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

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A ERC DPG Site Threatened and Endangered Species Screening potential to exist on the Survey area considering survey area-specific conditions and characteristics. A brief explanation is provided as to the species life cycle, habitat requirements and potential occurrence on the Survey area.The Survey area is not within designated critical habitat of any federally listed species. oomnm Nwe Sd "t Nwe statm Colorado butterfly plant Gaura neomexicana var. Federally Threatened coloradensis Preble's meadow jumping mouse Zopus hudsonius preblei Federally Threatened Ute Ladies'-tresses orchid I Spiranthes diluvialis Federally Threatened COLORADO BUTTERFLY PLANT(GAURA NEOMEXICANA VAR. COLORADENSIS) The Colorado butterfly plant is listed as federally threatened under the ESA. This plant species is a short- lived, perennial herb endemic to moist soils in mesic or wet meadows of floodplain areas in southeastern Wyoming, north central Colorado, and extreme western Nebraska. This early to mid-seral stage species occurs primarily in habitats created and maintained by streams active within their floodplains, with vegetation that is relatively open and not overly dense or overgrown. The conversion of natural wet meadows and natural riparian corridors to agricultural land and urban development is the primary threat to the continued existence of the species (Federal Register 2000). • The riparian and wetland habitats within the survey area do not exhibit typical habitat of the Colorado butterfly plant. The wetlands are mostly overgrown with dense herbaceous vegetation and/or tree/shrub canopy cover. Furthermore,the Colorado butterfly plant is known to occur at elevations of 5,000-6,400 feet which is not within the elevation range of the survey area (survey area is at an average elevation of 4600 feet) (Federal Register 2000). Neither individuals nor potential habitat for the Colorado butterfly plant were observed on or immediately surrounding the survey area. The proposed project and any future land use changes are not likely to adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. PREBLE'S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE (ZAPUS HUDSONIUS PREBLEI) On May 13, 1998 the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule to list the Preble's meadow jumping mouse(PMJM)as a federally threatened species under the ESA. PMJM range extends from southwestern Wyoming through eastern Colorado generally below 7,600 feet. Armstrong et al. (1997)described typical PMJM habitats as "well-developed plains riparian vegetation with relatively undisturbed grassland and a water source in close proximity." Also noted was a preference for "dense herbaceous vegetation consisting of a variety of grasses,forbs and thick shrubs"(USFWS 1999).This species is known to regularly travel into adjacent uplands to feed and hibernate. The PMJM hibernates in an underground burrow from September to May. PMJM bears two to three litters per year, averaging five young per litter, in a grass- lined nest. In general, PMJM surveys are recommended for areas with suitable habitat in Weld County below 7,600 feet and within 300 feet of vegetated irrigation canals, ditches,and wetlands.Areas that are highly disturbed or modified (including landscaped lots and paved areas) or wetland areas dominated by cattails are excluded from this recommendation. No populations of the PMJM are known to occur within the vicinity of the survey area (UDFCD 2010). Further, the survey area is not designated as Critical Mouse Habitat by the USFWS (CPW 2019). The nearest known critical habitat occurs at Critical Habitat Units 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Larimer County. No Critical Habitat Units occur in Weld County. The USFWS Mouse Block Clearance Map for the Denver Metro Area (USFWS 2010) which identifies areas exempt from further review for PMJM habitat, shows the survey 13