2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (21)

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The following review addresses a compilation of species from all three agencies (USFWS, CDOW and BLM) which contains TESS species that may occur on or near the study area. Affected Environment: The USFWS notes two mammals, four fish species, three plants and one bird species listed under ESA which are also known to occur in Rio Blanco County. After a review of the literature (Andrews and Righter 1992, Kingery 1998) and review of existing CDOW and BLM data, an additional 11 bird species were added as Sensitive species for this analysis, primarily based on their inclusion as Birds of Conservation Concern by the USFWS and their potential occurrence in the County on habitat types found on or near the project area. TESS Mammals Black- footed Ferret: This species was known to range statewide in habitats that included eastern plains, mountain parks and the western valleys containing grasslands and shrublands which supported prairie dogs, the primary prey species for ferrets. Records indicate that ferrets never seemed to have been abundant in the state (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). The last historic record of this species dates to 1946, though the CDOW and USFWS have been cooperatively reintroducing them to suitable habitats since 2001. There are currently two major ferret colonies in Colorado, one west of Rangely near the Utah border and one southeast of Dinosaur National Monument. This species is listed as endangered by both USFWS and CDOW. However, there are no records of Black- footed ferrets occurring anywhere in the Piceance Basin. In the study area, habitat is not suitable for prairie dogs, the chief food source for ferrets, due to the lack of open sagebrush habitat and the surrounding PJ forests that fragment suitable habitat types. Canada Lynx: Lynx were first listed as a state endangered species in 1973, and is currently also listed as Threatened under ESA. Preferred habitat includes dense subalpine forest and willow- choked corridors along mountain streams and avalanche chutes. Its chief prey species is snowshoe hare, though lynx are known to consume carrion and capture other small mammals and ground - dwelling birds such as grouse. Colorado is believed to be near the southern limit of this species' historic range, and it is believed they were extirpated from Colorado most likely due to loss of habitat and commercial trapping activities. CDOW began reintroducing lynx into Colorado in 1998 and monitoring their progress via radio collars. Lynx have been found to range widely, dispersing across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and into New Mexico. CDOW records indicate one lynx did wander into the Cow Creek drainage in upper Piceance Creek in 2005, though it only remained a short time before leaving. There are no records of lynx anywhere near the gravel pit site, nor is habitat conducive to lynx survival. Townsend's Big Eared Bat: This species is listed as Sensitive by CDOW and BLM. It inhabits western North America and ranges from southern British Columbia to southern Environmental Solutions, Inc. Page 12 of 30 March 09