44.77 

NC 0 Unknown Unknown3

 Unknown – 6.40 

ROPD-002 3/1/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 74.97 ND 0 

ROPD-003 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 124.10 NC 0 Unknown Unknown3

 Unknown – 19.20 

ROPD-004 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 71.97 ND 0 

ROPD-005 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 16.12 ND 0 

ROPD-006 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 726.08 ND 0 

ROPD-007 

9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 41.18 

Unknown Unknown NC 0 3 Unknown – 0.41 

Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 26.71 

ROPD-008 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 1.94 ND 0 

ROPD-009 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 14.05 ND 0 

ROPD-010 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 9.19 ND 0 

ROPD-011 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 81.09 ND 0 

ROPD-012 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 931.07 ND 0 

ROPD-013 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 35.78 ND 0 

ROPD-014 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 0.90 ND 0 

ROPD-015 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 91.50 ND 0 

ROPD-016 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 17.34 ND 0 

ROPD-017 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 5.09 ND 0 

ROPD-018 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 14.44 ND 0 

ROPD-019 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 26.87 ND 0 

ROPD-020 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 4.02 ND 0 

ROPD-021 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 7.33 ND 0 

ROPD-022 Unknown Unknown3 Unknown – 2.41 ND 0 

ROPD-023 */*/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 91.22 ND 0 

SHPD-001 6/1/2003 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground – 6.26 ND 4 

SHPD-002 11/13/2006 Fidelity/HaydenWing Ground Inactive 8.67 ND 10 

SHPD-003 4/26/2005 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 28.16 ND 2 

SHPD-004 4/26/2005 Pearl/Arcadis Ground Active 18.56 ND 3 

SHPD-005 9/16/2004 BLM/Greystone Aerial Active 27.45 ND 0 

Colony ID County Codes: BI = Big Horn County, PO = Powder River County, RO = Rosebud County, 

SH = Sheridan County. 1

 Survey methods have varying degrees of accuracy. Aerial surveys may overestimate colony size. 

2

Indicates colonies that were originally surveyed as separate towns, however, over time became 

overlapping. When colonies overlapped they were given the same colony name. 3

Surveyor information is unknown (Data Source = Montana Natural Heritage Program 2009) 

NC = Not able to calculate due to lack of like survey modes across years or inconsistencies in colony 

sizes between surveyors. 

ND = No data available to calculate change in size over time. 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-10 SWCA 

Table 2C. Number of CBNG Wells Drilled within 0.25 mile of Delineated Prairie 

Dog Colonies within WMPP Focus Area by Colony Number (ID) and Year. 

