PERMFILE134633 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

heron, and sandhill crane. sandhill cranes were noted relatively frequently foraging as pairs or small groups in • cropland and low sagebrush communities throughout Twentymile Park. Results of [he sandhill crane nesting survey are presented in a subsequent section. Songbird Representative songbird species observed on the permit area were species primarily associated with sagebrush, cropland, and open grassland habitats. Species frequently observed included red-winged blackbird, Brewer's blackbird, black-billed magpie, western meadowlark, vesper sparrow, Brewer's sparrow, and green-tailed towhee. All other species observed or expected to occur on the permit area are listed along with habitat preferences on Table 40, Bird Species List for the Permit Area. Aquafic Organisms The following discussion is presented only for Fish Creek since this is the only stream that may be affected by mine development. The information presented is based on the findings of aquatic studies listed in "Methodology" section of ibis response. Fish Creek lies in the upper Colorado River Basis in northwestern Colorado and Flows through the eastern edge of the Yampa Coal Field. Fish Creek originates in the Dunkley Flat Tops area and Flows northeast into Trout Creek to the east of the permit area. Upper Fish Creek drainage is heavily vegetated with aspens and conifers, while lower portions, including its reach in [he permit area, are more xeric and support sagebrush and grasses. Fish Creek is a relatively narrow (less than 3 m), low gradient (0.2%) stream throughout most of the permit area • except near the eastern edge where it begins to widen. The stream is widely meandering but lacks woody riparian vegetation throughout most of its reach in the permit area. Undercut banks and deep pools are also generally lacking in the permit area. The principal aquatic, emergent macrophytes occurring along the edge of Fish Creek are Nebraska sedge (Carex nebraskensis) and spike-rush (Eleocharis macrostachya). Benthic invertebrates are organisms living on and in the substrate of streams. In streams like Fish Creek they are primarily the inunature forms of aquatic insects. In the riffles net-spinning caddisFlies (Hvdropsvche and Cheumatousyche) and chironomids are predominant. Common benthic invertebrates in pool habitat include chironomids, tubiticid warms (Limnodrilus sp.), and the elmid beetle (Dubiraphia guadrinotata). Fish species occurring in Fish Creek are characteristic of the lower portions of other streams in dte area. Generally, shallowness and relative lack of cover and pools limits fsh species diversity and abundance in permit area sections of Fish Creek. Common species present include white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), speckled dace (Rhynich[hvs osculus), red shiner (Notropis lutrensis), and mund[ailed chub (Gila robusta). Threatened and Endangered Species The proposed permit area is not within designated critical habitat for any threatened or endangered animal species, and no federally listed threatened or endangered species occur within [he proposed permit boundaries (Exhibit 23, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Letter Regarding T&E Species). The bald eagle or peregrine falcon may rarely pass over this area during migration, but suitable habitat for these species is not present on the proposed permit area. • The greater sandhill crane is listed as an endangered subspecies by the State of Colorado. The proposed permit area lies within the region designated as a nesting range by Torres et al. (1978). Major staging and roosting areas for the Cola ado subpopula[ion of greater sandhill cranes occur to the northwest of the permit area long the Yampa River and near the Hayden Station powerplan[. Cranes are commonly observed in T+ventymile park during spring MR 97-154 2.04-70 Revised 10/02/97