2017-04-05_PERMIT FILE - C1982057A (3)

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the predominant group of waterfowl species which utilize aquatic habitat present on the study area. Beaver ponds located in the upper Hubberson Gulch (Section 34, TSN, R88W) supported some duck production in 1979, as three different mallard hens with young were observed to utilize thes ponds in June. Threatened or Endangered Species No Federally-listed Threatened or Endangered animal species are likely to occur on the study area. The bald eagle is known to winter along the Yampa River and may occasionally wander over the study area, but suitable habitat for wintering bald eagles is not present in the Seneca IIW study area. Although not listed as Threatened or Endangered, the golden eagle has been given the same legal protection as the bald eagle by virtue of its inclusion in the "Bald Eagle Protection Act". Golden eagles have been shown to utilize the study area, and one active nest was found in Hubberson Gulch, as indicated in Table 11-10. The Greater sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis) is listed as a species of Special Concern by the State of Colorado and may rarely wander onto the study area. Sandhill cranes are known to utilize portions of the Yampa River Valley for migration and for dancing and staging areas. Wildlife Resources Information (inventory maps) obtained from the CDOW classifies the Yampa River north of the Permit Area as a migration zone. The area to the west of the confluence of Sage Creek and the Yampa River in the vicinity of the Hayden Power Station is designated as a dancing and migration zone. Nesting by approximately three sandhill cranes occurs below the Sage Creek Reservoir (CDOW Wildlife Resources Information). The status of the Greater sandhill crane was summarized by Bieniasz (1979). According to her discussion, the Morgan Bottom area near Hayden Colorado is a traditional migration staging area for the greater sandhill crane. The area is used by approximately 250 cranes during April, May, and September. The birds roost at night in meadows adjacent to the Yampa River and disperse during daytime to traditional congregation areas. One such area, used for feeding, loafing, and courtship activities, is located near the Tie-Across Haulroad, between US Highway 40 and County Road 51 A. Based on maps (Bieniasz, 1979), the haulroad would pass within about 0.75 mile of the crane use area (Exhibit 11-1). The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is classified as Endangered by both the USFWS and Colorado. No suitable habitat exists for this species in the vicinity of the Seneca IIW area, however, peregrines may travel through the area during their migration. The Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) and Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Cuccyzus americanus) are believed to occur in the general area, however, there have been no confirmed sightings or occurrences of these two species within or in the vicinity of the Seneca IIW Permit Area. An area along the Yampa River, west of Hayden has been identified as potential habitat for the yellow-billed cuckoo, based on possible identification of a call during a general survey of characteristic habitat. 23 12/07/16