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RULE 2 PERMITS
<br />provide important habitat for big game species, predators, and small mammals including deer mice, voles,
<br />shrews, and squirrels.
<br />Bottomland grass habitats provide limited habitat for wildlife. However, it does provide foraging habitat
<br />for some species, including sage grouse, turkey vulture, horned lark, American robin, song sparrow,
<br />vesper sparrow, and western meadowlark. Elk and deer also use this type for foraging through out the
<br />year.
<br />Habitats within the general project area are same as the above except for burned and reclaimed habitats.
<br />These habitats are similar and provide habitat for similar species. Typical species include mourning dove,
<br />American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, mountain bluebird, vesper sparrow, song sparrow, Brewer's blackbird,
<br />golden eagle, western kingbird, horned lark, and house wren.
<br />2.04.11(4) Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species
<br />In addition to primary data collected during the Monarch & Associates and Consol field studies, the
<br />USFWS Endangered Species list was reviewed for Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. The endangered list
<br />includes the black -footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), bonytail chub (Gila elegans), colorado pikeminnow
<br />(Ptychocheilus lucius), humpback chub (Gila cypha), and the razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) for
<br />both counties. The threatened list includes the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Canada Lynx
<br />(Lynx canadensis) in both counties and the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) in Moffat
<br />County. The yellow -billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) is identified as a candidate for listing in both
<br />counties. Additional endangered species not presented on the list that were considered included the
<br />peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), and the whooping crane (Grus americana). Additional candidates for
<br />listing that were considered included the mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) and the boreal toad
<br />(Bufo boreas boreal). The common name/ scientific name, status, habitat and potential for occurrence of
<br />threatened and endangered fish, wildlife, and plant species within the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit
<br />revision area are presented in Table 2.04.11-15. Threatened and endangered plant species are discussed
<br />in Section 2.04.11 (5) of this permit revision document.
<br />A literature review and correspondence with the Bureau of Land Management was conducted to
<br />determine the potential for occurrence of these species.
<br />Correspondence within two letters prepared by the Bureau of Land Management dated July 28, 1997 and
<br />July 29, 1997 indicate that suitable habitat for the mountain plover, Mexican spotted owl, boreal toad,
<br />Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail chub, and humpback chub does not exist in the permit
<br />revision area. According to the July 28, 1997 letter, bald eagles may use the revision area for foraging
<br />habitat; however, nesting sites are closely associated with larger river systems such as the White and
<br />Yampa Rivers and the Piceance, Coal, and Milk Creeks.
<br />Literary review indicated that peregrine falcons may use the revision area for foraging habitat. Preferred
<br />foraging areas are located adjacent to open areas near rivers, marshes, and coasts. Cliffs and man-made
<br />structures are the preferred nesting habitat for the peregrine falcon. Several areas within the permit
<br />revision area would provide habitat for falcons; however, no nesting locations have been identified within
<br />the revision area.
<br />Whooping cranes roost, forage, and nest in and adjacent to wetland areas. Selected sites are limited
<br />almost exclusively to open areas with few to no visual obstructions located away from human disturbance
<br />areas. Whooping cranes migrate south during in the fall for the winter months and return during the
<br />spring for nesting and brood rearing. Several wetland areas are within the permit revision area; however,
<br />these areas are typically surrounded with vegetation and steep slopes which create visual obstructions.
<br />South Taylor/Lower Wilson— Rule 2, Page 65 Revision Date: 11/18/16
<br />Revision No.: MR -163
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