Colony ID Year Number of 

Wells

Total 

Wells

BIPD-001

1997 1

2003 18 25

2006 6

BIPD-003 2001 8 17 2003 9

BIPD-004

1999 23

40 2001 8

2003 1

2004 8

BIPD-007

1997 1

29 1999 23

2000 2

2005 3

BIPD-008 1997 1 13 2000 12

BIPD-010

1998 4

1999 15 28

2000 9

BIPD-011

1997 1

22 1998 2

1999 14

2000 5

BIPD-012 1999 1 15 2005 14

BIPD-013 1999 1 1

BIPD-017

2003 1

2004 1 3

2006 1

BIPD-019

2002 1

6

2003 1

2004 1

2005 1

2006 2

BIPD-020

2005 7

2006 7 19

2007 5

BIPD-021 2005 3

7

2006 4
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-11 SWCA 

Colony ID Year Number of 

Wells

Total 

Wells

BIPD-024

2002 1

2004 1 3

2005 1

BIPD-025 1999 9 10 2003 1

BIPD-027

1998 6

1999 7 15

2003 2

BIPD-031 2005 3

6 2006 3

BIPD-033 2005 3 8 2006 5

BIPD-035 2008 1 1

BIPD-037 2007 1 1

BIPD-038 2008 2 2

BIPD-039 2008 1 1

BIPD-040 2000 3 3

BIPD-041 2003 10 13 2006 3

BIPD-044 1997 1 1

BIPD-049 2005 3 3

BIPD-050 2005 7 7

BIPD-051 2006 5

6 2007 1

BIPD-052

1998 1

15 1999 1

2000 11

2004 2

BIPD-053 2000 3 3

BIPD-055 2008 1 1

BIPD-056 2001 3 4 2003 1

BIPD-057

1997 1

2000 6 11

2001 4

BIPD-058 1999 1 3 2000 2

BIPD-060

2003 1

6

2004 1

2006 2

2007 2
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

C-12 SWCA 

Colony ID Year Number of 

Wells

Total 

Wells

BIPD-063

1999 1

2000 3 7

2004 3

BIPD-064 2005 6 9 2006 3

BIPD-142

2005 4

2006 2 7

2007 1

BIPD-144 2005 5 17 2006 12

BIPD-145 2001 3 4 2003 1

BIPD-150 2002 1 1

BIPD-151 1999 4 9 2000 5

BIPD-156 2003 1 1

SHPD-001

2001 3

4

2003 1

SHPD-002 2002 1 10 2003 9

SHPD-003 2004 2 2

SHPD-004

2004 2

3

2007 1

Total Wells 422

Colony ID County Codes: BI = Big Horn County, PO = Powder River 

County, RO= Rosebud County, SH= Sheridan County 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

SWCA 

APPENDIX D 

Sage-grouse Lek Attendance Figures For Non-reference Leks with 

Attendance History 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

D-1 

Figure 1D. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

01234

012345

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-002

Total Wells # Males

05

10152025303540

1977

1979

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

# Males

Year

BISG-003

Total Wells # Males

0123456789

10

02468

10121416

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-005

Total Wells # Males

02468

101214

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

# Males

Year

BISG-006

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

D-2 

Figure 2D. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

01234

02468

101214161820

1977

1979

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-007

Total Wells # Males

01234

# Males

Year

BISG-012

Total Wells # Ma

0

20406080

100120140160

0123456

1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-014

Total Wells # Males

05

10152025

1976 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 

# Males

Year

BISG-015

Total Wells # Mal
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

D-3 

Figure 3D. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

0123

05

1015202530

1983 1994 1999 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-019

Total Wells # Males

02468

101214161820

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

# Males

Year

BISG-020

Total Wells # Mal

01

0123

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-021

Total Wells # Males

02468

1012

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 

# Males

Year

BISG-023

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

D-4 

Figure 4D. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

012

02468

101214161820

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-024

Total Wells # Males

02468

1012

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

# Males

Year

BISG-025

Total Wells # Mal

01

01234

2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-027

Total Wells # Males

0123456

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

# Males

Year

BISG-036

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

D-5 

Figure 5D. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

05

1015202530

05

101520253035

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-037

Total Wells # Males

012345

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 

# Males

Year

BISG-040

Total Wells # Ma

012

0123

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-041

Total Wells # Males

012345678

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

# Males

Year

POSG-037

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

D-6 

Figure 6D. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

01

0

102030405060

1975 1980 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1994 2005 2007 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

POSG-039

Total Wells # Males

05

101520253035404550

1984

1986

1988

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

# Males

Year

POSG-042

Total Wells # Ma

01

0

102030405060

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1993

1994

2001

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

POSG-045

Total Wells # Males

02468

1012141618

1993 1997 2001 2003 2005 2006 2007 

# Males

Year

POSG-046

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

SWCA 

APPENDIX E 

Sage-grouse Lek Attendance Figures For Reference Leks 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

E-1 

Figure 1E. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

01

05

1015202530

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-008 

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Males

0

102030405060

# Males

Year

BISG-010

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Ma

05

1015202530

05

10152025

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-011 

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Males

0

102030405060

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

# Males

Year

BISG-016

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

E-2 

Figure 2E. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

01

05

101520253035

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-017

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Males

0

10203040506070

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

# Males

Year

BISG-022

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Ma

02468

101214

05

101520253035

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

BISG-026

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Males

05

10152025

# Males

Year

POSG-038

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

E-3 

Figure 3E. Annual sage-grouse lek activity and cumulative number of CBNG wells within 2 miles o

