2004-11-09_REVISION - M2000016 (4)

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WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FORT LUPTON PROPERTIES, WELD COUNTY, COLORADO CDOW will recommend formal surveys for burrowing owls just prior to any habitat disturbing activities (see Appendix A), Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) The mountain plover is a state species of special concem. This species nests primarily in short grass prairie sites used historically by prairie dogs, bison and pronghorn. Typically plovers nest in areas that maintain approximately 30 percent baze ground and are often found in disturbed habitats, burned prairie, fallow agricultural fields and prairie dog colonies. This species avoids vegetation greater than 6 inches in height and hillsides or steeper slopes. Potential habitat exists in the southern portion of the project area near prairie dog town B (Figure 2). The area is heavily grazed and vegetation is shorter than 6 inches in height. No additional mountain plover or potential habitat for mountain plover was identified during site reconnaissance surveys. Grassland and pasture vegetation on rest of the Fort Lupton properties is generally greater than 6 inches in height and the area contains very little of the bare ground component preferred by breeding mountain plover (Knopf 1996). Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) The ferruginous hawk is the largest hawk in North America and is a state species of special concern. This species inhabits open prairie and desert habitats and is strongly associated with primary prey species such as ground squirrels and jackrabbits. Ferruginous hawks are relatively common winter residents in eastern Colorado, particularly in association with the black-tailed prairie dog (Beane 1996). This species has been known [o breed in scattered locations in eastern Colorado but not near the study area (Kingery 1998). Currently no nesting ferruginous hawks are known to occur in Boulder, Jefferson, eastem Weld or eastem Adams Counties. No potential ferruginous hawk nesting sites were seen during the site visits in June 2004. The prairie dog towns in the southern portion of the study area provide a potential food source for ferruginous hawks, and ferruginous hawks are likely winter visitors to the