2002-04-12_PERMIT FILE - M2002052 (26)

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~• Potential critical habitat was found for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse within the riparian corridor of the Little Thompson and Big Thompson Rivers. Potential critical habitat for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid is present within the Little Thompson and Big Thompson Rivers riparian corridor and around a manmade pond within the easternmost drainage and four small historic sand and gravel pits within the south one-third of the site. No bald eagles or bald eagle nests were identified during our site investigation. Jerry Craig of the Colorado Division of Wildlife was contacted on December 6, 2001. Mr. Craig searched the Colorado Division of Wildlife database in order to determine if any eagle nests had been identified in the past within the confluence of the Little Thompson and Big Thompson Rivers. He found that, according to their database of information, no eagle nests had been identified within this area. Project Effects to ~tdlife According to the proposed mineral extraction plan for Saddle Horn Rock Ranch a small sand and gravel mineral extraction operation is planned for the southwest corner of the site. If the proposed plan is followed, a lazge portion of the ripazian corridor that includes the majority of the mature cottonwood trees and understory adjacent to the both the Little Thompson and Big Thompson Rivers will be undisturbed. Noise and air emissions during mining will cause a temporary disturbance to wildlife. Species such as raccoons, coyotes, beaver, deer, and raptors will continue to use the riparian corridor during mining operations and the site itself when operations are not active. Bird species will use the ~• periphery of the site and the site itself opportunistically, if prey or food species are present. The proposed project will extract material and leave one cell (a proposed lake) within the southwest corner of the site. Permanent reclamation of the site will entail grading, respreading topsoil, and seeding and planting perennial species that will support wildlife species. The mining and reclamation will create a more diverse habitat than is currently present. Areas of open water will sustain additional species of reptiles and amphibians as well as shorebirds and waterfowl. The addition of the water will create fringe environments favorable to predatory mammals and raptors, as well as food and water sources for herbivores. With the planting of additional trees and shrubs, additional strata and vegetation layers will be added to the site, creating improved cover, foraging, roosting, and nesting azeas for wildlife. i•