012

0

102030405060

1975

1980

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1993

1994

2000

2001

2002

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

POSG-041 (Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Males

05

101520253035404550

2003 2006 2007 2008 

# Males

Year

WY -Elder Reservoir

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Ma

02468

1012141618

02468

1012141618

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total Wells Drilled

# Males

Year

WY-Kendrick

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Males

05

10152025

2004 2005 2006 2007 20

# Males

Year

WY-Weller

(Reference Lek)

Total Wells # Ma
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

SWCA 

APPENDIX F 

Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Attendance Monitoring Results 
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

F-1 SWCA 

Table 1F. Results of Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Attendance Surveys Conducted 

Within WMPP Focus Area. 

Lek ID Years Surveyed # Males # Females # Unclassified Total Birds

BIST-046

2004 9 1 0 10

2005 4 0 3 7

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

BIST-062

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 2 2 3 7

2006 5 0 1 6

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 2 4 4 10

2009 0 0 4 4

BIST-063

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 0 0 0 0

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 2 2

BIST-064

2004 0 0 5 5

2005 0 0 0 0

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 3 3

BIST-090

2004 15 3 0 18

2005 13 3 0 16

2006 13 0 0 13

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 10 0 4 14

BIST-092

2005 4 0 0 4

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 7 0 0 7

2009 8 0 1 9

BIST-093

2004 3 0 0 3

2005 0 0 0 0

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 0 0 0 0

2009 0 0 0 0

BIST-094

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 3 0 0 3

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

BIST-096 1981 0 0 9 9
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

F-2 SWCA 

Lek ID Years Surveyed # Males # Females # Unclassified Total Birds

BIST-097

1975 12 0 0 12

1976 15 0 0 15

1977 24 0 0 24

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 6 0 10 16

2006 0 0 9 9

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 0 0 7 7

2009 5 0 9 14

BIST-098

1974 6 0 0 6

1975 7 0 0 7

1976 7 0 0 7

1977 14 0 0 14

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 0 0 0 0

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

2009 0 0 0 0

BIST-099

1974 20 0 0 20

1975 9 0 0 9

1976 14 0 0 14

1977 20 0 0 20

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 4 9 0 13

2009 0 0 6 6

BIST-100

2004 4 2 0 6

2005 7 3 0 10

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

BIST-108

2004 13 4 0 17

2005 16 2 3 21

2006 0 0 0 0

2007 0 0 0 0

BIST-111

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 3 0 0 3

2006 4 0 6 10

2007 0 0 0 0

2008 0 12 0 12

2009 2 0 0 2

BIST-115

2004 0 0 0 0

2005 0 0 0 0

2006 0 0 4 4

2007 0 0 0 0

ROST-107 2004 0 0 5 5
Powder River Basin - Montana Wildlife Monitoring and Protection Plan 

2009 Progress Report and Database Development 

F-3 SWCA 

Table 2F. Summary of Survey Efforts and Status for Sharp-tailed Grouse Leks with 

No Observed Birds on Lek. 

Lek ID Years Surveyed Last Reported Status

BIST-112 2006 Active

BIST-113 2006 Active

BIST-041 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-042 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-043 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-045 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-057 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-060 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-095 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-106 2004–2007 Historic

BIST-114 2004, 2006–2007 Historic

BIST-101 2004–2007 Inactive

BIST-102 2004–2009 Inactive

BIST-103 2004–2009 Inactive

BIST-105 2004–2007 Inactive

BIST-107 2004–2007 Inactive

BIST-109 2004–2007 Inactive

BIST-110 2004–2007 Inactive

BIST-118 2004–2008 Inactive

BIST-117 2004 N/A

BIST-049 2004–2007 Unknown

BIST-050 2004–2007 Unknown

BIST-067 2004–2007 Unknown

BIST-089 2004–2007 Unknown

BIST-104 2004–2007 Unknown