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Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat <br /> With development of the project site as pasture, native vegetation has been largely <br /> replaced by pasture grasses, predominantly brome (Bromus sp.). There is no significant <br /> developed tree or shrub association within the project site. Scattered individual trees and <br /> shrub clumps are present along the Little Cache la Poudre Ditch, irrigation laterals, <br /> County Road 54G, and adjacent residential and commercial properties. The prevalent <br /> tree and shrub species include plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Chinese elm <br /> (Ulmus pumila), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), peach-leaf willow (Salix <br /> amygdaloides), and coyote willow(Salix exigua). <br /> With the exception of the Little Cache la Poudre Ditch which traverses the project site <br /> from west to east, there is little cover or significant wildlife habitat within the project site. <br /> The Little Cache la Poudre Ditch likely provides a wildlife corridor for species travelling <br /> within or immediately adjacent to the ditch banks. The open nature of the project site, <br /> with little significant shrub or tree vegetation cover limits the value of avian habitat for <br /> nesting. <br /> Common vertebrate wildlife to be found within the project area would be those species <br /> whose habitat includes agricultural and pastureland sites. For a comprehensive list of <br /> mammals, birds, and herptiles potentially inhabiting the project area, reference is made to <br /> the CDOW Latilong Studies (CDOW, 1981, 1987, 1990). <br /> Recent water line relocation activity by the West Fort Collins Water District has removed <br /> a number of trees and shrubs (willows, Chinese elms, and cottonwoods) along the west <br /> and south boundaries of the project area. <br /> STUDY METHODS <br /> A vehicle and pedestrian survey of the proposed project area was conducted. Searches <br /> for avian nests at this time of year are productive due to the lack of obscuring foliage of <br /> deciduous trees and shrubs. Visual searches were made of trees, shrubs, tall grasses, and <br /> Loveland Ready Mix Concrete Page 3 <br /> 2019 Knox Project Avian Nest Survey <br />