2007-10-26_REVISION - M1980110 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Eremophila alpestris), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), barn swallows (ttirundo rustica), brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), and red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). The majority of birds were feeding and loafing at the time of our investigation. Abandoned black-tailed prairie dog (Cynnmys ludovicianus) dens aze scattered throughout dry areas on the primary terrace. Cottontails (Lepus townsendi~) were also present on the primary terrace. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) and muskrat (Ondaira zibethicus) tracks were identified along the boundary of wet areas on the primuy tetxace. Seasonal Use With the exception of bats, the mammals species encountered during the site inspection or that potentially occur on-site aze expected to be year-round residents or users of the site. The carnivore and ungulate species aze not restricted to this site and tend to have relatively large home ranges (up to several square miles). The majority of rodent and insectivore species can be expected to reside on-site throughout the year, though many may hibernate during the cold months. Avian species may be year-round, temporary migrants, or summer residents of the site. Yeaz-round residents would include waterfowl, raptors, gallinaceous birds, pigeons, owls, and woodpeckers. The majority of the shorebirds and passerines would use the site during the spring, summer, and fall for feeding or resting during migration. Amphibian and reptile species of the site aze yeaz- round residents. Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat Potential habitat for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) is present in wetland areas on the primary terrace of the site. A Ute ladies'-tresses orchid survey should be conducted prior to any disturbance of these azeas. Potential habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is present on the site given it's proximity to the riparian corridor of the Cache la Poudre River. According to Mr. Adam Misztal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during a phone interview of May 9, 2007, there have been several negative trapping surveys along the Cache la Poudre River south of Windsor. Also, habitat conditions at the project site aze not favorable for the mouse due to a lack of stratified vegetation. Therefore, it is recommended that a Preble's disdualification be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prior to disturbance of potential habitat (areas within 300 feet of the 100 year floodplain). Project Effects to Wildlife The secondary terrace is used for agriculture and had been plowed during our site investigation. The primary terrace is a mosaic of uplands and wetlands. The most significant wildlife habitat on the site is located on the primary terrace in the wetland areas along the south boundary of the site. Should the wetland azeas be disturbed, mitigation for the removal of the wetlands could, in the long term, be of great benefit in enhancing wildlife habitat on the site, as the exisfing wetlands aze of marginal overall