2016-01-07_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (10)

Home Browse Search

Fish and Wildlife Plan Introduction WFC herein addresses the requirements of Section 2.05.6(2) - Fish and Wildlife Plan by presenting the information requested by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) relative to special protection measures that apply to federal and state listed threatened or endangered species of wildlife, specifically, the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia). According to discussion with Mr. Jim Garner and Tony Bonacquista, of the CDOW, this is the only listed species of concern in this area. Please see a letter from CDOW in Appendix 2.05.6(2)-1. Literature Review and Agency Coordination In preparing this Fish and Wildlife Plan, WFC carefully reviewed the files of PCC and made a formal request of both the DRMS and CDOW to obtain their concerns prior to preparing this plan. The proposed scope of the wildlife survey (Section 2.04.11) was discussed in two meetings with the DRMS held in Grand Junction. In these meetings, WFC was directed to consult with the CDOW regarding their concerns relative to the Fish and Wildlife Plan. Copies of previously completed fish and wildlife resource surveys of the area were obtained and reviewed and WFC held a meeting with Mr. Tony Bonacquista, the District Wildlife Manager, stationed in Nucla and Mr. James Garner, the Regional Wildlife Biologist stationed in Montrose. Subsequent to this meeting, WFC's consultant obtained additional direction from Mr. Garner regarding the Fish and Wildlife Plan. According to the wildlife studies conducted by Mariah and Associates in 1979 and 1980, the Burrowing Owl was not observed, or listed as a species that potentially occurred in this area. Recent investigations by the CDOW, document that this species is found in Badger Basin just a few miles to the southwest of this site and given the relative high density of Gunnison's Prairie Dogs, that occur in the New Horizon North Mine area, there is the potential for this to be a species of special concern for this area and hence the CDOW has requested that the Fish and Wildlife Plan address potential impacts to this species. Burrowing Owl The Borrowing Owl is officially listed as a Threatened species in Colorado. It currently has no formal federal designation. This species is a small, ground -dwelling owl with long legs that typically nests in abandoned burrows of prairie dog, ground squirrel, fox woodchuck, and badger excavations. They are reported to rarely dig their own burrows, but are known to enlarge and modify existing burrows. No other small owl has such long legs or perches habitually on the ground in open situations. They spend much of the daylight hours on the ground or in low perches such as open dirt mounds or fence posts. They feed primarily on large insects (especially in the warmer months) rodents, and birds and amphibians. The population levels in Colorado are Section 2.05.6(2) Page 1 Sept. 2015 (TR -11)