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

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the aid of a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver, utilizing NAD83 /WGS84 map datum, with all coordinate locations based on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system within Zone 12. Pedestrian surveys of the biological resources area were conducted to identify and locate wildlife species, wildlife sign (tracks, fecal droppings, and vegetation disturbance), vegetation communities and wildlife habitats (Appendix A). Vegetation types were determined through field identification of plants, aerial photography, and on- the - ground assessments of plant abundance. Identification of plant species was aided by using the Colorado Flora: Western Slope field guide (Weber and Wittman 2001). Mammals: • Mule Deer: Visual surveys were conducted throughout the project area to determine potential mule deer use in the area. The general surveys took into account observations of the number of pellet groups, tracks, observation of animals and subjective level of browsing on shrub forage species. CDOW information were used to gather additional information on wild ungulate use in the area including NDIS map references and Data Analysis Use Plans. • Predatory Mammals: Surveys for these species included observation of tracks and fecal droppings. Literature reviews were conducted as well as the personal knowledge of the area by the biologist conducting surveys. • Small Mammals ■ Rodents and Lagomorphs: Visual pedestrian surveys were conducted specifically to detect these species. Incidental observations made during other surveys were recorded. Birds: • Raptors: Visual searches for raptor and other bird species nests focused on tamarisk thickets and isolated Russian olive trees that are found in the project area. Nest searches and bird identification were aided with the use of binoculars and song recognition, where needed. • Passerine Species: Since the project area is relatively small, surveys could effectively cover the entire proposed development area. Two line - transects (east and west of Reed Wash) and spot mapping techniques were used to determine species diversity, estimate breeding bird distribution and locations of potential breeding territories within and in areas adjacent to potentially affected areas (Appendix A). Casual observations of suspected nesting territories and indicators of breeding birds were recorded during pedestrian surveys conducted to gather information for other wildlife species. • Waterfowl: Identification of species, numbers and areas of use were recorded when waterfowl were observed or flushed during field surveys. Reptiles: Lizard and snake populations were surveyed by walking transects throughout the project area. Surveys included the greasewood shrublands and the riparian corridor along Reed Wash. Reptiles were also recorded as encountered in conjunction with bird and mammal surveys.