2004-09-14_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977208

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1 0 1 Wildlife Resources Assessment Cemex "C" Pit and CKD Disposal Site Page 9 The Burrowing Owl is generally associated with prairie dog colonies. Extensive surveys for this species from 1993 to 1998 resulted in no observations at the Lyons Quarry. The site does not represent ideal burrowing owl habitat, notwithstanding the presence of prairie dogs, as the native habitat has been altered by historical agricultural practices and mining activities. There is an abundance of mature trees throughout the area, which fragments the open habitat preferred by this species. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse has been documented along St. Vrain Creek near the cement plant, as well as near a small pond on the western boundary of the plant property (Figgs et al. 2003). Accordingly, it is assumed that this species continues to be found in the analysis area. There are two Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies at the Lyons Quarry. Both are to the south of "C" Pit. The total area of the colonies has been around 20-30 acres in recent years. ' Potential habitat for the Common Garter Snake is found along St. Vrain Creek as well as the wetlands and ponds on the site. The probability of occurrence is moderate. ~i 1 1 ~I ~~, Table 2. Potential Wildlife Species of Concern Common Name Scientific Name Status 1 Amphibians Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens SC Birds American Peregrine Falcon Bald Eagle Burrowing Owl Falco peregrines anatum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Athene cunicularia SC FT/ST ST Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis SC Mammals Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius preblei FT, ST Black-tailed Prairie Dog Cynomys ludovicianus SC Reptiles _ Common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis SC 1-Status Codes: FE =Federally Endangered _ _ FT =Federally Threatened SE =State Endangered ST =State Threatened SC =State Special Concern (not a statutory category) State information located at http://wildlife.state.co.us/T&E/list.asp.