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WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT DUC6WORTH PIT. WELD COUNTY, COLORADO Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudronius preblei) The Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Preble's) is currently listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is a state listed threatened species. Typically, this mouse occurs in low undergrowth consisting of grasses and forbs, in open wet meadows, riparian corridors near forests, or where tall shrubs and low trees provide adequate cover (Armstrong et al. 1997; Service 1999). The mouse occurs below 7,500 feet in elevation, generally in lowlands with medium to high moisture (Service 1999); Natural Heritage Program 1996) along permanent or intermittent streams (Ryon 1996). Trapping surveys for Preble's with negative results have been conducted on adjacent properties in better potential habitat on Boulder and Saint Vrain Creeks (Da Ti Mbi 2001). A habitat assessment concluding the site contained no Preble's habitat was prepared by ERO (2003) and accepted by the Service in 2003 (Appendix A). Thus, the project site contains no Preble's habitat. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Bald eagles are currently federally and state listed as a threatened species. Both bald and golden eagles are protected by the Eagle Protection Act (1978). Overwintering bald eagles are frequently observed along Boulder and Saint Vrain Creeks in Weld County. A seazch of the NDIS database did not identify any known eagle nest sites or wintering areas on the project site. The nearest known nest site is approximately I 0 miles to the northeast. The nearest winter roost areas are approximately 1.5 miles away on the Saint Vrain River to the northwest and near the Saint Vrain State Park to the north. Boulder Creek provides bald eagle winter foraging and winter concentration habitat approximately 3/< mile west of the project site. Eagles foraging along Boulder Creek are also likely to occasionally forage along Idaho Creek and on prairie dogs in the area, including on the project site. Black-tarled Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) The black-tailed prairie dog is a federal candidate species and a state species of special concern. Due to population declines across its historical range, the black-tailed prairie dog was proposed to be listed as a threatened species under the ESA. On February ERO Resources [orpomlion