Laserfiche WebLink
EXHIBIT H <br /> Wildlife Information <br /> The project area was surveyed for general wildlife habitat by Ecological Resource Consultants <br /> (ERC). The Screening Report for Federal and State Listed Threatened and Endangered <br /> Species from ERC is attached which describes the wildlife habitat present on the site and the <br /> common species that may be found in the habitat area. <br /> ERC conducted this screening for federal and state threatened, endangered and species of <br /> concern for the approximately 86-acre survey area. The following provides key items identified <br /> as part of the report: <br /> 1. Two primary land use class/vegetation cover type exists within the survey area. Habitat <br /> within the survey area is characterized as Ruderal Crested Wheatgrass Grassland and <br /> Cropland Fallow Field. Historic land use for agricultural practices has led to degradation <br /> of the native vegetation community. <br /> 2. Generally, there are features on the survey area and the surrounding area that provide <br /> general habitat for local songbirds, raptors, and small to mid-size mammals. However, <br /> habitat within the survey area is somewhat degraded and of lower ecological value from <br /> a wildlife perspective due to historic and current land use for agriculture, which has <br /> restricted overall growth and establishment of vegetation. <br /> 3. Five (5) inactive non-raptor migratory birds and three (3) inactive non-eagle raptor nests <br /> were observed within the survey area. No eagle nests were observed within the survey <br /> area or the Y2 mile surrounding buffer during the field inspection. No mapped CPW SAM <br /> protected areas were identified within the survey area. Any future land use changes that <br /> may occur within the survey area that remove vegetation during the active nesting <br /> season should first ensure that active nests are not disturbed. <br /> 4. No federally listed threatened and endangered species and/or habitat protected under <br /> the ESA were identified within the survey area. The survey area is not within designated <br /> critical habitat of any federally listed species. The vegetation community and features <br /> within the survey area were investigated as potential habitat for federally listed species. <br /> Any future land use changes will result in No Take on any federal listed species, their <br /> habitats, or proposed or designated critical habitat. <br /> 5. No State listed threatened or endangered species and/or habitat protected by CPW <br /> under Colorado Statute Title 33 were identified within the survey area. The vegetation <br /> communities within the survey area were investigated as potential habitat for state listed <br /> species. Any future land use changes will have no effect on any state listed species, <br /> their habitats, or proposed or designated critical habitat. <br /> The Screening Report for Federal and State Listed Threatened and Endangered Species <br /> prepared by Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. includes the following recommendations <br /> regarding migratory birds and raptor nest sites in the survey area: <br /> a. Based- upon literature review and an onsite assessment of the survey area, ERC has <br /> determined that some migratory birds likely utilize the survey area. These birds, their <br /> eggs, and active nests are protected under the MBTA and take or possession of these <br /> resources is prohibited. Active nests must become inactive prior to destruction of the <br /> nest without a USFWS permit. Five (5) inactive non-raptor migratory bird nests were <br /> J-2 Contracting Company <br /> JET Consulting,Inc. <br /> "' DRMS 112 Permit Application <br />