2012-03-07_PERMIT FILE - C2010088 (19)

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3.1.2.3 Canada Lynx (Federal threatened and State endangered): Lynx (Lynx Canadensis) are a Colorado native cat and listed as a federally threatened and Colorado State endangered species. The lynx was thought to have been extirpated from the state by 1973 (CDOW 2010c). A reintroduction program was initiated in 1999 in the San Juan Mountains with the release of captured animals. The DOW has monitored reintroduced lynx for over a decade. As of summer 2010, all of the CDOW's benchmarks for successful lynx reintroduction have now been met, including reproducing populations. CDOW radio - telemetry data summary results show that the majority of reintroduced lynx occupy high elevation ( >2,900 m, 9,507 ft), forested (Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir) terrain in central and south - central Colorado. CDOW distribution maps show a low density occurrence of lynx west of Mack, CO near the Colorado River corridor. This lynx occurrence resulted from a single radio - collared male that wandered to the northwest from a reintroduction release site in the San Juan Mountains in 2002. The CDOW captured this lynx after it was treed by hounds and tranquilized; the animal was returned to a rehabilitation facility and later re- released in the San Juan Mountains in suitable habitat. Habitat in the project area is not suitable for lynx. The elevation is approximately 1,365 in (4,470 ft), which is approximately 1,500 in lower than typically occupied lynx habitat in Colorado. The site does not support forested terrain with 42 -65 percent conifer canopy cover, which is found in suitable high elevation lynx range. Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), that form 92 percent of lynx winter diet, do not occur in the project area. The closest potential lynx habitat capable of sustaining lynx for an extended period is the Grand Mesa, which is located approximately 33 miles east of the proposed loadout facility. The greasewood- dominated shrublands at the project site is not capable of supporting lynx due to lack of constituent habitat elements described above. 3.1.2.4 Coyote, Raccoon, and Red Fox: These species all occur in the project areas based on track observations and scat. None of the species were observed. Raccoon tracks were observed along Reed Wash and tracks that appeared to be the size of red fox were observed. These species are well adapted to the fragmented natural environments in this portion of the Grand Valley. 3.1.3 Small Mammals 3.1.3.2 Rodents: These species are likely the most abundant wildlife populations in the project area. Three species of rodents were observed during field surveys (Table 1). Evidence of beaver occurrence was noted in Reed Wash where tamarisk had been cut, likely for use in dam or lodge construction. However, no dams or lodges were observed. Muskrat droppings were observed along the banks of Reed Wash.