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bring out strong emofions in people on both sides of the issue. Efforts to remove the animals from a parcel may be met with strong resistance from individuals and/or organized groups. From a biological standpoint, prairie dogs may be considered a key species in prairie ecosystems. Studies indicate that the burrow system created by pravie dogs provide essential habitat for literally dozens of other vertebrate groups. The relationship between prairie dogs and native grass stands is well documented. The National Wildlife Federation has petitioned the U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to list Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, the species found in Larimer and Weld Counties, as a threatened or endangered species on the federal roster. Currently, in Colorado it is legal to kill and remove prairie dogs in order to alleviate nuisance/damage situations on private properly. Prairie dog removal should be required prior to development. Trapping/transplant efforts or euthanasia are legal options for prairie dog removal. Euthanasia efforts must occur through the use of approved toxicants and trapping. Transplanting of prairie dogs requires prior approval of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Note that bulldozing active prairie dog colonies is not an acceptable method of removal. Raptors Nests It is recommended that surveys be done to look for raptor nests. These buds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and guidelines for buffer zones have been established. If a nest is found, please contact the CDOW. The Division also maintains files and maps of Significant Wildlife Habitat available for review on any project Keep in mind that vacant nests are not necessarily abandoned. Several raptor species move to alternative nests in different years. CDOW will assist in evaluating any suspected raptor nest. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Areas along this drainage are potential Preble's Meadow Jumping mouse habitat. The Preble's mouse is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Preble's Meadow Jumping mouse habitat consists of grasses and forts in open wet meadows and riparian corridors near forests or where tall shrubs and low trees provide adequate cover (USFWS 1997, Meaney and Clippinger 1995). The mouse occurs below 7,600 feet in elevation (USFWS 1997) and has been found to utilize upland areas more than 91m (300 feet) from a main drainage (Shenk and Sivert 1999}, The Preble's mouse hibernates from October through early May (Whitaker 1963). No species surveys ofa property should be conducted during the hibernation period, as that may result in false assumptions about the absence of the mouse. In addition, any development proposal resulting in seasonally varied land impacts or conditions, should take into consideration that the hibernation period is when the mouse is the most vulnerable to eradication. Development proposals of any kind within potential Preble's mouse habitat require that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service be contacted to obtain any required permits. This is especially important if the proposed land use change is within 300 Feet of the 100-year flood plain of a drainage or is within one mile up or down stream of a known Preble's mouse population. The Colorado Division of Wildlife recommends that surveys be done if mining is to occur within 300 feet of wetland areas prior to constmction in these areas. Fences Some types of fencing can be dangerous and even fatal to deer. CROW recommends that if any fencing is to be used within or azound the mining site, either during or after the project, should be the type that would allow the free passage of wildlife. Fencing plans should avoid the use of woven wire type fences that will trap or prevent movement of wildlife. The Division of Wildlife prefers the use of three or four strand fencing with a bottom strand height of 17 inches and a maximum top strand height of 42 inches, along with installation of double stays between posts. This design allows young animals to pass under, as well as allows mature deer to cross over the top. Ground Nestimg Birds The short grass with the bare ground and brush stands makes for desirable nesting habitat for many of the ground- nestingbirds. Human activities around these nests can have negative impacts on them. It is recommended that any construction that takes place on the site occurs before April 1 and after August 15 to minimize any impacts that human activity may have on these nests.