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

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SPECIES OF CONCERN Table 11-45 lists the vertebrate species of concern that could potentially occur in the extension area. This list includes possible residents as well as species that could migrate through the area. For each species, information is provided regarding habitat potential, expected frequency of occurrence, State rank, and any Federal or State status. A supplement to this table has been prepared to include updates through 12/2016 from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. Nine of the species on Table 11-45 have been observed on or near the extension area. This includes species listed as observed during previous Seneca IIW baseline studies. No suitable breeding habitat is present for two of the nine species observed: the great blue heron, Ardea herodias (riparian woodlands), and the northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, (coniferous forest). Breeding by four other species is known or probable. As previously noted, sharp-shinned hawks nested on the area in 19997, and northern harriers, Cooper's hawks, and golden eagles were likely nesters. Breeding potential for the remaining three species of concern, sandhill crane, Grus Canadensis, loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus, and northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, is uncertain. Bottomland habitat along Hubberson Gulch could support breeding leopard frogs. Beaver ponds maintain water in the drainage year-round. There is a possibility that sandhill cranes could occupy such habitat as well, or even other bottomland areas. A vegetation ecologist reported a pair of sandhill cranes frequenting the vicinity of the upland ponds in the SWl/4 SE'/4, Section 27, and NW'/4 NE'/4, Section 34 in July 1997 (D. Buckner, personal communication). No young birds, however, were seen with the adults. Breeding pairs of sandhill cranes have been observed in isolated high-elevation drainages several miles east of the extension area, on and adjacent to the Seneca 1I Mine affected area (PRES 1996a). There is a remote possibility that sandhill cranes could nest off the eastern or western margins of the extension area. The loggerhead shrike was recorded during previous baseline studies at the Seneca IIW Mine. Mountain brush habitat interspersed with open foraging areas would seem to be suitable habitat for loggerhead shrikes. None were observed, however, during an extensive 1993 baseline study in very similar habitat a few miles northeast of the expansion area (SCC"s Yoast property, PRES, 1994). A specific three-day survey of that same area in June 1996 also failed to locate any shrikes (PRES, 1996b). Apart from the sandhill crane, as discussed above, no Federally-listed or State-listed threatened or endangered species would be expected to breed on the extension area. As previously noted, no nesting habitat for the peregrine falcon exists on or adjacent to the area, and bald eagles are solely winter residents or transients of nearby large drainages. Ferruginous hawks may pass over the area during migration, but this species typically nests in lower elevation rangelands, not in foothills shrublands. The wolverine (Gulo gulo) and lynx (Lynx lynx) potentially occur in the mountains of Northwest Colorado, but are likely extirpated from the area. Both species are wide-ranging, and it is possible that individuals might move through or reoccupy the region at some point in time. 39 12/07/16