Laserfiche WebLink
WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT <br />DUCI:WORTH PIT. WELD COUNTY, COLORADO <br />thoroueh seazch of the project site found no potential swift fox den sites. The proposed <br />project is highly unlikely to impact swift fox <br />Nortlrern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) <br />The northern leopard frog typically inhabits the bank and shallow- portions of <br />wetlands, ponds, lakes, streams, and other permanent bodies of water. This species <br />breeds in shallow, non-flowing portions of permanent water bodies and in seasonally <br />flooded areas. Leopard frogs typically emerge from winter dormancy in March and <br />remain active until cold weather forces them into hibernation in October or November <br />(Hammerson 1986). No leopard frogs or amphibians of any kind were observed on the <br />project site. Leopard frogs potentially inhabit Idaho Creek; however, the proposed <br />project will completely avoid the creek and any associated wetlands. Thus the project <br />will not substantially impact northern leopard frogs. <br />Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) <br />The common garter snake is considered globally secure but rare in Colorado and is a <br />state species of special concern. This species occurs only along the South Platte River <br />drainage below 6,000 feet in northeastern Colorado (Hammerson 1999). This snake <br />inhabits marshes, ponds, and stream edges, essentially restricted to aquatic and riparian <br />habitats within floodplains. Considering that the Idaho Creek drainage is completely <br />dependent on irrigation, it is unlikely that the common garter snake occurs on the project <br />site. <br />Large Mammals <br />Areas within the project site provide habitat for animals including coyote (Canis <br />lan•arzs), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), American badger (Taxidea taxes), and raccoon <br />(Procyon lotor). Coyote tracks and droppings were observed within the prairie dog town. <br />Raccoon tracks were observed along Idaho Creek. No sign or evidence of red fox or <br />badger was observed, but these species are likely to occur in or near the project area. <br />According to the Colorado NDIS the project site does not contain anv elk (Cen•us <br />elaphus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemonius), or pronghorn (~lntilocapra americana) <br />ERD <br />Resources <br />Corporation <br />