2022-12-16_PERMIT FILE - M2021067

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some species and/or critical habitat in other reaches of the river.The Stiles Mining Resource area does not contain the specific habitat characteristics necessary to support the species affected by water depletions to the South Platte River. Species Potentially within Range of the Stiles Mining Resource Area The following federal and state listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur or historically occur within Weld County. The Stiles Mining Resource Area is located within the potential known range for these species. Further review was conducted to determine if the species or habitat has the potential to exist on the Stiles Mining Resource Area considering Stiles Mining Resource Area area-specific conditions and characteristics.A brief explanation is provided as to the species life cycle, habitat requirements and potential occurrence on the Stiles Mining Resource Area. Common Name Scientific Name Status Black-footed Ferret Mustela nigripes Federal Endangered State Endangered Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia State Threatened Piping Plover Charadrius melodus circumcintus Federal Threatened State Threatened Preble's Meadow Jumping Zapus hudsonius preblei Federal Threatened Mouse State Threatened River otter Lontra canadensis State Threatened Black-Footed Ferret (MUSTELA NIGRIPES)-The black-footed ferret (BFF) (Mustela nigripes) is a medium-sized mustelid (a member of the weasel family). The BFF is the only ferret species native to the Americas. Its historical range spanned much of western North America's intermountain and prairie grasslands, extending from Canada to Mexico. Historically, BFF habitat coincided with habitats of black-tailed prairie dog (C. ludovicianus), Gunnison's prairie dog(C. gunnisoni), and white-tailed prairie dog(C. leucurus). Prairie dogs make up more than 90%of the BFF's diet. BFF's are limited to open habitat, the same habitat used by prairie dogs: grasslands, steppe,and shrub steppe. Ferrets prey on prairie dogs and utilize their burrows for shelter and denning. It is estimated that BFF require about 99-150 acres prairie dog colony to support one ferret. No BFF individuals have been observed on or surrounding the Stiles Mining Resource Area. No black-tailed prairie dog colonies have been observed on site. According to the USFWS and the CPW maps,the Stiles Mining Resource Area is located within the Block Clearance Area for BFF.The Block Clearance area means that land within no longer contains any wild free ranging black-footed ferrets and that activities within these areas that result in the removal of black tailed prairie dogs and/or their habitat will no longer be required to meet the USFWS Area guidelines for black-footed ferrets. The proposed project and any future land use changes within the Stiles Mining Resource Area should not adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)-The burrowing owl (owl) is listed as a state threatened species in Colorado. The owl is small(length of ten inches), long-legged, boldly spotted,and barred with brown and white. The owl is a breeding species across the plains of eastern Colorado however rarely winters in the state. Nesting habitat is abandoned burrows, especially prairie dog colonies, located in grasslands, mountain parks, well-drained steppes, deserts, prairies, and agricultural lands from late March through October. The owl can usually be observed on low perches such as H•\Pits HBP Plants\EVANS\Evans Mining Resource\Exh H Wildlife\EXHIBIT H Wildlife Information DRAFf.docx