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THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT ASSESSMENT <br />BEARSON PROPERTY <br />WELD COUNTY, COLORADO <br />side of the wetland (Photo 3). Wetland 2 is dominated by cattail, common threesquare, <br />and Emory sedge (Carex emoryi) (Photo 4). <br />The uplands in the project area are dominated by ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia <br />var. elatior), kochia (Bassia sieversiana), smooth brome (Bromopsis inernris), western <br />wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), cheatgrass (Anisthana tectorum), and intermediate <br />wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium). A small prairie dog colony occurs in a portion og <br />the upland habitat along the southern boundary of the project area. A ditch occurs in the <br />southern portion of the project area with large plains cottonwoods lining the ditch. Two <br />planted windbreak areas occur on the property with a mix of planted trees interspersed <br />with volunteer native vegetation. One windbreak is in the southwest confer of the <br />property and the other is along the northern boundary curving around the northwest <br />corner (Photo 5). <br />Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse <br />Species Background <br />Preble's was listed as a threatened species on May 13, 1998 under the ESA (63 Fed. <br />Reg. 66777-66784, December 3, 1998). Under existing regulations, either a habitat <br />assessment or a full presence/absence survey for Preble's is required for any habitat - <br />disturbing activity within areas determined to be potential Preble's habitat (generally <br />stream and riparian habitats along the Colorado Front Range and southeastern Wyoming). <br />Typically, Preble's occurs below 7,600 feet in elevation, generally in lowlands with <br />medium to high moisture along permanent or intermittent streams and canals (Meaney et <br />al. 1997). Preble's occurs in low undergrowth consisting of grasses and forbs in open wet <br />meadows, riparian corridors near forests, or where tall shrubs and low trees provide <br />adequate cover (Service 1999; Meaney et al. 1997). <br />Critical Habitat <br />Critical habitat identifies specific areas, both occupied and unoccupied, that are <br />essential to the conservation of Preble's and that may require special management <br />4