2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (21)

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Mexico. It is found throughout Colorado except out on the eastern plains. Distribution appears to be limited by available roost sites, including caves, mines, tunnels, crevices and other structures with suitable temperatures. This species occurs in RBC but there is no suitable roosting habitat in the study area. Fringed Myotis: This is a BLM- listed Sensitive species that inhabits coniferous forests and woodlands at moderate elevations in Colorado. Records indicate the species is widely distributed in its range, but not abundant in population numbers. Typical habitat includes ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, juniper, oakbrush and greasewood, and this species roosts in rock crevices, caves, mines, buildings and trees. They are also known to hibernate in caves and buildings. Though this species has been documented in RBC, there are no suitable roosting habitats on the project area. Yuma Myotis: This species is closely associated with aquatic habitats as it primarily feeds by flying over open waters in forested areas feeding on midges, moths, termites and other small insects. Nursery colonies occur in places that maintain high, stable temperatures ranging from 86 °-131 °F. Roosting sites include caves, mines, buildings, rock crevices, tree cavities and even swallow nests. The species occurs in RBC and may utilize dry woodland habitats, but preferred habitat and foraging areas are extremely limited on the project area. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: TESS Mammals Black- footed Ferret: No known prairie dog colonies occur within the project area, which are the key prey species for Black - footed ferrets. The only known occupied habitat lies approximately 30 miles west of the project area. There is no suitable habitat on the project area, therefore there will be no effect to this species. Canada Lynx: Given the lack of suitable habitat for both lynx and their key prey species, snowshoe hares, on the project area, lynx are unlikely to occur on the site. Therefore there will be no effect to this species. Townsend's Big Eared Bat, Fringed Myotis and Yuma Myotis: There are no caves, mines or rock crevices on the project area, so potential roosting and rearing habitat is limited to the surrounding PJ forest and one old log cabin, neither of which will be disturbed by the gravel pit. The White River and associated aquatic insect population provides suitable foraging habitat for bats, but these open water and riparian areas will not be affected by the gravel pit. Therefore, none of these bat species are expected to be affected by the proposed project. TESS Birds Affected Environment: Table 2 contains a list of Sensitive bird species that may occur, at least seasonally, on the project area, along with a notation of their habitat and nesting preferences. More detailed analyses follow. Environmental Solutions, Inc. Page 13 of 30 March 09