Laserfiche WebLink
WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT <br /> MORTON LAKES PROPERTY <br /> WELD COUNTY,COLORADO <br /> colony is currently located within the proposed project area. No action is necessary <br /> regarding the western burrowing owl. <br /> Mountain Plover <br /> Species Background <br /> The mountain plover is a state species of special concern. This species nests <br /> primarily in shortgrass prairie sites used historically by prairie dogs, bison, and <br /> pronghorn. Typically, plovers nest in areas that maintain approximately 30 percent bare <br /> ground and are often found in disturbed habitats, burned prairie, fallow agricultural <br /> fields, and prairie dog colonies. This species avoids vegetation greater than 6 inches in <br /> height and hillsides or steeper slopes. <br /> Potential Habitat and Possible Effects <br /> Vegetation attributes characteristic of potential mountain plover habitat exists in the <br /> southeast portion of the project area near the west side of Big Dry Creek(Figure 2). <br /> Although this area is heavily grazed and vegetation is shorter than 6 inches in height, the <br /> quality of suitable habitat for mountain plover is marginal. No additional mountain <br /> plover habitat was identified during the 2008 site visit. Grassland and pasture vegetation <br /> on other parts of the project area is generally greater than 6 inches in height and the area <br /> contains very little of the bare ground component preferred by breeding mountain plovers <br /> (Knopf 1996). Because shortgrass and grazed portions of the project area are limited in <br /> size and lack many of the habitat attributes that attract mountain plover, the project <br /> would not likely affect this species and no action is necessary. <br /> Ferruginous Hawk <br /> Species Background <br /> The ferruginous hawk is the largest hawk in North America and is a state species of <br /> special concern. This species inhabits open prairie and desert habitats, and is strongly <br /> associated with primary prey species such as ground squirrels and jackrabbits. <br /> Ferruginous hawks are relatively common winter residents in eastern Colorado, <br /> particularly in association with the black-tailed prairie dog (Beane 1996). This species <br /> has been known to breed in scattered locations in eastern Colorado, none of which are <br /> ERO <br /> 14 Resources <br /> Corporation <br />