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Coulson•avating Company, Inc. - Bonser G • 1 Pit Ezhibit R -Wildlife Information Wildlife Resources The predominant vegetation type on the site is pasture and hayfields dominated by smooth brome (Bromopsis inermis). There are also three small ponds left from a previous gravel mining operation. Two of these are located south of the permit area, the other is in the southwest comer of the permit area and will be used as a sedimentation pond for the proposed mining operation. Hay is harvested from the hayfields 3 or 4 times each year starting in early June. This results in inconsistent cover for wildlife species that might use the area for nesting or brood rearing purposes. However, the area does provide forage for several wildlife species such as Canada goose (Brenta canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). The hayfields and pastures are also suitable habitat for several small mammal species such as deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). The ponds provide loafing arras for waterfowl. Additionally, they have been stocked with fish, which are a potential food source for fish-eating bads such as Beat blue / . heron (Arden herodias) and American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). I ~ ~'/ /: The Big Thompson River with its associated riparian corridor is adjacent to the south side of the proposed permit area. The riparian corridor provides a movement corridor for deer and mammalian predators. Vegetation in the riparian corridor includes scattered stands of sandbar willow (5alix exigua) and herbaceous species such as smooth brome (Bromopsis inermrs), orchardgrass (Dactylis g/omerata), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The overstory is composed of plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides). Some larger trees are present adjacent to the irrigation canal. The riparian corridor willows and cottonwoods provide habitat for a variety of songbird species. Common Species in Area Species observed on site during a May 20, 1999 field reconnaissance included great blue heron, Canada goose, mallazd (Anas p/atyrhynchos), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Mule deer and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginanus) move up and down the Big Thompson River riparian corridor and feed in adjacent fields (Olmstead, 1999). American white pelicans use the Big Thompson Ponds State Wildlife Area (SWA) on the south side of the river just south of the project area. Pelicans were observed flying over the site and may occasionally use ponds in the project area. Dcuble~rested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) also use the SWA and may use the ponds. A red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) nest was observed in the Big Thompson River riparian corridor. Threatened or endangered species Two animal species listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) potentially use the proposed permit area. Bald eagles (Hatiaeetus leucocephalus) aze listed as threatened. They winter in the Loveland area and are reported to fly up and down the Big Thompson River (Olmstead, 1999). Bald eagles probably hunt over the proposed permit area. Additionally, the mature cottonwoods (Popular deltoides monilifera) located th the Big Thompson River riparian corridor, but outside the project area, are potential bald eagle perch sites. There are no trees located in the proposed mine permitting area. Preble's meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius prebler) are listed as threatened. They are associated with riparian vegetation at the base of the Front Range. Part of the proposed mine site is within an area ~% . ' the USFWS proposed for designation as a potential mouse protection area (USFWS, 1999). This _ . ` ~ ~C. designation indicates the USFWS believes potentially suitable Preble's meadow jumping mouse (PM.TM) habitat is present (USFWS, 1998). A PM]M presence /absence survey was performed for the Bonser rC Gravel Pit project in August 1999, and no PM]M were found. The USFWS agreed with the conclusion -~ `, ~; that within the Boruser Gravel Pit project area a PMJM population is not likely to be present in the area (Carlson, 1999). =' '.