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<br />and October 31, the Colorado Division of Wildlife is recommending that a survey be <br />conducted to detemune the presence or absence of western burrowing owls. Surveys <br />should also be conducted as neaz to the anticipated star of activities as feasible, since the <br />owls are relatively mobHe in then use of habitat. <br />SITE DESCRIPTION <br />The site has previously been used for mineral extraction and consists of a lazge circular <br />open pit that is bordered by a reclaimed upland azea that is approximately 25 to 50 feet <br />wide. Standing water is present within the pit azea. Vegetation within the upland and <br />side sbpe areas consists of smooth brome (Bromus inermis), crested wheatgrass <br />(Agropyron cristatum), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Plant species within the open <br />pit include a dozen small to medium plains cottonwoods saplings and trees (Populus <br />deltoides), and curly dock (Rumex crispus). Along the waters edge is a fringe of cattails <br />(Typha latifolia), three-squaze (Scirpus americanus), spike rush (Eleocharis palustris), <br />coyote willow (Salix exigrur), and tole (Scirpus acutus). Herbaceous vegetation within <br />the open pit is sparse and weedy due to a colony ofblack-tailed pra'vie dogs that inhabits <br />the dry sandy areas. <br />SURVEY <br />Weather during the survey was warm and mild. Initially, the survey consisted of <br />scanning the potential habitat area within the existing prairie dog colony with binoculazs <br />from a distance of approximately 200+ feet. Then a pedestrian survey was conducted <br />within tbe prairie dog colony to determine if whitewash or pellets were present around <br />the prairie dog holes. <br />CONCLUSIONS <br />A survey to identify the presence ofAthene cunicularia was conducted on July 25, 2001 <br />by Savage and Savage staff. The survey was conducted in accordance with Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife bulletin Suceestions for Handling Burrowrng_Owl Issues and during <br />the time the owls are present in Colorado (March 1 through October 31). No individuals <br />or evidence of AtJrene cunicularia were found during the survey within the 124's Estates <br />property. <br />2 <br />