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<br />August 2000 CR WCD - Yan" Ricer Basin Small Resemw Study - Phase 2 Repon * Page ? 22
<br />In addition, site-specific soil mapping was acquired from the NRCS offices in Craig on June 19, 2000.
<br />4.1.2.3 General Reconnaissance
<br />General reconnaissance at each of the potential reservoir sites visited in the field included preliminary
<br />review of site topography, hydrology, access, and general land use. In addition, natural and historic
<br />resources were noted and the recreation potential of the site was evaluated. Photographs were taken
<br />at each of the potential reservoir sites, and are included in Appendix B, Potential Reserwir Site
<br />Photographs.
<br />4.1.2.4 Physical CharacteristicslDam Siting Evaluation
<br />The evaluation of physical characteristics for each of the reservoir sites visited in the field included
<br />preliminary assessment of site geology, soil characteristics, slope stability, geotechnical constraints, and
<br />general dam siting issues. Dam sitting issues included a review of features at the site such as potential
<br />access, and the presence of existing roads or irrigation structures that would be impacted by the
<br />reservoirs
<br />4.1.2.5 Ecological Evaluation
<br />Ecological evaluations for each reservoir site visited in the field included an assessment of the relative
<br />extent of wetlands present within the potential reservoir basin, general habitat quality evaluations, and
<br />assessment of potential habitat for listed species. Assessment of potential habitat was based on the
<br />known distribution and habitat preferences of the species. Based on a review of existing information,
<br />only two listed species, boreal toad (Bufo bwx bmw) and Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes
<br />&ik"is) could potentially be present at any of the reservoir sites.
<br />Habitat for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid consists of seasonally moist soils and wet meadows near
<br />lakes, springs, or perennial streams and their associated floodplains below 6,500 feet. Associated
<br />vegetation species typically include those with a facultative wetland (FACW) Corps of Engineers
<br />classification (Equisetrnn, Asclepius, Qrlrorrgnwis, Solidago, etc. genera) occurring in relatively open and
<br />not overly dense, overgrown, or over grazed areas. Current USFWS Guidelines (November 23, 1992)
<br />require surveys for this species at appropriate sites below 6,500 feet in elevation in the Yampa River
<br />100-year floodplain and its perennial tributaries from Steamboat Springs west to the Utah border.
<br />In Colorado, the southern Rocky Mountain population of boreal toad inhabits forested mountainous
<br />' habitats between 7,500 and 12,000 feet in elevation. It is most common between 8,000 and 11,000
<br />feet in elevation (Loeffler, 1998). Its historic range included the Elkhead Mountains in western Routt
<br />and eastern Moffat counties Colorado. However, recent surveys for boreal toads indicate that
<br />' populations of boreal toad are known, or believed, to still be present in at least 15 counties in
<br />Colorado but not in Moffat County (Loeffler, 1998).
<br />Preferred breeding habitat for boreal toad is provided by shallow, quiet water in lakes, marshes, bogs,
<br />' ponds, and wet meadows (Loeffler, 1998). Boreal toads breed in any body of water lacking a strong
<br />current and with gradually descending banks at some point around the perimeter (Burger and Bragg
<br />1947, as cited in Hammerson 1999). The primary requirement for breeding apparently is the presence
<br />' of shallow water (< 1 foot) (Campbell, 1972). Egg placement is usually in shallows where the thermal
<br />effects of the sun are optimized (Loeffler, 1998). Breeding generally occurs in late May and early
<br />June, coinciding with the loss of winter snowpack. Complete metamorphosis of tadpoles into toadlets
<br />' occurs in approximately 45 days usually from late July to mid-August (Loeffler, 1998).
<br />' Montgwvy Watson *P.O Box 774018 * Steamer Sprigs, Colorado 80477 * (970) 879-6260
<br />WAFPI VR 2Rq-
<br />08130100,,f
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