PROJ00382

• Contract/PO #: C153685
• Contractor Name: Monument, Town of
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 10
• County: El Paso
• Bill Number: SB 94-029
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

Monument Lake Dam Feasibility Study

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Chapter V - Evaluation of Alternatives

The specie of concern at Monument Lake is the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus
hudsonius preblei) (Mouse). In May 1998, the Mouse was listed as a federally threatened species
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). This species of mouse inhabits pristine
riparian habitats of the eastern Front Range in ~olorado and southern Wyoming. Due to the
recorded presence of Mouse habitat in EI Paso County and the Monument Creek drainage,
Monument Lake was assessed for potential MOuse habitat.

The habitat assessment for the Mouse Was conducted in accordance with the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service (FWS) Interim Survey GUidelines for Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse

(revised May 19, 1999). During the investigation, dominant vegetation was inventoried and

vegetation structure and various habitat characteristics were recorded in order to determine the

presence or absence of potential Mouse habitat.

Activities which impact (i.e. placement of fill or disturbance) jurisdictional waters of the

US (including wetlands), are regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Two potential

jurisdictional areas are present within the M01l11ment Lake property boundaries as indicated by

Areas A and B in Figure V-I. Each area exhibits a dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, soils

with hydric characteristics and evidence of wetland hydrology. The wetland habitat types of the

areas are classified as Palustrine emergent and Palustrine scrub/shrub.

Area A consists of dense cattail stands along the northwestern lake bank, surrounded by a

willow carr that is accompanied by a dense un<lerstory of various sedge species. Wetland habitat

further upstream appears to be fragmented by ltpland inclusions, most likely due to the previou:;

establishment ofthe beaver dam and associateq ponds. The Palustrine scrub/shrub habitat is

dominated by willows; however, the understory is not as wet and lush as the downstream wetland

area. Area B consists of Paustrine scrub/shrub habitat dominated by willows and lush sedge

patches adjacent to McShane Creek, extending to the northern property boundary. A narrow

pedestrian dirt trail follows the west bank of the creek through the wetland habitat.

FWS is responsible for the protection of endangered/threatened species habitat and

existing populations under the ESA. Therefore, FWS must approve any activities foreseen to

directly or indirectly impact such habitat or populations.