2007-09-11_REVISION - M1997054 (2)

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available as the presence of these species can be difficult to determine. Field surveys documented only the presence of coyote. Coyote scat was infrequently observed but was noted in most habitats within the permit area. The remainder of the other species, with the exception of badger, are also expected to occur in association with Tallahassee Creek and/or the broken terrain represented by pinon/juniper slopes to the north of the creek. Striped skunk, western spotted skunk, and long-tailed weasel occur in a variety of habitats but are most often found in habitats near water. Bobcat and gray fox, like coyote, occur in wide variety of habitats, but rugged woodland areas are often preferred. Ringtails inhabit open, semi- arid country where rocky outcroppings, canyons, or talus slopes are present. Badgers, on the other hand, prefer open grassland and sagebmsh habitats supporting populations of ground squirrels and other small rodents. Numerous rodent burrows were noted on the grassland bench south of Tallahassee Creek, but no evidence of badger diggings was observed. Other Mammals Habitats within the permit area support a variety of small and medium-sized mammals associated with grassland, shrub, and piiion/juniper habitats. Rodents and other small mammal species represent an important food source for raptors and mammalian and reptilian predators. Field surveys documented the presence of northern pocket gopher, rock squirrel, least chipmunk, bushy-tailed woodrat, and Nuttall's cottontail. Other species potentially present, based on their ranges and habitat preferences, include black-tailed jackrabbit, western harvest mouse, rock mouse, deer mouse, pinon mouse, northern grasshopper mouse, meadow vole, and porcupine, Several species of bats associated with semi-arid habitats are potenrial inhabitants of the permit azea. Natural caves, abandoned mine shafts and adits, as well as crevices in areas of rock outcrop represent potential roost and/or maternity sites for many of these species. No natural caves or old mine workings are located within the permit area, but areas of rock outcrop associated with the cliff area and the sandstone quarry site could provide suitable rock crevice roost sites for species such as western small-footed myotis, fringed myotis, long-legged myotis, and spotted bat (Colorado Division of Wildlife 1984). Rock outcrop at the proposed sandstone quarry site is the only area with potential rock crevice bat roost sites that would be disturbed by project development. This area was thoroughly seazched during the field surveys, and no crevices with evidence of bat use (accumulations of guano) were located. Waterbirds Waterbirds include waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wading birds are typically associated with wetlands and bodies of surface water. Wetlands are limited to small pockets of riparian vegetation along the Tallahassee Creek channel, and the presence of surface water is limited to stream flow in the Tallahassee Creek. There aze no areas of pool or pond habitat, and as a result, waterbird use of the permit area is limited primarily to species such as killdeer and spotted sandpiper. Raptors Raptor use of the permit area is limited primarily to species associated with shrubland and pii9on/juniper habitats in the foothills and lower elevation mountainous portions of the state. No raptors were observed during field surveys, but potential year-long residents and/or summer Front Runge Aggregates, LLC- Parkdale Quarry DMG 112 Permit Amendment Page 31