2008-12-05_PERMIT FILE - M2008082 (4)

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WILDLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT MORTON LAKES PROPERTY WELD COUNTY, COLORADO • Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat Suitable Habitat Present Plants Colorado butterfly plant Gaura FT Subirrigated, alluvial soils neomexicana ssp. on level floodplains and coloradensis drainage bottoms between 5,000 and 6,000 feet Unlikely - Setback Ute ladies'-tresses Spiranthes FT Moist to wet alluvial along Big Dry Creek orchid diluvialis meadows, floodplains of avoids habitat perennial streams, and around springs and lakes below 6,500 feet `FT = Federally Threatened Species, FE = Federally Endangered Species, FC= Federally Candidate *.Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/or critical habitat in downstream reaches in other counties or states. Sources: Service 2008; CROW 2007. Interior Least Te"4 Piping Plover, Whooping Crane, and Pallid Sturgeon The interior least tern, piping plover, whooping crane, and pallid sturgeon are species that are affected by water depletions from the South Platte River. All water depletions associated with the proposed project from the South Platte River would be augmented as • required by the Substitute Water Supply Plan as approved by the Colorado State Engineers Office. Thus, these species would not be affected by the proposed project, and a consultation with the Service would not be required. Ute Ladies'-Tresses Orchid and Colorado Butterfly Plant The entire mine footprint is dry and lacks the subirrigation hydrology needed to support populations of Ute ladies'-tresses orchid or Colorado butterfly plant. Riparian areas would also be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. Potential habitats for the species listed below are more prevalent within the project area, and are discussed in further detail in the following sections. Black footed Ferret The black-footed ferret is a federal- and state-listed endangered species closely associated with the presence of prairie dogs. The project area is located within a Service Block-Cleared Area for black-footed ferrets (Service 2007). In designating a block- cleared area, the Service determined that populations of ferrets are unlikely to occur within the block-cleared area and individuals or agencies are no longer required to • Ee0 6 Resources Corporation