2007-08-17_PERMIT FILE - C1981035 (21)

Home Browse Search

• THREATENED/ENDANGERED SPECIES In following the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, a search was made for threatened, endangered, or sensitive (TES) plant species in the project area. No federal TES species aze known to exist in the project survey area. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Ecological Services Office in Grand Junction, Colorado, 3 TES and 1 candidate plant species have the potential to occur in La Plata County. Knowlton's cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii) and Mancos milkvetch (Astragalus humillimus) are listed endangered species. Mesa Verde cactus (Sclerocactus mesa-verde) is listed threatened, and Sleeping Ute milkvetch (Astragalus tortipes) is a candidate species for listing. No Knowlton's cactus, Mesa Verde cactus, Mancos milkvetch, Sleeping Ute milkvetch, or any other sensitive flora species are known to occur on the lands above the proposed lease modification area. Additionally, based on previous biological descriptions of the project azea, no habitat exists for any of these TES flora species in the project azea. According to the USFWS, 7 listed fauna species have potential to occur in La Plata County. These aze the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailli extimus), the endangered Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), the endangered Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus Lucius), the endangered Humpback chub (Gila cypha), the endangered Razorback • sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), the threatened Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucicephalus), the threatened Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), and the candidate Western boreal toad (Bufo boreal boreas). The recently delisted Peregrine falcon (Falco pereginus) is also known to occur in La Plata County and may incidentally occur in or near the project area. Of the federally listed fauna species with potential to occur in La Plata County, only the Bald eagle is known to occur in or near the project area. No listed fish species occur in the project area as there aze no perennial surface water resources present. Water depletions are not expected, and therefore there will not be any impact on listed fish species. The Western boreal toad is only known to occur above 8,000 feet in elevation; the project is at less than 7,500 feet in elevation. There aze norecords oftheBlack-footed ferret from southwestern Colorado. There is no suitable habitat (e.g., steep canyons, dense forested azeas) for the Mexican spotted owl within or near the 160 acre proposed lease modification area. There are no riparian azeas in the project area providing potential habitat for the Southwestern willow flycatcher. Bald eagle may incidentally occur in the project azea at any time of the yeaz. The highest density of Bald eagles in the county occurs during the winter months (Nov-Mar). Overwintering Bald eagles commonly utilize river corridors in the county. No winter roost sites or nesting areas are known in the vicinity of the project area. i•