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WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT DUCKWORTN PIT, WELD COUNTY, COLORADO Wildlife Assessment Federal and State Listed Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Federal or state threatened, endangered and sensitive species evaluated include: Black-footed ferret -federally and state endangered Preble's meadow jumping mouse -federally and state threatened Bald eagle -federally and state threatened Black-tailed prairie dog -federal candidate, state species of concern Burrowing owl -state threatened Mountain plover -state species of concern Ferruginous hawk -state species of concern Long-billed curlew -state species of concern Swift fox -state species of concern Northern leopazd frog -state species of concern Common garter snake -state species of concern Black footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) The black-footed ferret is a federal endangered species closely associated with the presence of prairie dogs. Afield reconnaissance survey was conducted to verify the location, size, and activity of prairie dog towns within and near the proposed project site and evaluate the capability of any existing towns to support ferrets. Prairie dogs currently occupy approximately 7.75 acres of the Duckworth Property and have notably expanded since 2003. A rough estimate of prairie dog burrow density was conducted on three 1- acre sample plots. Burrow density was estimated at 11.3 burrows per acre in occupied azeas. Federal guidelines establish a minimum area of 80 acres ofblack-tailed prairie dog towns that the Service believes is needed to support ablack-Footed ferret (50 CFR 402). The prairie dogs on the project site are not connected to any other prairie dog towns on adjacent properties and the 7; 75 acres of active prairie dog town does not satisfy the minimum habitat required for ablack-footed ferret. Thus, the property contains no potential habitat for ferrets. ERO Resources Corporation