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

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ERC Bernhardt Site Threatened-Endangered Species and General Wildlife Screening ST—State listed as threatened SE—State listed as endangered • The survey area does not contain the specific habitat characteristics necessary to support the species listed above. These species and/or critical habitat is not present within the survey area. Therefore, any future land use changes will have no effect on the species, their habitats, or proposed or designated critical habitat. Species Potentially within Range The following state listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur or historically occur within Weld County. The survey area is located within the potential known range for these species. Further analysis was conducted to determine if the species or habitat has the potential to exist on 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. Common Name Scientific Name Status" Black-footed ferret Mustela nigripes SE Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia ST *Status key: ST—State listed as threatened SE—State listed as endangered BLACK-FOOTED FERRET(MUSTELA NIGRIPES) The black-footed ferret (BFF) (Mustelo nigripes) is a medium-sized mustelid (a member of the weasel family). The BFF is the only ferret species native to the Americas. Its historical range spanned much of western North America's intermountain and prairie grasslands, extending from Canada to Mexico. Historically, BFF habitat coincided with habitats of black-tailed prairie dog (C. ludovicianus), Gunnison's prairie dog(C.gunnisoni),and white-tailed prairie dog(C. leucurus). Prairie dogs make up more than 90% of the BFF's diet. BFF's are limited to open habitat, the same habitat used by prairie dogs: grasslands, steppe, and shrub steppe. It depends largely on prairie dogs:ferrets prey on prairie dogs and utilize their burrows for shelter and denning (Hillman and Clark, 1980). It has been estimated that about 40-60 hectares of prairie dog colony are needed to support one ferret (Belant and Biggins 2008). BFF's once numbered in the tens of thousands, but due to a combination of human-induced threats they were believed to be extinct twice in the 20th century. As of 2015, BFFs have been reintroduced in the wild at 24 sites across 8 states,Canada,and Mexico. • No BFF individuals were observed on or surrounding the survey area.The survey area is located within the overall range of the black-tailed prairie dog; however, no colonies were observed within the survey area. Further, the survey area occurs within the block clearance zone for black-footed ferret surveys (USFWS 2009). Any future land use changes within the survey area should have no effect on the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. BLACK-FOOTED FERRET(MUSTELA NIGRIPES) The burrowing owl(Owl) is listed as a state threatened species in Colorado.The Owl is small (length of 24 centimeters),long-legged,boldly spotted,and barred with brown and white.The Owl is a breeding species across the plains of eastern Colorado however rarely winters in the state. Nesting habitat is in burrows, especially in both active and inactive prairie dog colonies, located in grasslands, mountain parks, well- drained steppes, deserts, prairies and agricultural lands from late March through October. The Owl can usually be observed on low perches such as fence posts, dirt mounds or the ground. Clutch size of this Owl averages six to seven and incubation lasts up to 30 days.The owlets usually run and forage at 4 weeks 15