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~CHIBTT H -WILDLIFE INFORMATION ~ ~j~~ ' • C~ (a) Description of the significant wildlife resources on and in the vicinity of the application area. • Habitat Study azea characteristics, physiography, habitat and vegetation types present in the Dowe Flats azea have been described by ESCO Associates (1987) and Western Ecosystems Inc. (1987). The marginal croplands and intensively utilitzed pastures on the permit azea support below average wildlife richness and abundance values. However, some of these low quality habitats support large prairie dog towns which are ecologically important because of the prey base they represent, particularly fora large number of wintering raptors. Relatively undisturbed habitats surrounding the project area including Indian Mountain to the west, Rabbit Mountain to the east, and St. Vrain Creek to the south support rich wildlife / communities. Daily and seasonal wildlife movements between these azeas cross the project areaV and add to the importance of the site. ~ 5,~~,~c„k~ Wildlife Analy~gs ~„~.,-~~ Discussions with Boulder County (BC), the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division (CMLRD), indicate that as a result of Dowe Flats wildlife analyses, studies, and existing data, a wildlife data base exists that is adequate to meet local and state permitting requirements. To complete this data base a black-foo[rd fewer sr~dy (recommended by the CDOW) and a burrowing owl will be to survey will be conducted between December 31, 1993 and March 31, 1994 following (19 - r ocol. Three replicated burrowing owl surveys will be conducted betwe~ nuKUai 1993 Wildlife Species 2 wa a ~ ~./ Iz`~"' rQ~ o~. Two primary wildlife issues are associated with the project area: prairie dogs/raptor prey base and big game. J' ' L~ • 1. The prairie dog/raptor issue is clearly the most ecologically important wildlife