Laserfiche WebLink
in the vicinity of the Lafarge Brown property. PMJM trapping on the Cache La Poudre River <br /> (approximately 10 miles upstream and approximately 8 miles downstream of the Lafarge Brown <br /> property) have resulted in negative findings of the species. The Lafarge Brown property has not <br /> been evaluated in the past. The closest PMJM trapping or evaluation occurred just west of Section <br /> 34; these trapping results were negative. The closest positive trapping result occurred <br /> approximately 8 miles south of the Lafarge Brown property, along the South Platte River (CNHP <br /> 2007). <br /> During the February 5, 2009 survey, B&A biologists assessed the Lafarge Brown property to <br /> determine if suitable PMJM habitat was present. The riparian corridor adjacent to the Lafarge <br /> Brown property or the property itself did not contain suitable PMJM habitat (see Appendix H.2 for <br /> PMJM survey field data compilation forms). The Cache La Poudre River in this area is deeply <br /> entrenched, heavily rip-rapped and sparsely vegetated. Habitat disturbances in this area have also <br /> been caused by farming and heavy grazing practices. The shrub component that could provide <br /> cover and hibernacula for PMJM is very sparse along the river in these areas. Due to <br /> channelization, and past and current grazing management, the riparian zone is narrow and is <br /> dominated by upland grasses and a narrow band of cottonwood trees. As such, there is a low <br /> potential for the species to occur on the Lafarge Brown property. <br /> The northern river otter (Lutra canadensis) is a State threatened species that inhabits riparian <br /> habitats in a variety of ecosystems ranging from semi-desert shrublands to montane and subalpine <br /> forests. The species requires permanent water of relatively high quality with an abundant food base <br /> of fish or crustaceans. The CNHP shows no accounts of the species in the Project Area. However, <br /> tracks and other sign of otters have been found in the Cache La Poudre and Laramie drainages in <br /> Larimer County, upstream of the Project Area. There is a low potential for the species to occur in <br /> the Cache La Poudre River adjacent to the Lafarge Brown property. <br /> The cylindrical papershell (Anodontoides ferussacianus) is a mollusk of State Special Concern. <br /> This species prefers shallow water near shore in silt. It is thought to inhabit small streams, creeks, <br /> and lakes in sand or fine gravel, but also is tolerant of impoundment (NatureServe 2009). In <br /> Colorado, this species reaches the edge of its western range and has declined to just a couple sites in <br /> the South Platte River drainage (NatureServe 2009). The CNHP's Biodiversity Tracking and <br /> Conservation System identified several occurrence records. One account of the species occurred in <br /> 1906 approximately 2-miles west of the property. Several accounts are located in the surrounding <br /> area, including within Section 34, but have no dates associated with them. There is a moderate <br /> potential for the species to occur in the Cache La Poudre River adjacent to the Lafarge Brown <br /> property. <br /> General Effect on Wildlife Due to Mining Operations <br /> Although the exact Plan of Operations including mitigation measures to protect wildlife species <br /> have not be finalized at this time, it is not likely that the proposed project would adversely affect <br /> wildlife species. Direct and indirect impacts to wildlife would likely depend on several factors: 1) <br /> sensitivity of the species to human activity; 2) seasonal and daily timing of construction and <br /> development activities; and 3) availability of similar habitats outside of the project area. <br /> The majority of habitat on the Lafarge Brown property has been degraded by previous grazing <br /> Greeley 35`h Avenue Mine(M-1977-036) <br /> DRMS 112 Reclamation Permit Amendment Application <br /> Page H6 of H9 <br />