2008-04-15_PERMIT FILE - M2008013

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Site Type: Rangeland MLRA: 69 -Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains Ecological Site Interpretations Loamy R069XY006CO Animal Community -Wildlife Interpretations The variety of grasses, forts, and shrubs found on this ecological site in the various plant communities provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. Historic large grazers that influenced these plant communities were bison, elk, and pronghorn. Changes over time have resulted in the loss of bison, the reduction in elk numbers, and pronghorn population swings. Domestic grazers now share these habitats with wildlife. The grassland communities of eastern Colorado are home to many bird species. Changes in the composition of the plant community when moving from the HCPC to other communities on this ecological site may result in dramatic species shifts in the bird community. The occasional wetland, riparian area, spring, or stock pond found on this ecological site provides essential seasonal water needed for reproductive habitat by amphibians. Because of a lack of permanent water, fish are not commonly expected on this ecological site. Mule and white-tailed deer may use this ecological site, however the shrub cover is too low to expect more than occasional use. The gray wolf, black-footed ferret, and wild bison used this ecological site in historic times. The wolf and ferret are thought to be extirpated from Eastern Colorado. Bison are currently found only as domestic livestock. Western Wheatgrass, Blue Grama, Galleta, Fourwing Saltbush Plant Community- Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC); and Increased Blue Grama, Buffalograss, Galleta Community The grasses, forts, and shrubs in these plant communities provide habitat for reptiles such as western rattlesnake and bullsnake. The structural diversity in the plant community on this site provides habitat for Cassin's and Brewer's sparrow, and lark bunting. Ferruginous and Swainson's hawks commonly use these communities. Small mammals such as white-tailed jackrabbit, badger, swift fox, and several species of mice are common in these plant communities. Pronghorn is a typical ungulate found in these communities. Low Plant Density, Excessive Litter Plant Community; Blue Grama/Buffalograss Sod; Broom Snakeweed Plant Community; Red Threeawn, Annuals, Bare Ground Plant Community; and Go-back Land Plant Community Reptiles using these plant communities are similar to the HCPC species. As vegetation becomes shorter and bare ground increases, conditions improve for lesser earless lizard and Texas horned lizard. The loss of vertical and species diversity in these plant communities results in a shift of the bird community to burrowing owl and mountain plover. Wth the exception of the hawk species, HCPC bird species would not be common in these communities. Most mammals will be the same as in the HCPC, however black-tailed jackrabbit and black-tailed prairie dog use will increase because of the changing plant community. Oneseed Juniper Plant Community Because of the increased shrub cover in this community, use by some of the grassland reptiles and birds will decline, being replaced by species that need woody cover. Although the western rattlesnake and coachwhip will continue to use this community as the vegetation changes to shrubs, other reptiles such as the collared lizard may begin using this community because of the increase in juniper. Birds such as flickers, chickadees, robins, and blue jays will be expected in this community. Mule and white-tailed deer are expected to increase on this plant community because of the improved cover adjacent to grassland. Desert cottontails may take advantage of the edge created by this community. Seeded Rangeland The wildlife species expected on seeded rangeland would be those listed for the plant community the seeding most resembles. Technical Guide USDA NRCS Section IIE 12 Rev. 3/04