2005-04-22_REVISION - M1977526 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ExhibirH- Table H-1 i Threatened, Endan ered, and Candidate Wildlife S ecies in Adams Coun Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status Invertebrates None Am hibians None Note: * Water depletions in [he South Platte River in Adams County may affect these species. Source: USFWS Ecological Services, Colorado Field Office, Colorado T&E Species List by County, February 2005. During the field surveys, observations were made to determine if suitable habitat for these T&E species occur within the Expansion Area. The findings of the site visits are summarized in the following paragraphs. No suitable habitat was observed within the Expansion Area for any of the T&E species with the potential to occur in Adams County with the exception of the bald eagle and Preble's meadow jumping mouse. A smmnary of the habitat assessment for the potentially occurring T&E wildlife species is provided in the following sections. Species for which no suitable habitat exists at the Expansion Area include least tern, Mexican spotted owl, piping plover, whooping crane, black- footed ferret, and pallid sturgeon. Development within the expansion area would not result in water depletions in the South Platte River or affect species and/or critical habitat in downstream reaches in other states. Bald and Golden Eagle Bald and golden eagles are known to roost along the South Platte River in the vicinity of the project area. There are no suitable roost trees within the Expansion Area North; however, there are two suitable roost trees (cottonwoods) approximately '/a mile north of the Expansion Area North adjacent to and on the opposite (west) side of the river. There were two golden eagles roosting in one of these trees during the survey of the Expansion Area North, but no bald eagles were observed. There is a higher quality roost area just north of the existing permit area (about 'h mile north of the Expansioo Area) that is known to support wintering bald and golden eagles (up to 8 at a time), mostly during the month of January. The eagles feed on the river and in various lakes created by the existing mining operations. These operations do not seem to affect either species; therefore, the proposed operations would not likely affect these species. There are no suitable nesting or roosting trees within the Expansion Area South; however, there are suitable roost trees (cottonwoods) on the other side of the South Platte River. No bald eagles or golden eagles were observed during the survey of the Expansion Area South. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Preble's meadow jumping mouse (PMJM) habitat was non-existent at the Expansion Area North. There is a lack of sufficient willow habitat both adjacent to the River and on the floodplain above it. Upland habitats consisted of previously disturbed areas with very little topsoil. There were small areas of cottonwoods with weedy understories. Other areas were dominated by weedy species and bare ground. There were no shrubs and the weedy habitats were very homogenous providing very little quality feed for the mouse and no hibernacula. 1898-Frei 112 Exhibits_(4.20.05).doc I-J-4