2023-04-26_PERMIT FILE - M2023014 (3)

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area, and winter range for mule deer; overall range for whitetail deer; overall range for pronghorn, overall range for swift fox, overall range and historic range for greater prairie- chicken, and the estimated occupied range and CHAT 2 (Connectivity Zone) for lesser prairie- chicken. In addition, the proposed expansion falls within habitat of other species of wildlife including burrowing owls, other raptors, pheasants, songbirds, coyotes, bats, prairie dogs, and other small mammals. The State of Colorado lists the lesser prairie-chicken as a State Threatened Species under state law. As of March 27, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the Northern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of lesser prairie-chickens as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The proposed Roberts Pit falls within the Northern DPS of lesser prairie-chickens as defined by the USFWS. The USFWS will be the agency responsible for the management of lesser-prairie chicken with the recent listing. We recommend consultation with USFWS for all projects that take place within this habitat. Colorado is a partner in the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Lesser Prairie- Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan and follows the recommendations in that plan when commenting on development in lesser prairie-chicken habitat. At the core of these recommendations are conservation efforts that emphasize habitat quality, avoid development in focal areas, and avoid impacts to leks. The parcel for the proposed expansion falls within the CHAT 2 or Connectivity Zone for lesser prairie-chicken. Habitat designated as CHAT 2 priority area (Connectivity Zone) means the parcel is important for the movement of lesser prairie chickens between CHAT 1 priority areas (Focal Areas). Lek surveys in the area have not shown any active leks on the proposed expansion; however an important focal area is located 1/z-mile to the north of the proposed expansion. Burrowing owls are listed as State Threatened and nest in active or inactive prairie dog (black-tailed or white-tailed) burrows. The proposed expansion parcel does not contain any active or historic prairie dog colonies. Potential impacts to burrowing owls will be low due to the absence of prairie dog colonies and quality nesting habitat. Impacts to other wildlife, especially mule deer, whitetail deer and pronghorn, wilt be disturbance and displacement from habitat loss, increased human activity, and activity produced by heavy machinery. Wildlife will frequent the area less; however, due to the small size of the proposed gravel pit and already high level of human activity from the residence located to the north of the proposed project, the overall impact to wildlife is expected to be minimal. If the proposed gravel pit will be fenced to keep domestic livestock out, please consider a fence that would allow for easy passage by wildlife. CPW recommends the following four-wire fence: 1. Smooth top wire no higher than 42-inches to allow deer to easily jump, 2. Second wire (can be barbed) at 30-inches to prevent entanglement of wildlife, 3. Third wire (can be Page 2 of 3 H-4