2020-12-08_REVISION - M2008078 (23)

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ERC West Farm Pit Expansion Project Site Threatened-Endangered Species and General Wildlife Screening WHOOPING CRANE (GRUS AMERICANA) The Whooping Crane(crane) is listed as a state endangered species in Colorado.The crane is white overall with red facial skin with black primary feathers.They are tall birds(50-56 inches long) with a wingspan up to 90 inches. Habitat for the crane is in mudflats located around reservoirs and agricultural areas. In winter, cranes can be found on salt flats that are dominated by coastal salt grass. Breeding takes place in the summer and females lay two eggs,two days apart during late April or early map.The incubation period is 29 to 34 days. • No whooping cranes or whooping crane individuals were observed on or surrounding the survey area The survey area is located within a cultivated cropland and lacks any marshes, shallow lakes, and/or lagoons. Any future land use changes within the survey area should have no effect on the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. 8.0 SUMMARY ERC has conducted this screening for federal and state listed threatened and endangered species and general wildlife for the approximately 957-acre survey area. The following provides key items identified as part of this report: 1. One primary land use class/vegetative cover type exists within the survey area. Upland habitats are characterized as Cultivated Cropland (98%total cover)with central irrigation pivots.Wetland habitats are characterized as R4SBCx (2%total cover), PEM1A(.007%total cover), PEM2C(.005%total cover), and R2UBGx (.009%cover) and are located on the edges of the irrigation ditches and Lamar ditch in the survey area. Historic land use for agricultural practices has led to degradation of the native vegetation community. 2. Generally,there are features on the survey area and the surrounding area that provide general habitat for local songbirds, raptors, and small to mid-size mammals. However, habitat within the survey area is somewhat degraded and of lower ecological value from a wildlife perspective due to historic and current land use for agriculture,which has restricted overall growth and establishment of vegetation. 3. Based upon literature review and an onsite assessment of the survey area, ERC has determined that some migratory birds likely utilize the survey area. These birds, their eggs, and nests are protected under the MBTA and take or possession of these resources is prohibited. Two nests were observed outside of the survey area during the field inspection (Figure 4). 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 within the survey area that remove vegetation during the active nesting season should first ensure that active nests are not disturbed. A nest survey should be conducted prior to vegetation removal that may occur during this time frame. • 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. In accordance with CPW guidelines no new disturbance should occur within the recommended buffer of an active raptor nest between February 15 and June 15 or until the young have fledged. 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"during migratory bird nesting season to determine the presence and activity status of nests protected by the MBTA. Once a raptor nest becomes inactive surface occupancy may resume within the buffer and vegetation occupied by the inactive nest may be removed for species other than bald and golden eagles. Eagle nests 15