2010-11-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (27)

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The greatest abundance of songbirds and other bird species was observed at this site. Common mergansers, ringneck ducks, mallards, cinnamon teal, yellow warblers, red- winged and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, tree and bank swallows, orioles, towhees, mourning doves, crows, northern flickers, downy woodpeckers, indigo buntings, house sparrows, house wrens, magpies, turkey vultures, kestrels, western and eastern kingbirds and robins were observed in this area. Recommendations: The area south of the existing fine should be totally left alone. Impacts in this area could trigger Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act consultation. Although no southwest willow flycatchers were heard or observed, it is potemial habitat. A portion of these wetlands is mitigation for the Highway 133 project built in the 1980's by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Based on the location map, there should not be any impact on this area. Cut and fill materials should be stabilized and utilized on site or hauled to other project sites to prevent erosion into the wetlands south of this area. Maintenance of all existing vegetation, if possible, should be retained or replaced as buffers due to the close proximity of human constructed features as noted above. Reclamation efforts should include control of invasive, noxious weeds in the disturbance areas along the entire corridor. Weed control should occur for a minimum of five years after the disturbed areas are reclaimed. • During the engineering survey for the final siding alignment, it would be a good~idea to have someone with biological expertise available to provide input on avoiding or minimizing impacts on sensitive wildlife habitats within the condor. There is great potential for minimizing and mitigating impacts during the construction phase that is not pointed out in this wildlife survey report. Much of this work can be incorporated into the design and have minimal implementation costs. SUMMARY In summary, none of the wildlife species on the state and federal sensitive, threatened or endangered lists were observed during the field surveys. Probability for occurrence based on suitable habitat for any of the listed species was only found for the southwest willow flycatcher. This habitat was found on the southeastern fringe of the survey radius and is well buffered by vegetation and topography from the disturbance site. There is no reason to believe that construction of the siding will impact this habitat. •