2015-02-17_REPORT - M1977227 (2)

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Wildlife Scoria rock outcrops have been found to have greater bird populations and bird species rich- ness than in the surrounding sagebrush and grassland habitats2. In studies, these differences were attributed to the structural features provided by the outcrops (Photo 2). In additions, most small mammal populations were also larger in the outcrops habitats. Wildlife observations were limited during this 2014 survey presumably due to the mid -day timing of the survey. Observations included passerine birds, lizards, and insects (including spider and butterfly). Animal sign included owl (feathers, pellet, and whitewash), pronghorn (tracks), rabbit (pellets and tracks), rodent (burrows), and domestic cow (dung and tracks). One large raptor nest was observed on a rock face in the western portion of the site (Photo 2). In past years this was occupied by raven; however, in 2014, no raven was present during the survey and owl sign (feathers and pellets) were observed around the nest. 5.0 NOXIOUS WEEDS No Colorado state - listed noxious weeds were observed during the 2014 site monitoring. Colo- rado Noxious Weed List is divided into a List A, B, C and Watch List based on control require- ments as designated by the Commissioner and other entities (http: / /www.colorado.gov /cs /Satellite /aq Conservation /CBON/1251618874438). List A species are designated for eradica- tion (22 species statewide). List B weed species have state noxious weed management plans designed to stop the continued spread of these species (37 species statewide). For List C weed species, local governing bodies facilitate more effective integrated weed management on pri- vate and public lands with management plans designed to provide additional education, re- search, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species (15 species statewide). Watch List weed species pose a potential threat to the agricultural productivity and environmental values of the lands of the state. The Watch List is intended to serve advisory and educational purposes only (22 species statewide). Costilla County lists nine noxious weed species (eight from the List B and one from List C) as presented in Table 3. Previously two patches of noxious weeds near the mine entrance were present during 2005 to 2011. These noxious weed patches were comprised of Canada thistle and Russian knapweed. These patches of noxious weeds appear to have been eradicated and no additional plants were noted. A non - native species, Russian thistle (a.k.a. tumbleweed; X