2012-08-14_PERMIT FILE - C1996084A (2)

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Rufe 2.' Permits • Many of the metrics applied to the stream stations data are not applicable for lentic stations. However, all metrics are presented for the Cow Canyon pond stations for general information. As is typically found in stagnant stock ponds, these stations data indicate that the macroinvertebrate communities are limited and are comprised primarily of tolerant organisms. Periphyton Periphyton bioassessment metrics for the 5 stream stations are presented in Exhibit 12. The metrics indicate that the stream periphyton communities within the analysis area are in good condition. Shannon diversity ranged from good to excellent and had [axa ranging from l2 [0 31 taxa. The pollution indices indicated low to no pollution, and the siltation indices indicated some siltation problems. Even with an indication of fairly high siltation, the periphyton community appears to be in good health. These good metric ratings observed at the Lorencito Canyon stations represent healthy conditions given the intermittent nature of this drainage. As with the fisheries and macroinvertebrate data, the periphyton data suggests that these sampled reaches of Lorencito Canyon are perennial. Refer to Exhibit 12 (the Aquatic Technical Report) for more detailed information on periphyton found in the analysis area. • Threatened and Endangered Species The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified eleven threatened, endangered, and species of special concern wildlife that occur or potentially occur within the property. These species include the black-footed ferret, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Mexican spotted owl, swift fox, Texas horned lizard, mountain plover, southwestern willow flycatcher, Baird's sparrow, ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, Arkansas darter, and speckled chub. However, the potential for these species to occur within the property is low. This conclusion is based on the fact that suitable habitat for these species does not occur within the property. Only one threatened, endangered, or federal special concern species was observed during field surveys. A bald eagle was observed flying over the property during the February field surveys. Additionally, Woodhouse's toad (Colorado species of special concern) was observed within the property. Exhibits 11 and 12 provide a detailed analysis of these species. The USFWS (USFWS, 1996) identified two T&E fish species as potentially occurring in the study area, the Arkansas darter (candidate), and the Arkansas River population of the speckled chub (special concern). Neither of these species were found during the fish inventory. Additionally, no critical habitat for any threatened or endangered aquatic species occur within the analysis area. Populations of flathead chub (formerly classified as a federal candidate species) were observed within the property. • ~,~K,~r„n.rmTCns~miYZaoi.~.ya 2.04-59 (revised 07/25!01) PR-o ~