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Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) -This prairie-dwelling buteo occurs year-round in the project region. However, the absence of grassland habitat and prairie dogs onsite makes use by this species very unlikely. Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalisl -This species is limited to lush grasslands, mostly along drainages. While it probably occurs along the South Platte River, it is unlikely to occur in the poor-quality and limited habitat along the irrigation ditches and small wetland onsite. Northern Leopard Frop (Rana pipiens) -This amphibian occurs in areas of permanent surface water in the project region. Therefore, the lack of surface water other than the unsuitable (fast-flowing, highly seasonal) irrigation ditches negates the potential for occurrence by this species. (d) GENERAL EFFECT OF PROJECT ON EXISTING WILDLIFE The proposed sand and gravel mining operations will not have significant adverse impacts on wildlife, either onsite or offsite. This conclusion is based on the following considerations. Temporary and Permanent Loss of Food and Habitat Because the site is almost entirely agricultural cropland, with only a small area of degraded pasture, a very small wetland area, and scattered individuals or small groups of trees primarily around houses and other buildings, it provides minimal area and quality of wildlife habitat. Following mining, the reclaimed areas will consist of open water bodies, which will probably have greater ecological value than the existing croplands. While some trees will be lost, those along the eastern edge of the site north of Weld County Road 8 will probably be preserved, although (as at present) will be of minimal value due to the proximity to County Road 27. Besides being of minimal value for onsite species, the area does not provide significant habitat for offsite species, again owing to the intensive agricultural use. The small areas of habitat provided by the degraded pasture, wetland area, and omamental trees are currently used almost exclusively by onsite species because they are of insufficient size or quality to attract wildlife from offsite areas. Interterence with Migratory Routes The proposed sand and gravel mining operations would not interfere with annual, seasonal, or daily migration routes or movement corridors due to the very minor extent and quality of habitat associated with the croplands, degraded pasture, small wetland, and omamental trees and shrubs. While the South Platte River corridor west of the site supports abundant and diverse wildlife, no habitats occur east of the site that would support regular movement through or across the proposed mining area. Effects of Increased Human Activity, Including Noise Because areas surrounding the proposed mining operations are very marginal for wildlife, disturbance associated with mining operations, increased vehicular traffic, and other activities would not be expected to impact offsite species-and no substantial onsite wildlife use currently occurs. Of special potential concern is the impact of mining on wildlife use and movement along South Platte River corridor. While the mining operations would be less than 0.25 mile from the river in some areas, the increased human activity and noise would not be expected to affect riverine species. This conclusion is based on the following: • The proposed mining area is already an area of intensive human use, including mechanized agriculture. SW TKO Joint Venture, LLC. -Adams Sand and Gravel Mine -112 Reclamation Permit Amendment Page 25