2023-08-03_PERMIT FILE - M2023025 (42)

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ERC Bernhardt Site Threatened-Endangered Species and General Wildlife Screening Species Potentially within Range The following federally listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur or historically occur within Weld County(USFWS 2023). The survey area is located within the potential known range for these species to occur. Further analysis was conducted to determine if the species or habitat has the potential to exist within the survey area considering site-specific conditions and characteristics. A brief explanation is provided as to the species life cycle, habitat requirements and potential occurrence within the survey area.The survey area is not within designated critical habitat of any federally listed species. Common Name Scientific Name Status* Determination Preble's meadow jumping mouse Zopus hudsonius preblei FT NO TAKE Ute Ladies'-tresses orchid Spiranthes diluvialis FT NO TAKE Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus C NO TAKE *Status key: FT—Federally listed as threatened C—Candidate listed species PREBLE'S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE(ZAPUS HUDSONIUS PREBLEI) On May 13, 1998, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule to list the Preble's meadow jumping mouse(PMJM)as a federally threatened species under the ESA. PMJM range extends from southwestern Wyoming through eastern Colorado generally below 7,600 feet. In Colorado, PMJM populations are generally restricted to locations along the Front Range foothills and adjacent riparian areas. Schorr and Mihlbachler (2018) describe typical PMJM habitat being restricted to dense shrub cover and dense herbaceous vegetation along wetland and riverine systems. Armstrong et al. (1997) characterize PMJM habitat as "well-developed plains riparian vegetation with relatively undisturbed grassland and a water source in close proximity." Also noted in Armstrong et al. (1997) was a preference for "dense herbaceous vegetation consisting of a variety of grasses, forbs and thick shrubs" . The PMJM hibernates in an underground burrow from September to May. PMJM bears two to three litters per year, averaging five young per litter, in a grass-lined nest. Areas that are highly disturbed or modified (including landscaped lots and paved areas) or wetland areas dominated by cattails are excluded from this recommendation. • Two trap sites are recorded in the vicinity of the survey area along the South Platte River.The nearest trap site is located 0.9 mile southwest, and the furthest is 3.14 miles northeast of the survey area. No PMJM individuals were present during either of the surveys (USFWS 2018). No critical habitat occurs within the survey area (USFWS 2023). The nearest critical habitat, Critical Habitat Unit 3- Buckhorn Creek, is located approximately 25 miles to the northwest. The USFWS Block Clearance Map for the Denver Metro Area (ERO 2010)which identifies areas exempt from further review for PMJM habitat, shows the survey area occurring outside of the Block Clearance Zone. • Vegetation communities within the survey area are not typical habitat for the PMJM.The Great Plains Ruderal Grassland and Shrubland along the agricultural field fringes are not conducive to PMJM and the surface water from the South Platte River is defined by steep and well defined banks. The agricultural field which makes up the majority of the survey area contains primarily of upland herbaceous cover that is repeatedly disturbed due to agricultural practices and lack well-developed shrub and tree cover. Due to the absence of suitable riparian habitat, it is unlikely that the PMJM exists within the survey. Any future land use changes on the survey area would result in No Take of this species or potential habitat of this species. 12