1997-06-13_REPORT - M1981302

• Permit No: M1981302
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 6/13/1997
• Doc Name: EXHIBIT A 10
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

INTERIM SURVEY UID G ELINFS
FOR PREBLE'S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE
Revised May 27, 1997
These survey requirements supersede previous versions.
On March 25, 1997, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued a proposed rule to list
the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblet) (Preble's) as a Federal
endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531
et. seq.) (ESA). The Service has one year from that date to reach a final decision regarding
this proposal.
The Service has established the following interim guidelines for surveys to determine the
presence or absence of Preble's. These guidelines were developed by the Service and the
Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, the
Department of Energy's Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, in consultation with
other biologists, ecologists, and researchers knowledgeable about this subspecies. The
guidelines are designed to supplement, not substitute for, professional methods, expertise, and
judgement typically used to conduct surveys of rare small mammals.
Because the subspecies is rare, relatively little is known about its habitat preferences, ethology,
and population ecology. These interim survey guidelines are designed to gain more thorough
information about the subspecies, identify potential Preble's habitats, ensure protection of
individuals of this subspecies during surveying efforts, and streamline and standardize survey
procedures. Furthermore, these guidelines were developed as the standard that the Service
will require in order to accept the validity of surveys and survey reports prepared for Preble's.
These guidelines will be reviewed and modified as needed. Copies of the revised guidelines
will be distributed to all field biologists working on appropriate areas of eastern Colorado and
southeastern Wyoming under scientific permits from the Division or the Wyoming Game and
Fish Department (WGFD).
Documentation of compliance with these guidelines is accomplished through submission to the
Service of a survey report. For proposed projects requiring a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) permit, the appropriate Corps office should be sent a copy of the report. The Service
will review submitted reports and reply with a written letter of acceptance or rejection of the
report within 30 days of receipt of the report.
All Federal agencies have responsibility under section 7(a)(4) of the ESA to protect proposed
endangered and threatened species and the habitats on which they depend. For projects where
a Federal nexus exists (Federal permit, Federal funding, projects on Federal land) and there is
potential affect on Preble's or its habitat, and the Federal action agency should contact the
Service. In addition, the Service encourages all Federal agencies to review their properties
and projects and make funds available to conduct Preble's surveys in all potential habitat.