2008-04-15_REVISION - M1980244 (362)

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• Baseline Technical Report ARCADIS Report for Soils and Biological Resources, Cresson Mine Life Extension Project Area 5.5.2 Mexican Spotted Owl The Mexican spotted owl is a federally listed threatened species. It inhabits two different primary habitats in Colorado: 1) old growth mixed coniferous forests in mountainous areas at elevations ranging from 5,500 to.9,000 feet and 2) large steep canyons and areas of pinyon juniper with scattered stands of old growth Douglas-fir in narrow, shady canyons. Canyon bottoms often have riparian vegetation composed of cottonwoods, willow, box elder, and other riparian shrub and tree species. Downed logs and snags are also important habitat components. Day roost sites are found in cool, shady canyons, often on north-facing slopes (Andrews and Righter 1992) or on ledges or in cavities in canyon walls (Ganey and Balda1994). Previous CNHP data (CNHP 1999) show recorded occurrences to the south, east, and north of the District. The USFWS has designated three areas of critical habitat in Colorado. The closest critical habitat area is known as SRM-C-1a and encompasses • areas to the south, east, and northeast of the Study Area (USFWS 2007). Very limited areas of potential foraging habitat for the Mexican spotted owl exist in the Study Area. No potential nesting habitat exists in the Study Area. Based on the limited size of observed foraging habitat patches and the distance from known critical habitat, Mexican spotted owls are not expected to occur in the Study Area. 5.5.3 Pawnee Montane Skipper The Pawnee montane skipper is a federally listed threatened species. This butterfly inhabits dry, open ponderosa pine woodlands with a sparse understory at 6,000 to 7,500 amsl on soils derived from the Pikes Peak granite. Blue grama grass (the larval food plant) and prairie gayfeather (the primary nectar plant) are two necessary components of the ground cover (USFWS 1998). The only known location is at Deckers, approximately 40 miles north of the District (Ronish 1999). No potential habitat for the Pawnee montane skipper was seen in the District. Small areas of ponderosa pine with nearby areas of blue grama were noted, but no gayfeather was seen. 5.5.4 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse The Preble's meadow jumping mouse is a federally listed threatened species. Typical habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse is composed of well-developed plains • riparian vegetation with adjacent, relatively undisturbed grassland communities, and a CCV Final Technical Report (3-28-08).doc 18