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Amphibians: Toad and frog surveys were conducted along Reed Wash during daylight and <br />evening surveys. Amphibian surveys were conducted in a manner to detect amphibians visually <br />and aurally. Amphibians such as Woodhouse's toads typically chorus during the first few hours <br />after sunset. <br />Fish: No fish surveys were conducted during the course of this wildlife study. Information <br />presented was obtained from CDOW studies previously conducted in the area (CDOW 2010b). <br />2.3 SENSITIVE PLANTS <br />2.3.1 Background Information <br />The Grand Valley supports suitable habitat for a number of federally listed threatened and <br />endangered (T &E) plant species. In addition, the BLM maintains information and manages <br />known habitat for a number of sensitive plant species. Sensitive plant species are those that are <br />not common and may to susceptible to declining populations. <br />2.3.2 Survey Methods <br />Colorado Natural Heritage Program records were reviewed for potential occurrence of sensitive <br />plant species. Pedestrian surveys were conducted to specifically search for T &E and sensitive <br />plant species. Searches were also conducted during other biological surveys. <br />3.0 INVENTORY OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES <br />3.1 MAMMALS <br />3.1.1 Mule Deer: The habitat found within the project area is marginal mule deer (Odocoileus <br />heminonus) habitat and elk populations do not occur. Suitable habitat to support mule deer on a <br />sustained basis in the project area is generally lacking due to the small size of the project site. <br />The riparian vegetation along Reed Wash is dense enough to provide cover and forage. <br />However, the greasewood shrublands do not provide good cover and lack a suitable forage base. <br />CDOW NDIS records show that the project area includes a "Resident Population" of mule deer <br />and is within "Overall Range" for mule deer. The CDOW defines a resident population as <br />follows. <br />• Resident Population: An area that provides year -round range for a population of mule <br />deer. The resident mule deer use all of the area all year; it cannot be subdivided into <br />seasonal ranges although it may be included within the overall range of the larger <br />population. <br />Mule deer populations within this portion of the Grand Valley likely remain relatively consistent <br />throughout the year with the local animals using available cover and forage. Wintering <br />populations are similar to year -round numbers. Unfarmed areas and washes provide cover; deer <br />often feed in agricultural areas such as cornfields and alfalfa fields. The Colorado River corridor <br />provides cover for movement of the animals throughout the resident population area. <br />2 <br />