2022-09-26_PERMIT FILE - M2022042 (7)

Home Browse Search

Windsor East Mine, Exhibit H – Wildlife Information September 2022 Page 2 | 2 Developed Areas, CPW recommends a seasonal (November 15 – March 15) buffer of 660 feet (1/8-mile) for disturbances not in direct line of sight and a buffer of 1/4-mile for disturbances in direct line of sight. If impacts on or near the prairie dog burrows are expected, Burrowing Owl surveys should be completed prior to construction activities that are scheduled to take place from March 15 to October 31. Surveys should be conducted in accordance with the CPW Recommended Survey Protocol and Actions to Protect Nesting Burrowing Owls (CPW, 2021). If active Burrowing Owl nests are found during the surveys, work should be avoided within 660 feet of the active nest (CPW, 2020). There is habitat for the northern leopard frog in the study area. As a special concern species, the northern leopard frog does not have any regulatory protections, and no mitigation is required for this species. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and avoidance measures for waters and wetlands will also benefit this species. Due to the potential for Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) constraints, if work is to occur during the nesting season for small migratory birds (April 1 through August 31), Pinyon recommends that the project conduct surveys for nests prior to ground disturbance (e.g. clearing and grubbing activities). Work should be avoided within 50 feet of active nests of small migratory birds. If work is to occur during the nesting season for Colorado raptors, Pinyon recommends conducting raptor nest surveys within 0.5 mile of the study area (CPW, 2020). The nesting season for most Colorado raptors occurs between February 15 and August 31, but eagles and certain other species can nest as early as January. If active raptor nests are noted within the CPW-recommended buffer for that species, coordination with CPW and/or USFWS may be necessary.