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WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT <br /> MORTON LAKES PROPERTY <br /> WELD COUNTY,COLORADO <br /> near the project area(Kingery 1998). Currently, no nesting ferruginous hawks are known <br /> to occur in southwestern Weld County or western Adams County. <br /> Potential Habitat and Possible Effects <br /> No potential ferruginous hawk nesting sites were observed during the 2008 site visit <br /> and suitable prey resources are lacking within the project area. The project would not <br /> likely affect the ferruginous hawk; therefore, no action is necessary. <br /> Northern Leopard Frog <br /> Species Background <br /> The northern leopard frog is a state species of special concern that prefers the banks <br /> and shallow portions of marshes, wet meadows, ponds, lakes, and streams, particularly <br /> where rooted aquatic vegetation is present(Hammerson 1999). Leopard frogs prefer <br /> permanent bodies of water and are a wide-ranging species known to occur at elevations <br /> up to 11,000 feet. The northern leopard frog range is up to 3 miles and they feed on <br /> insects, spiders, and worms. Worldwide and in Colorado, amphibian populations have <br /> declined for reasons not well known. <br /> Potential Habitat and Possible Effects <br /> Leopard frogs may be present within the project area in wetlands along Big Dry <br /> Creek and pockets of wetlands in the southeast corner of the property. Leopard frogs <br /> likely inhabit wet areas in or adjacent to any of the waterways on the property. The <br /> leopard frog is currently not protected under federal, state, or county regulations. <br /> However, if the species were to become federally or state listed in the future, regulations <br /> regarding protection of this species could be imposed. The 75-to 450-foot setback along <br /> Big Dry Creek would effectively avoid and minimize most adverse impacts to the <br /> northern leopard frog; therefore, no action is necessary at this time. <br /> Common Garter Snake <br /> Species Background <br /> The common garter snake is considered globally secure but rare in Colorado and is a <br /> state species of special concern. This species occurs only along the South Platte River <br /> drainage below 6,000 feet in northeastern Colorado(Hammerson 1999). This snake <br /> FRO <br /> 15 Resources <br /> Corporation <br />