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Exhibit H Western Burrowing Owl The western burrowing owl, a state threatened species (CDOW 2001), is usually associated with prairie dog colonies, and almost always nests in abandoned prairie dog burrows. -Since there are no prairie dog colonies within the project area, the western burrowing owl will not likely nest here. It may occasionally'use the area to feed, but the habitat available is not likely to support western burrowing owl. The western burrowing owl is known to occur within Pueblo County, but is uncommon (NDIS 2001). Western burrowing owls will not likely nest within the project azea due to the lack of nesting habitat, but there is a slight chance that they may forage in the area between April and October (Andrews and Righter 1992). They will typically perch on fence posts while hunting; therefore, they will potentially be found, if at all, wherever there are fences within the project area. Ferruginous Hawk The ferruginous hawk, a state special-concern species (CDOW 2001), is a ground nester and prefers shortgrass prairie. There are no known occun•ences of nesting ferruginous hawks within the project azea (Kaczmarek 2001, CNIIP 2001), but most of the project area provides suitable habitat. The ferruginous hawk is known to occur within Pueblo County, but is uncommon (NDIS 2001). • The ferruginous hawk is a raze to uncommon resident of the eastern plains in Colorado. It is common in winter (November to mid-Mazch) and rare. to uncommon during the rest of.the year in Pueblo County (Andrews and Righter 1992). The ferruginous hawk will not likely nest within the project area. Pronghorn Pronghorn, an economically important species, is known to utilize the project area at times. The project area occurs within pronghorn overall range; however, the project azea does not occur within pronghorn production areas, winter range, or winter concentration areas (NDIS 2001). Pronghorn use the project area year-round. An estimated 40 to 60 pronghorn inhabit the general project azea within the shortgrass prairie habitat. Mule Deer Mule deer, an economically important species, are present in low numbers within the project azea and are found more in association with the pinyon/juniper, rough terrain on the west side of the property, and the riparian azeas. They may occasionally utilize the more open shortgrass prairie within the project area. The .entire project area occurs within mule deer overall range. The western portion of the project azea between the sandstone cliffs and Greenhorn Creek and the northern finger of the property along the APP~ibitsA-T-APP(1180)RevB/Ianuary 17, 2002 LI-4 -