2021-08-02_PERMIT FILE - M2021044

Home Browse Search

The current land use of the property for the proposed Mattics Pit is majority rangeland with a small percentage of dryland farm ground. The rangeland vegetation is dominated by native shortgrass prairie species with a small shrub component comprised mostly of sand sage (Artemisia filifolia Torr.). The dry North Fork of the Smoky Hill River runs from the north and along the east boundary of the proposed property. Eureka Creek is located on the west boundary of the proposed property. Rangeland or Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) surrounds the remainder of the proposed property. Dryland farm ground is also found nearby. The parcel of the proposed project provides habitat for multiple wildlife species throughout the year. The proposed project falls within the overall range and concentration area for mule deer, overall range and concentration area for whitetail deer, overall range and concentration area pronghorn, overall range for swift fox, the current range for greater prairie-chicken, and the estimated occupied range and CHAT 2 (Connectivity Zone) for lesser prairie-chicken. In addition, the proposed project falls within habitat of other species of wildlife including burrowing owls, other raptors, coyotes, songbirds, bats, and other small mammals. The State of Colorado lists the lesser prairie-chicken as a State Threatened Species under state law. Colorado is a partner in the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan and follows the recommendations in that plan when commenting on development in lesser prairie-chicken habitat. At the core of these recommendations are conservation efforts that emphasize habitat quality, avoid development in focal areas, and avoid impacts to leks. Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended the lesser prairie-chicken be listed as a federal threatened species for protection under the ESA. With the proposed listing, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be required. The parcel for the proposed project falls within the CHAT 2 or Connectivity Zone for lesser prairie-chicken. Habitat designated as CHAT 2 priority area (Connectivity Zone) means the parcel is important for the movement of lesser prairie-chickens between CHAT 1 priority areas (Focal Areas). Lek surveys in the area have not shown any active leks on the proposed property for the Mattics Pit; however, the proposed property for the Mattics Pit falls between two important focal areas for lesser prairie-chickens. The first focal area is located approximately 3-mites to the east and the second is located approximately 10.5-miles to the northwest of the proposed project. The large size (1,313-acres) of the proposed Mattics Pit has the potential to disrupt movements of less prairie-chickens between focal areas. With the proposed project falling within the connectivity zone of lesser prairie-chickens, CPW recommends the following: