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fence posts, dirt mounds or the ground. Clutch size of this owl averages six to seven and <br /> incubation lasts up to 30 days. The owlets usually run and forage at 4 weeks and fly at 6 weeks. <br /> Primary threats to existence of this species are habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, habitat <br /> degradation and fragmentation due to control of burrowing mammals and predation by cats and <br /> dogs. <br /> No owl individuals were observed on or surrounding the Stiles Mining Resource Area.The Stiles <br /> Mining Resource Area is located within the overall range of the black tailed prairie dog; however, <br /> no active colonies were observed on the Stiles Mining Resource Area.The Stiles Mining Resource <br /> Area is subject to human disturbance limiting the potential use of the Stiles Mining Resource Area <br /> by this species.The proposed project and any future land use changes within the Stiles Mining <br /> Resource Area should not adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this <br /> species. <br /> Piping Plover(Charadrius melodus circumcintus) - Plovers belong to a group of birds commonly referred <br /> to as shorebirds. Most members of this group are normally found inhabiting beaches, lake shores, <br /> marshes,and other wetland areas.The piping plover is one of three small plovers that can be found in <br /> Colorado.About 7.25 inches in length,this plover is often described as being the color of dry beach <br /> sand, a pale gray brown. In Colorado, piping plovers can be found during migration (first part of April <br /> and most have passed through by the end of May), but a few call the South Platte home for the summer <br /> months.They can be found in the eastern part of the state. Nesting habitat in Colorado is on sandy <br /> lakeshore beaches,sandbars within riverbeds or even sandy wetland pastures.An important aspect of <br /> this habitat is that of sparse vegetation.The plover depends on its coloration for camouflage and <br /> protection. Human recreational activities at reservoirs, such as beach camping and off-road vehicle use, <br /> can impact piping plovers and their nesting and brood rearing. <br /> No Piping Plovers individuals were observed on or surrounding the Stiles Mining Resource Area.The <br /> Stiles Mining Resource Area does not contain the specific habitat characteristics necessary to <br /> support this species.The species is not likely to occur within the Stiles Mining Resource Area and <br /> therefore, the proposed project or any future land use changes would not likely adversely affect <br /> the continued existence or available habitat of the Piping Plover. <br /> Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus Hudsonius Preblei)The Preble's meadow jumping mouse <br /> (PMJM) is listed a Federal threatened and state threatened species. PMJM range extends from <br /> southwestern Wyoming through eastern Colorado generally below 7,600feet.Typical PMJM <br /> habitats is well-developed plains riparian vegetation with undisturbed grassland and a water <br /> source in proximity. PMJM prefers dense herbaceous vegetation consisting of a variety of <br /> grasses,forbs,and thick shrubs.This species is known to regularly travel into adjacent uplands to <br /> feed and hibernate. The PMJM hibernates in an underground burrow from September to May. <br /> PMJM bears two to three litters per year, averaging five young per litter, in a grass lined nest. <br /> The Stiles Mining Resource does not provide suitable habitat for the PMJM. The area is <br /> comprised of cultivated cropland (mowed)/ruderal herbaceous vegetation thus does not provide <br /> habitat suitable for this species. No populations of the PMJM are known to occur within the <br /> vicinity of the area. Further, the area is not designated as Critical Mouse Habitat and no critical <br /> habitat unites occur in Weld County as designated by the USFWS and CPW. The nearest known <br /> critical habitat occurs in Larimer County, west of Loveland.The SMR northern mine buffer will <br /> be maintained between the mine excavation, the adjoining property owners and the South Platte <br /> River which will preserve riparian corridor adjacent to the river. The proposed project and any <br /> H:\Pits HBP Plants\EVANS\Evans Mining Resource\Exh H Wildlife\EXHIBIT H Wildlife Information DRAFT.docx <br />