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Rob Laird • • Frank Green and Croissant Properties Page 3 The majority of the rtma+++~ areas within the properties are dominated by inland saltgrass (Distichlis apicata), though considered a wetland indicator species, we generally conclude that areas dominated by this species are not jurisdictional in Colorado. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Habitat The Preble's meadow jumping mouse (tapers hudsonius prehler) is a federally listed threatened species which generally occurs near wetlands and water bodies. Cmrenti ,the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) a~ Corps of Engineers are requiring habitat essessmeert and/or live-trapping surveys for all projects in potential Preble's habitat. The property was evaluated for potential Preble's habitat, based on the ctnrent USFWS guidelines. No potential Preble's habitat was identified within the properties. Ute Ladies-tresses Orchid Habitat The Ute ladies•tresses orchid (Spiranthes dilewialis) is a federally listed threatened plant species characteristically found in wet meadows and alluvial flood plains below 6500 feet in northern Colorado, southwestern Wyoming, and the Uintah Basin of Utah. Habitat acce~~+ents and/or pedestrian surveys during the blooming period are required for sites within the South Platte River 100 year floodplain and in characteristic habitat which includes areas with a seasonally high water table, wet meadows, stream channels, floodplains, areas with vegetation in the facultative wet or obligate classification, and jurisdictional wetlands. Based on the preliminary investigation, there appears to be potential orchid habitat in the wet meadow communities wihin the properties, Discussion and Recommendations Jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the United States are present within the properties investigated. If development envisions impacting the area between Weld County Road 54 and the top of the secondary alluvial terrace, a jurisdictional wetland delineation should be undertaken to characterize the wetlands and establish areal extent Jf necessary, Army Corps of Engineers permitting could then be pursued. Potential Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat was not observed within the properties. Characteristic potential habitat for the Ute ladies-tresses orchid appears to be present is the property in topographic low areas and wet meadow communities within the properties. The Corps of Engineers and USFWS may require a detailed habitat assessment and docrmlentation to be submitted for a determination of habitat presence. If USFWS determines that there is potential habitat, a pedestrian survey will be required during the orchid's flowering period. The survey must be conducted between July 20 and August 31.