2018-01-03_PERMIT FILE - C1994082 (14)

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ATTACHMENT 11-1A THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SENSITIVE SPECIES 2017 UPDATE Rare Species The only rare plant species with Federal status that would likely occur in this part of Colorado is Ute Ladies" Tresses orchid (Spiranihes divuvialis), listed as threatened by the USFWS. In western Routt County, the only suitable elevations and habitat for this species are found in the vicinity of the Yampa River along the floodplain. Since the lowest elevation of the Yoast Area is about 6,850 feet, and well removed to the south of the Yampa River, there would seem to be little potential habitat. With regard to other plant species not listed as threatened or endangered by USFWS, but regarded as rare by the Colorado Natural Heritage Inventory (CNHP 1996 and update through 12/2016), several have known occurrences in Northwest Colorado (Leathery grape fern, Crandall's wild hollyhock, Large - flowered globe -mallow, Gay -feather, Many -stem stickleaf, Autumn willow). These occurrences are mostly at lower elevations and further west than the Yoast Area. Many of these require seepy sandstone cliffs not found in the study area, and many occur on outcrop sites where active weathering and erosion keeps soils thin and competition low. These latter conditions are also not characteristic of the study area. Some of these rare plant species are early season annuals. Early season floral inventory would be required to assess these species and fill in the early season flora missing from the study area species list, however, since the Mine is in reclamation and no further disturbance is anticipated, further study is not warranted. 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 Yoast 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". Similar to bald eagles, golden eagles may occasionally utilize the area for hunting, however, nesting is unlikely due to habitat considerations. The Greater sandhill crane (Grits 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. There are known crane nesting areas within approximately 1.0 to 1.5 miles of the Yoast property and cranes are occasionally seen on-site, however, there are no known nests within the Yoast Permit Area. 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 51A. Based on maps (Bieniasz, 1979), the haulroad would pass within about 0.75 mile of the crane use area (Exhibit 11-1).