2022-01-03_PERMIT FILE - M2022001 (8)

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During the on-site investigation only one wildlife species was observed within and adjacent to the project site. A great blue heron (Ardea herodias)was seen flying over the project site. No tracks, scat, nests or other secondary wildlife indicators were observed during our inspection. Seasonal Use The mammal species that potentially occur on-site are expected to be year-round residents or users of the site. The carnivore and ungulate species are not restricted to this site and tend to have relatively large home ranges (up to several square miles). The majority of rodent and insectivore species can be expected to reside on-site throughout the year, though many may hibernate during the cold months. Avian species may be year-round, temporary migrants, or summer residents of the site. Year-round residents would include the waterfowl, raptors, gallinaceous birds, pigeons, owls, and woodpeckers. The majority of the shorebirds and passerines would use the site during the spring, summer, and fall for feeding or resting during migration. Amphibian and reptile species of the site are year-round residents. Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat ' Potential habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse was evaluated based on results of a search of potentially occurring threatened or endangered species on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site for Weld County. Additionally, bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest locations and winter night roost locales were evaluated from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) web site map of sensitive wildlife habitat and restricted surface occupancy areas for protected wildlife species. No potential habitat exists for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse within the project site. As the proposed project location is not within or adjacent to the riparian corridor and does not include disturbance to potential Preble's meadow jumping mouse critical habitat, the potential for impacts to the mouse are negligible, and no further evaluation was undertaken. No eagles or nests were observed during our investigation of the site. The map of significant wildlife habitat from COGCC identified a bald eagle nest site and accompanying buffer zone; however, it is located over 2200 feet west of the closest proposed project site boundary. Two bald eagle winter night roost areas were located along the South Platte River; however, the winter roost boundaries are from 0.75 to 1.75 miles from the project site. Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), a species of concern in Colorado, occupy abandoned prairie dog holes on the outskirts of prairie dog colonies. No prairie dog Exhibit H Page 2