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Wu DLIFE RESOURCES ASSESSMENT <br />MORTON LAKES PROPERTY <br />WELD COUNTY, COLORADO <br />near the project area (Kin <br />p ? gery 1998). Currently, no nesting ferruginous hawks are known <br />to occur in southwestern Weld County or western Adams County. <br />Potential Habitat and Possible Effects <br />No potential ferruginous hawk nesting sites were observed during the 2008 site visit <br />and suitable prey resources are lacking within the project area. The project would not <br />likely affect the ferruginous hawk; therefore, no action is necessary. <br />Northern Leopard Frog <br />Species Background <br />The northern leopard frog is a state species of special concern that prefers the banks <br />and shallow portions of marshes, wet meadows, ponds, lakes, and streams, particularly <br />where rooted aquatic vegetation is present (Hammerson 1999). Leopard frogs prefer <br />permanent bodies of water and are a wide-ranging species known to occur at elevations <br />up to 11,000 feet. The northern leopard frog range is up to 3 miles and they feed on <br />insects, spiders, and worms. Worldwide and in Colorado, amphibian populations have <br />declined for reasons not well known. <br />is Potential Habitat and Possible Effects <br />Leopard frogs may be present within the project area in wetlands along Big Dry <br />Creek and pockets of wetlands in the southeast corner of the property. Leopard frogs <br />likely inhabit wet areas in or adjacent to any of the waterways on the property. The <br />leopard frog is currently not protected under federal, state, or county regulations. <br />However, if the species were to become federally or state listed in the future, regulations <br />regarding protection of this species could be imposed. The 75- to 450-foot setback along <br />Big Dry Creek would effectively avoid and minimize most adverse impacts to the <br />northern leopard frog; therefore, no action is necessary at this time. <br />Common Garter Snake <br />Species Background <br />The common garter snake is considered globally secure but rare in Colorado and is a <br />state species of special concern. This species occurs only along the South Platte River <br />drainage below 6,000 feet in northeastern Colorado (Hammerson 1999). This snake <br />15 ERO <br />Resources <br />Corporation