2021-03-09_REVISION - M2001046 (17)

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Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat Of the federally listed threatened or endangered species for the State of Colorado,the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has expressed an interest in two that may potentially be present in the project site or adjacent area; the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), and the Ute Ladies-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis). Additionally, while not listed under the Endangered Species Act, bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting and winter roosting sites are of concern, and regulated by, the USFWS. Preble's meadow jumping mouse Characteristic habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse occurs below 7400 feet elevation within the South Platte River 100-year floodplain,tributaries, and associated wet meadow complexes (from the Front Range to Ft. Morgan, Colorado) in Adams,Arapahoe, Denver, Elbert, Larimer, Morgan, and Weld counties. The USFWS has described the characteristic habitat of the mouse as areas with the following features; low undergrowth with grasses and forbs, in open wet meadows and riparian corridors or where tall shrubs and low trees provide cover. The mouse prefers mesic to hydric lowlands, and has been found in agricultural and native landscapes, along irrigation canals, and natural drainages, as well as areas dominated by both introduced and native plant species. Preble's meadow jumping mouse characteristic habitat is not present at the Nix amendment site, as the site lacks the stratified vegetation of mouse habitat and contains monocultures of reed canarygrass and cattails. Savage and Savage conducted a Preble's meadow jumping mouse survey immediately north of the Nix amendment site adjacent to the St. Vrain River in 1999 and found no Preble's individuals. Additionally, in 2001, USFWS concurred with a Savage and Savage request for disqualification of the Nix site (USDI, 2001), agreeing that"Preble's habitat is not present in the subject area." Ute Ladies-tresses orchid The Ute ladies-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) is a federally listed threatened plant species characteristically found in wet meadows and alluvial flood plains below 6500 feet in northern Colorado, southwestern Wyoming, and the Uintah Basin of Utah. Characteristic orchid habitat is described as relatively low elevation riparian, spring, and lakeside wetland meadows. The Nix amendment site does not contain characteristic Ute ladies'-tresses orchid habitat. In 2002, USFWS concurred with a Savage and Savage request for disqualification of the Nix site (USDI, 2002), agreeing that "suitable habitat for S. diluvialis is not present in the areas assessed." Exhibit H Page 3 Page 28 of 126