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Peter Platte <br />Zapus disqualification request <br />August 18, 1999 <br />the banks along the ditch are cleared for vehicular access [o the farm fields (Figure 5). <br />There is no shrub or tree overstory associated with this ditch along its length through the <br />project area. No evidence of seeps, springs, tailwater wet meadows, or depressions <br />within the cultivated fields was observed. The South Platte riparian corridor averages <br />400 feet east of the property boundary, and 250 feet east of the property at the closest <br />point. <br />No native plant associations exist within the project area, with the exception of the banks <br />of the irrigation delivery ditch. The fields are planted to annual vegetables. The <br />irrigation delivery ditch is dominated by a dense monoculture of Phalaris arundinacea. <br />Within the project area there were no open wet meadows, ripazian corridors, or plant <br />associations which consisted of an overstory and understory that would provide adequate <br />cover for the mouse. <br />As noted above, surface water present within the project area originates from flood <br />irrigation and precipitation. Other than the drainage ditch, there is no identified blue-line <br />stream, and the duration and nature of surface water provided through flood irrigation is <br />not similaz to other known Zapus habitats (e.g., fluvial systems). <br />For the above reasons, we request (on behalf of Banks and Gesso) that the U.S. Fish and <br />Wildlife Service concur in writing that the above described site can be disqualified firom <br />the requirements for a survey for Zapus hudsonius preblei. <br />Please contact me at your eazliest convenience if you require additional information. <br />Sincerely, <br />e <br />Michael S. Savage <br />Vice President <br />Attachments: General Location Map <br />Photographs (Figures 1-5) <br />c: Rob Laird, Banks and Gesso, LLC / <br />