HB 98-1006 Documents Related to the Passage 1998

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species," in that they are candidates for listing. Scientists affiliated with Colorado State University believe that 47 (6.4% of the total number of species that occur in Colorado) are declining and therefore vulnerable for potential listing. These species are not yet under federal jurisdiction. The state, in cooperation with local governments and private landowners, has initiated some programs to help protect some of these species, to manage them to a point at which listing may not be necessary. If listing does occur, these programs are designed to give landowners, water users and others a degree of regulatory certainty, and a framework or workplan for the eventual delisting of the species. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (PMJM): {Projected cost to the State of Colorado: $1.5 million) The PMJM occurs along streamside areas on the front range from Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The species was proposed for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in March 1997. A final determination about whether to list the species is expected to be made in March 1998. If the Service decides to list the PMJM, actions taken by private citizens or government agencies that may adversely affect the PMJM or its habitat would be subject to regulation under the ESA. These actions could include ranching, aggregate mining, water development, road and bridge building and other forms of development. DNR has initiated a broad -based collaborative planning process to develop a legally and scientifically adequate PMJM protection plan and implementing agreements. The DNR estimates that the collaborative planing process will require $500,000 to complete a scientifically and legally adequate plan and implementing agreements. Funding for this planning process has been obtained. Colorado's share for implementation of the resulting plan could be $1.5 million. Canadian lynx: (Projected cost to the State of Colorado: $1.8 million) Though there have been no confirmed sightings for several years, some biologists believe this species occurs or could occur in Colorado's high mountainous regions. In response to a citizen listing petition, the Service reached a "warranted but precluded" determination in July 1997. This determination is under judicial review. A listing and subsequent regulation could affect expansion of ski areas and many high mountain recreational and forestry projects. Currently, the DOW is working with the Forest Service to conduct habitat assessments to determine whether adequate habitat is possible to successfully reintroduce the species into the wild in order to speed its recovery. It is expected that $1.8 million will be required to complete planning activities and implement a species reintroduction and monitoring plan. Arkansas Darter: (Projected cost to the State of Colorado: $1 million) The Arkansas Darter occurs in the Arkansas River Basin and is designated by the USFWS as a candidate for federal ESA listing. In 1994, the Division of Wildlife prepared a plan to improve this species' populations in Colorado and protect and improve existing habitat. The estimated total cost of implementing this plan is $1 million. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout: {Projected cost to the State of Colorado: $1.3 million) One of the few species of trout native to Colorado, this species has declined significantly throughout its range on Colorado's western slope and in Wyoming and Utah. If petitioned to list, the USFWS could likely find such a petition warranted. A federal listing could effect many water management activities in Colorado and other activities such and grazing and forestry that could affect the condition of Colorado streams. The Division of Wildlife has participated in an extensive three state conservation planning effort which has produced a draft plan to improve populations and protect habitat and reduce competitive threats from introduced non - native fish