2019-05-24_PERMIT FILE - M2019028 ‎(11)‎

• Permit No: M2019028
• IBM Index Class Name: PERMIT FILE
• Doc Date: 5/24/2019
• Doc Name: Application
• From: J-2 Contracting Co.
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: ECS
• Email Name: MAC
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

EXHIBIT H
Wildlife Information
The project area was surveyed for general wildlife habitat by Ecological Resource Consultants
(ERC). The Screening Report for Federal and State Listed Threatened and Endangered
Species from ERC is attached which describes the wildlife habitat present on the site and the
common species that may be found in the habitat area.
ERC conducted this screening for federal and state threatened, endangered and species of
concern for the approximately 265-acre survey area. The following provides key items identified
as part of the report:
1. Four primary vegetation communities exist within the survey area and are comprised of
Cultivated Cropland, Upland Grassland Ruderal Herbaceous vegetation, Western Cattail
Marsh, and Western Great Plains Riparian Woodland, Shrubland and Herbaceous
vegetation (Comer et al. 2003).
2. Generally, there are features on the survey area and the surrounding area that provide
general habitat for local songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic
invertebrate and small to midsize mammals. However, the majority of the habitat on
survey area (75%) is classified as Cultivated Cropland and Upland Grassland Ruderal
Herbaceous vegetation which is somewhat degraded from a wildlife perspective by
historic and current land use practices. Within the survey area, the Western Great Plains
Riparian Woodland, Shrubland, and Herbaceous and Western Cattail Marsh vegetation
communities occupy a smaller percentage of the survey area (24%) but provides a
variety of important wildlife values.
3. Based upon literature review and field evaluation of the Survey area, ERC has
determined that some migratory birds likely utilize the Survey area. These birds are
protected under the MBTA, and killing or possession of these birds is prohibited.
Generally, the active nesting season for most migratory birds in this region of Colorado
occurs between April 1 and August 31. Any future land use changes that may occur on
Survey area that remove vegetation during the active nesting season should first ensure
that active nests are not disturbed.
4. Raptor nest sites are further protected by the CPW. The CPW has established
recommended buffer zones and seasonal activity restrictions for a variety of Colorado
raptors. One active red-tailed hawk nest was observed during the field investigation and
no CPW mapped buffer zones are located within the survey area. In accordance with
CPW guidelines no new disturbance should occur within 1/3-mile of the active red-tailed
hawk nest between February 15 and June 15 or until the young have fledged. Once the
nest becomes inactive surface occupancy may resume within the 1/3-mile buffer and
vegetation occupied by the inactive nest may be removed. According to the USFWS
Region 6 Migratory Bird Conservation Actions for Projects to Reduce the Risk of Take
during the Nesting Season, an active nest survey should be performed "no more than 7-
10 days prior to when work actually begins on the project site" to determine the presence
and activity status of nests protected by the MBTA. If work for the project must begin
prior to the nest becoming inactive within the 1/3-mile buffer, further agency coordination
would be required.
5. Federally listed threatened and endangered species and/or habitat protected under the
ESA were evaluated for the survey area. The survey area is within the occurrence range
of Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preble►) (PMJM). The PMJM is
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