2019-12-13_REVISION - M1980244 (64)

Home Browse Search

Baseline Technical Report ARCADIS Report for Soils and Biological Resources, MLE2 Project Area There are no known bald eagle nest sites or winter roosts in the District or the survey area. Food resources present within the survey are most likely insufficient to attract bald eagles, particularly due to the lack of large water bodies in the survey area that would support fish and waterfowl. Individuals of this species may occasionally pass through the area during migration but are not expected to stay in the area due to limited foraging habitat. No bald eagles were observed in the survey area during the 2011 site visit. 5.1.3 Burrowing Owl The burrowing owl is a state listed threatened species. Burrowing owls occupy grasslands and mountain parks, typically in or near prairie dog colonies where they can use abandoned burrows to modify and use as their own (USFWS 2003). Grasslands and prairie dog colonies were searched intensively during the 2011 site visit; however, no burrowing owls were observed within the survey area. Though there are historic occurrences of this species within Teller County; current distribution maps do not show this species occupying Teller County (USFWS 2003). As such, it is not expected that burrowing owls would occur in the survey area. 5.1.4 Ferruginous Hawk The ferruginous hawk is considered a species of concern in Colorado. The ferruginous hawk is a bird of open grasslands and shrub steppe vegetation communities (CDOW 2004). Birds nest in flat, rolling, or rugged terrain in open areas, including short-grass prairie, canyons with cliffs or rock outcrops, and areas with isolated trees (CDOW 2004). There is suitable habitat for this species within native grasslands in the survey area. However, no ferruginous hawks or nests were observed during the 2011 site visit. Considering this species typically avoids areas of high human disturbance (CDOW 2004), such as that of mine activity and road work within the vicinity of the survey area, the ferruginous hawk is unlikely to use habitats within the survey area (particularly for nesting). 5.1.5 Mexican Spotted Owl The Mexican spotted owl is a federally and state listed threatened species. It inhabits two different primary habitats in Colorado: 1) old growth mixed coniferous forests in mountainous areas ay elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet and 2) large steep canyons and areas of pinyon-juniper with scattered stands of old growth Douglas-fir in narrow, shady canyons. Canyon bottoms often have riparian vegetation composed of cottonwoods, willow, box elder, and other riparian shrub and tree species. Downed logs and snags are also important habitat components. Day roost sites are found in CCV Baseline Soils Biology Resource Report(11-17-11).doc 22