2023-01-09_REVISION - M2021052 (29)

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;I V S, -,t` Ririe Pit #1 i�, a 2fT22 The project would result in minor water depletions because of increased evaporative losses from the surface of the dredged pond as compared to current conditions. Scott is required to develop a Supplementary Water Supply Plan (SWSP), which would replace those losses with releases to the Colorado River from other water rights held by Scott. As a result of the SWSP, there would be no indirect loss in in-stream flows because of the project. The project would also be required to implement a stormwater management plan, in compliance with DRMS regulations as well as for Garfield County LUC standards. This would mitigate the risk of significant sedimentation impacts to these fish. Due to the requirement to provide supplementary water to offset evaporative losses, as well as implementation of stormwater controls, it is anticipated that the project would result in no measurable or meaningful impact to occupied habitats downstream and would not measurably or meaningfully impact the listed fish. Given these factors, activities on the parcel would have no effect for the listed Colorado River endangered fish species and their Critical Habitats. Monarch butterfly — Candidate. Candidate species are not afforded full protection under the ESA; however, the USFWS encourages their consideration in environmental planning, and the USFWS regulatory guidance indicates that Candidate species should be treated similarly to Proposed Species regarding inter-agency consultation requirements. Informal consultation is requested when a provisional "is likely to jeopardize" determination is reached for a Candidate species (USFWS Sec7 Consultation Handbook, 1998). Monarch butterfly adults feed (gather nectar) from a variety of flowering plant species. However, the monarch butterfly only lays eggs and larvae only feed on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.). The western population overwinters in various coastal sites in central and southern California, and central populations overwinter in Mexico. Monarchs have multiple generations during their migrations; the second, third and fourth generations return to their northern locations in the United States and Canada in the spring. The project area contains migratory and overwintering habitat for the monarch butterfly. Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is an abundant component of the vegetation in the transitional zones along the boundaries of the wetland areas. Adult butterflies and several monarch caterpillars were observed feeding on milkweeds at the western edge of the property. Western Colorado is not part of a major monarch migration corridor, but the site is being used by migrating adults and as a potential overwintering site for the dispersed population in the area. Proposed development would occur primarily outside the mesic/wetland meadows where the majority of milkweed is located, therefore direct impacts to host plants and habitats would be largely avoided.The project would result in the complete loss of vegetation from approximately 20 acres of the property, which would result in potential direct impacts to chrysalis and caterpillars and reduce the foraging vegetation available to adult butterflies. This may result in minor, localized impacts to migrating monarch butterflies, and may reduce the attractiveness of the site as an egg-laying site. Development of the parcel is not likely to jeopardize this Candidate species, as the project may affect individuals but is not expected to alter the species' overall range and life history patterns. USFWS consultation is not required by ESA for Candidate species where an action is not likely to jeopardize the species' existence. Ute Ladies'-Tresses -Threatened. The project area occurs outside the known range of the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid and is a significant distance from the nearest known populations in the Roaring Fork Valley. The parcel does contain wet meadow conditions that are potentially 2-13