Replace paragraph after "Management Decisions:" with, "Sharp-tailed Grouse - Prohibit surface disturbance and occupancy within 750 feet of sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds at any time. Prohibit surface disturbance within an additional ½ mile radius of sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds from April 1 through May 30 unless the authorized officer waives the prohibition. "Whether or not the prohibition on the surface disturbance within the additional ½ mile radius is waived will depend on the type of action, the exact location of the action within the boundaries of the designated areas, and the exact dates on which the different phases of the action would occur. A waiver may be granted if determined that crucial habitat would not be significantly affected during important seasons. The seasonal limitation does not apply to maintenance and operation of existing facilities." "Rationale: The distance of 750 feet for no surface disturbance or occupancy is the minimal distance that will prevent breeding ground disruption and possible abandonment. Some human activities and facilities might have little impact on sharp-tailed grouse within the ½ mile buffer area, depending on location and the distance from breeding activity. Therefore, the restriction on surface disturbance within the additional ½ mile radius may be waived after field inspection." Sage Grouse - Prohibit surface disturbance and occupancy within a ¼ mile radius of the center of sage grouse strutting grounds with no exceptions. Prohibit surface disturbance within an additional 1 ¾ mile radius from March 1 to June 15 unless the prohibition is waived by the authorized officer. Whether or not the prohibition on the surface disturbance within the additional 1 3/4 mile radius is waived will depend on the type of action, the exact location of the action within the boundaries of the designated areas, and the exact dates on which the different phases of the action would occur. A waiver may be granted if determined that crucial habitat would not be significantly affected during important seasons. The seasonal limitation does not apply to maintenance and operation of existing facilities. Rationale: The no surface disturbance, no surface occupancy, and seasonal activity buffer zones correspond to recommendations from literature and scientific study. Documented lower productivity and abandonment of strutting grounds in the resource area have been attributed to human activity during this crucial period. Raptors - Prohibit surface disturbance or occupancy within ½ mile around active nests of raptor species of high federal interest from February 1 to July 1, unless the authorized officer waives the prohibition. Whether or not the prohibition is waived will depend on the type of action, the exact location of the action within the ½ mile buffer zone, and the exact dates on which different phases of an action would occur. A waiver may be granted if it is determined that the crucial habitat would not be significantly affected during important seasons. An active nest is defined as one that has been used at least once during the previous three years. Specific raptor nesting periods, topography, and prey habitat surrounding the nest site will be considered. Rationale: Continuous surface disturbing activity can cause nest abandonment, especially during nest building and incubation. Raptor species often can tolerate nearby human activity when the activity is screened by vegetation or topography. For this reason, site-specific analysis is needed before any action takes place. | 
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