REP42775

• Permit No: M1991035
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 12/31/1994
• Doc Name: WILDLIFE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH WESTERN AGGREGATES INC BLUESTONE & SECTION 16 MINIGN PROPOSALS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Bluestone and Section 16 Wildlife Issues Report Western Aggregates, Inc.
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There are only 4 confirmed breeding records for the state. This shorebird inhabits the
mudflat<.. and shorelines of lakes. Breeding birds have affinities to open sandy shorelines
with pebbles. RFP Reservoir represents the only potential habitat for this species on either
proposed ming area, however, it is extremely unlikely that they are present as breeders or
migrants. There would be no water depletions associated with either mining proposal that
could affect piping plover habitat downstream.
' Least Tc;rn

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Least terns occur along Colorado's South Platte River as local, uncommon, non-breeding
summer residents and casual to rare migrants (Andrews and Righter 1992). Migrants are
associated with reservoirs, lakes, and rivers with bare sandy shorelines. RFP Reservoir
represents the only potential habitat for this species on either proposed mining area. It is
unlikely, though possible, that least terns could use this reservoir. However, this reservoir
cannot be considered important for the rare tern use the that might occur, and mining
activity in adjacent areas would unlikely affect any rare migratory use that might occur.
There would be no water depletions associated with either mining proposal that could affect
least tern use downstream.
Black-footed Ferret
Black-footed ferrets are closely associated with prairie dog (Cynomys spp). towns that they
exploit as sources of food and shelter. There are no prairie dog towns on, or in the vicinity
of, eithel- the Bluestone or Section 16 parcels that would be adversely affected by proposed
mining activities.
4.2.2 FEiDERAL CANDIDATE SPECIES
Texas Horned Lizard
Texas horned lizards only occur in the southeastern corner of Colorado (Hammerson 1982)
and would probably not be affected by the proposed mining activity.
Harle uin Duck
Harlequin ducks are extremely rare, accidental visitors to Colorado's mountains (Andrews
and Rigteter 1992). A small breeding population along some of the state's mountain rivers
became extinct in the 1880's. The mining proposals would have no affect on this species.
Western F.co:ystems, Inc. 16 December, 1994