2008-04-15_REVISION - M1980244 (362)

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• ARCADIS Several literature reviews and field surreys for special status species have been conducted previously in the District. Redente and Alldredge (1994) conducted a literature review and survey for the bald eagle, Mexican spotted owl, and Pawnee montane skipper in the District. No evidence of any of these species was found. JBR (1997) conducted a literature review and survey for the bald eagle, Mexican spotted owl, and Pawnee montane skipper. No evidence of any of these species was found. Surveys were conducted by Greystone biologists in 1999 and concluded that project activities would not affect any listed species. ARCADIS has assessed the species on the current threatened and endangered list. The least tern, piping plover, whooping crane, and pallid sturgeon are all associated with water bodies, specifically, in the South Platte River in Teller County. Activities associated with the Study Area do not affect waters of the South Platte River or its tributaries. Waters leaving the area generally feed creeks which drain to the south and ultimately may flow into the Arkansas River. The four species would not be affected by project activities. The discussion of the remaining listed species that follows includes site-specific information • where appropriate. 5.5.1 Bald Eagle In June 2007, the Secretary of the Interior announced the removal of the bald eagle from the USFWS threatened and endangered species list. Bald eagles will continue to be protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. With an estimated 10,000 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states (42 nesting pairs in State of Colorado), the bald eagle appears to be making a strong and sustainable comeback. CDOW is expected to remove the bald eagle from the State Threatened list this summer. Food availability is probably the single most important factor affecting bald eagle distribution and abundance. Fish and waterfowl are the primary sources of food where eagles occur along rivers and lakes. Big game and livestock carrion, as well as larger rodents (e.g. prairie dogs), also can be important dietary components where these resources are available (Ehrlich et al. 1988). There are no known bald eagle nest sites or winter roosts in the District or the Study Area. Food resources present within the Study Area are most likely insufficient to attract bald eagles. Individuals of this species may occasionally pass through the area during migration but are not expected to stay in the area due to extremely limited foraging habitat. There were no bald eagles observed during the 2007 site visit. is Baseline Technical Report Report for Soils and Biological Resources, Cresson Mine Life Extension Project Area CCV Final Technical Report (3-28-08).doc 17