2014-07-07_REVISION - M1980110 - Laserfiche WebLink

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located sparsely around the perimeter of the pond. Shrubs are most abundant on the eastern and southern shoreline of the pond. Taller and thicker stands of willows are found where stormwater drains were located, most notable on the southern portion of the pond. Three Class B state listed noxious weeds were observed throughout the Project area. These include musk thistle (Carduus nutans),Canada thistle(Cirsium arvense),and Scotch thistle(Onopordum acanthium)(CDA 2014). Wildlife Species Observed The large pond on the site provides habitat for fish and aquatic birds. The site also provides a limited amount of wetland habitat as well as grasslands. The pond is isolated and has no connectivity with other aquatic or wetland habitats. The upland grassland habitat is also relatively isolated because of a security fence and busy roads on all sides. Because of the fencing, traffic, and lack of tree and shrub cover mule deer (Odocoileus heminous) and other large mammals are not expected to enter the Project area. No sign of deer or other large mammals was present during the site visit. Access to the site for smaller mammals, such as coyote (Canis latrans) or raccoons(Procyon lotor) is available under the gate on the western side of the Project area, as well as culverts and areas where gullies have cut under the fencing. During the field survey, coyote scat was observed near the northern shoreline of the pond. Several vole trails were also observed along the northern and eastern portion of the Project area. Desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)was observed by the house just outside of the fencing on the west side of the Project area. Beaver (Castor canadensis) cut trees were observed near the picnic tables and shade structure located centrally on the western shore of the pond. These cuts were not recent(at least a year old)and the habitat does not appear to be suitable for beaver. A black-tailed prairie dog(Cynomys ludovicianus)colony (state-listed as a species of concern)occurs on the east side of the property in an upland grassland area. Numerous fish from at least two fish species were observed from the shoreline within the aquatic plant bed, although the species are unknown. The fish included adults (approximately 12 to 18 inches in length) and young of year. According to Aquatic Biologist Paul Winkle with Colorado Parks and Wildlife(CPW),the pond was a private fishing pond. Because the pond was never made public, there are no data on current or historic fish populations and no information on what was previously stocked (Winkle, pers comm 2014). During the field survey, several ramshom snail shells (Heliosoma anceps) were observed along the shoreline within the OHWM. Several water fowl and other bird species were identified within the Project area. Species identified include mallard (Anal platyrhynchos), redhead (Aythya americana), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto), cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), Northern rough- winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), red-winged black bird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). Two red- winged black bird fledglings were also identified on the southwestern end of the pond. The nests were likely located within the pond's cattail and willow stands;however,no nests were observed. Numerous birds were spotted flying over the pond as well. Flyover species observed include black tern (Chlidonias niger), American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), and double crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). No amphibians or reptiles or signs of these species were observed during field surveys. 3 i