2009-03-06_REVISION - M1987049 (17)

Home Browse Search

Significant Wildlife Resources Tables 1, 2, and 3 list wildlife species that potentially occur on-site according to the Colorado Distribution Latilong Studies (CDOW, 1981, 1990, 1998). The latilong studies encompass mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. During our site investigation we encountered a number of avian species. Species included a northern harrier (Circus syaneus), mouring dove (Zenaida macroura), Western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), and ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). The majority of birds were feeding and loafing at the time of our investigation. An active black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colony, several cottontails (Lepus towavndii), Land a coyote (Canis latrans) were observed on the Arends parcel. Seasonal Use With the exception of bats, the mammals species encountered during the site inspection or that potentially occur on-site are expected to be year-round residents or users of the site. The carnivore and ungulate species are not restricted to this site and tend to have relatively large home ranges (up to several square miles). The majority of rodent and insectivore species can be expected to reside on-site throughout the year, though many may hibernate during the cold months. Avian species may be year-round, temporary migrants, or summer residents of the site. Year-round residents would include waterfowl, raptors, pigeons, owls, and woodpeckers. The majority of the shorebirds and passerines would use the site during the spring, summer, and fall for feeding or resting during migration. Amphibian and reptile species of the site are year-round residents. Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat Potential habitat for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) is present in the southwest corner of the Reinoehl parcel and in a band of wet meadow vegetation and an adjacent irrigation ditch on the Arends parcel. A Ute ladies'-tresses orchid survey was conducted on August 21, 2007 in the areas described above. No individuals of Spiranthes diluvialis were found during the survey. Potential habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is present on the site given it's proximity to the riparian corridor of the South Platte River. However, according to the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Block Clearance for the Denver Metropolitan Area - Revised 2004 (prepared by ERO Resources and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), the Arends, Reinoehl, and Archuleta site is within the boundaries of the block clearance area. On August 7, 2007, Peter Plage of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service verified during a telephone interview that the site is located within the block clearance and that no further action for the mouse is required for this site.