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Baseline Technical Report <br />ARCADIS Report for Soils and Biological <br />Resources, MLE2 Project Area <br />Plants <br />• Pale moonwort (Botrychium pallidum): state rare plant <br />• Reflected moonwort (Botrychium echo): state rare plant <br />• Rocky Mountain columbine (Aquilegia saximontana): state rare plant <br />• Western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara): federally threatened <br />The least tern, piping plover, whooping crane, sandhill crane, and pallid sturgeon are <br />all associated with water bodies, particularly, the South Platte River in Teller County. <br />Activities associated with the survey area do not affect waters of the South Platte <br />River or its tributaries. Waters leaving the area generally feed creeks which drain to <br />the south and ultimately may flow into the Arkansas River. The five species are not <br />likely to be affected by project activities. The discussion of the remaining listed <br />species that follows includes site - specific information, where appropriate. <br />5.1 Birds <br />5.1.1 American Peregrine Falcon <br />The American peregrine falcon is a state listed species of concern. This species <br />inhabits open spaces usually associated with high cliffs and bluffs overlooking rivers <br />or other large bodies of water (CDOW 2011). No American peregrine falcons were <br />observed in the survey area. In addition, there is no suitable habitat (i.e., cliffs or high <br />bluffs) for this species in the survey area. Individuals of this species may occasionally <br />pass through the area during migration but are not expected to stopover in the area <br />due to the lack of suitable habitat. <br />5.1.2 Bald Eagle <br />In June 2007, the Secretary of the Interior announced the removal of the bald eagle <br />from the USFWS threatened and endangered species list. However, bald eagles <br />continue to be protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and <br />the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. <br />Food availability is probably the single most important factor affecting bald eagle <br />distribution and abundance. Fish and waterfowl are the primary sources of food. Big <br />game and livestock carrion, as well as larger rodents (e.g. prairie dogs), also can be <br />important dietary components where these resources are available (Ehrlich et al. <br />1988). <br />CCV Baseline Soils Biology Resource Report (11- 17- 11).doc 21 <br />