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BERNHARDT SITE VISIT: 2019 <br /> Savage and Savage biologists revisited the Bernhardt site on April 9, 2019. The areas <br /> evaluated included the Amendment Area comprising approximately six acres located <br /> immediately north of the Milliken Wastewater Treatment Plant, south of the Big <br /> Thompson River; and Area 5 and 5a containing approximately 34 acres located in the <br /> northeast corner of the site, north of the Big Thompson River (Figures 3-6, Photographs <br /> of Amendment Area and Area 5 and 5a). <br /> AMENDMENT AREA <br /> The Amendment Area is similar in topography and vegetation to the prior evaluated and <br /> disqualified Area 3. Both have relic oxbow alluvial features with native and introduced <br /> grasses and ruderal species. Both areas lack stratified vegetation with a robust grass and <br /> forb community typical of Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat. Preble's habitat <br /> typically consists of areas with thick vegetation and a shrub component that provides <br /> food and cover. Since the Amendment Area in many ways is an extension of the <br /> vegetation type and structure of Area 3, we concluded that the Amendment Area does not <br /> constitute potential habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. <br /> AREA 5 and 5a <br /> During our on-site investigation we observed that Area 5 and 5a contained corn stubble <br /> from last year's crop of corn and appears as it did when we investigated the site in 2006 <br /> with one exception. A small area(estimated at one acre) has been excavated and material <br /> stockpiled around the area perimeter. As Area 5 and 5a is in row crops, we concluded <br /> that it would be categorically disqualified as potential Preble's habitat. <br /> There were no changes or improvements to the areas investigated with the exception of <br /> that noted in Area 5 and 5a. After a review of the USFWS Environmental Conservation <br /> Online System on April 9, 2019, there appear to be no new listed species for this project <br /> area. <br /> Our conclusion from the most recent site investigation on April 9, 2019 for the <br /> Amendment Area and Area 5 and 5a found no potential habitat for the Preble's meadow <br /> jumping mouse based on the lack of suitable vegetation stratification and lifeform <br /> composition consistent with the USFWS guideline descriptions for potential Preble's <br /> habitat. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Edith Savage <br /> Principal <br />