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ATTACHMENT A <br /> Jerry Powell, Stroh Pit, PMJM, concurrence Page 2 <br /> The Preble's meadow jumping mouse occurs in dense riparian habitats with adjacent undisturbed <br /> uplands and a nearby water source. The riparian habitat along the southern edge of the Big <br /> Thompson River is very narrow and in many areas still shows signs of the damage from the <br /> September 2013 flood. Most of the southern riparian habitat is sparse with a very limited shrub <br /> community with just a few small willow(Salix spp.) and plains cottonwood (Populous deltoides) <br /> trees. The line between the riparian habitat and adjacent smooth brome (Bromus inermis) <br /> dominated mowed or grazed grasslands is very abrupt and well defined, and there is no suitable <br /> Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat south of the riparian area. The Preble's meadow <br /> jumping mouse was captured along the Big Thompson River in the project area in 2001. <br /> Any existing habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse will be avoided by project <br /> activities through establishment of the 300-foot setback. Further, habitat may be improved <br /> within the setback area. Although a population of the species may exist within the project area, <br /> we continue to find that the effects of the project are expected to be insignificant because of the <br /> plans to avoid the species and its habitat. <br /> Given your habitat and project descriptions,the Service finds the report acceptable and concurs <br /> with your determination that the impacts resulting from the proposed project are not likely to <br /> adversely affect the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. Critical habitat for the species has not <br /> been designated in the project area; therefore, none will be affected. <br /> Please note that reinitiation of consultation will be required if: <br /> 1. New information reveals effects of the action that may affect listed species or critical habitat <br /> in a manner or to an extent not considered in this consultation; <br /> 2. The action is subsequently modified in a manner that causes an adverse effect to the listed <br /> species or critical habitat that was not considered in this consultation; or <br /> 3. A new species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be affected by the action. <br /> If the proposed project has not commenced within one year, please contact the Colorado Field <br /> Office to request an extension. We appreciate your submitting this report to our office for <br /> review and comment. If the Service can be of further assistance, please contact Alison Deans <br /> Michael of my staff at(303) 236-4758. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Drue L. DeBerry <br /> Colorado and Nebraska Field Offices Supervisor <br /> ec: Michael <br /> Ref: Alison\H:\My Documents\Other Consultations\Stroh Pit Big T CM_PMJM concur.docx <br />