1995-08-11_REVISION - M1977493 (11)

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2.2 Candidate (Category 2) Species Seven plant and animal species currently being considered by the USFWS for listing as threatened or endangered are potentially present in the Climax area, based on known geographic range and habitat requirements. These species, and their status in the region, are summarized below: • Wolverine (Gulo gulo) — This secretive, medium-sized predator is the largest member of the weasel family in the United States. Wolverines historically occurred in densely forested areas at high elevations (i.e., spruce-fir, generally above 10,000 feet). Undocumented occurrences have been reported in the mountains of central and northern Colorado. It is of potential concern in subalpine forests throughout the study area and is listed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) as endangered at the state level. • Lynx (Lynx lynx) — The lynx is a medium-sized cat of boreal (northern) and subalpine (high-elevation) coniferous forests that feeds primarily on snowshoe hares, marmots, chipmunks, red squirrels, and large birds such as blue grouse. It potentially could occur in portions of the site in all three counties, based on historical records. Recent (post- 1980) observations include Eagle County (near Vail, Homestake, and the town of Eagle) and Lake. County near Leadville. Like the wolverine, the lynx .is listed by CDOW as endangered in Colorado. • Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) — A medium-sized bird of prey, the northern goshawk is widespread in montane and subalpine coniferous forests of Colorado, generally above 7,500 feet. It feeds on small birds, blue grouse, and diurnal small mammals (e.g., chipmunks) and is potentially of concern in coniferous forests in all three counties included in the study area. This raptor is relatively widespread in Colorado and is not listed as threatened or endangered at the state level. Based on its currently population status, it also seems unlikely to become federally listed in the near future. • Boreal toad (Bufo boreas) — The boreal (or western) toad breeds in areas of standing or slow-flowing water, but adults may venture into nearby wet meadows, willows, or drier habitats to feed. Historically, this species was relatively widespread at elevations from 8,500 feet to near timberline, but it has undergone a marked decrease in abundance and distribution. Boreal toads are potentially present in portions of the project area in all three counties. The boreal toad is listed by CDOW as endangered in Colorado. • Leadville milkvetch(Astragalus molybdenus)—This member of the pea family is endemic in the Mosquito Range and portions of Pitkin County on Leadville limestone between the elevations of 11,000 and 13,000 feet in alpine tundra or the forest/tundra ecotone. Although tundra occurs in portions of the study area, Leadville limestone is absent. • Purple lady's slipper (Qpripedium fasciculawn) — This orchid is found in openings in subalpine forest, typically above 9,000 feet. Its documented range includes Eagle and Summit counties. The purple lady's slipper is potentially present in appropriate spruce-fir or lodgepole pine forest throughout the project area. It probably is the plant species most likely to occur and least likely to be listed as threatened or endangered. 2