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Suitable habitat includes primary habitat of coniferous forests of spruce (Picea spp.) and fir <br />(Abies spp.) or Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and secondary habitat of aspen (Populus spp.) <br />or Douglas -fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) mixed with the primary habitat at elevations between <br />8,000 and 11,500 feet. Canada lynx also periodically traverse other forested and non - forested <br />habitats including lower elevation woodlands and shrublands. Within these general forest types, <br />lynx are most likely to persist in areas that receive deep snow and have high- density populations <br />of snowshoe hares, the principal prey of lynx. <br />Mexican spotted owl <br />The Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), is medium sized with dark eyes and no ear <br />tufts, brownish in color and heavily spotted with white or beige. Spotted owls are residents of <br />old - growth or mature forests that possess complex structural components (uneven aged stands, <br />high canopy closure, multi - storied levels, high tree density). The owl is frequently associated <br />with mature mixed - conifer (Douglas -fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii), White fir (Abies concolor), <br />Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) or Blue spruce (Picea pungens), Pine -oak (ponderosa pine (Pinus <br />ponderosa) and Gambel oak (Ouercus gambellii), and riparian forests (various species of <br />broadleaved deciduous trees and shrubs) within canyons. <br />Canyons with riparian or conifer communities are very important components. Owls are also <br />found in canyon habitat dominated by vertical- walled rocky cliffs within complex watersheds, <br />including tributary side canyons. Rock walls with caves, ledges, and other areas provide <br />protected nest and roost sites. Canyon habitat may include small isolated patches or stringers of <br />forested vegetation including stands of mixed - conifer, Ponderosa pine, Pine -oak, Pinyon juniper, <br />and /or riparian vegetation in which owls regularly roost and forage. Owls are usually found in <br />areas with some type of water source (i.e., perennial stream, creeks, and springs, ephemeral <br />water, small pools from runoff, reservoir emissions). Even small sources of water such as small <br />pools or puddles create humid conditions. Also, conversation with the USFWS revealed that <br />canyons are the most important habitat for Mexican spotted owls and that the owls have been <br />sighted in canyons without many trees. <br />Roosting and nesting habitats exhibit certain identifiable features, including large trees (those <br />with a trunk diameter of 12 inches or more (i.e., high tree basal area)), uneven aged tree stands, <br />multi - storied canopy, a tree canopy creating shade over 40 percent or more of the ground (i.e., <br />moderate to high canopy closure), and decadence in the form of downed logs and snags (standing <br />dead trees). Canopy closure is typically greater than 40 percent. <br />Owl foraging habitat includes a wide variety of forest conditions, canyon bottoms, cliff faces, <br />tops of canyon rims, and riparian areas. The owl occupies a broad geographical area, but does <br />not occur uniformly throughout its range. Instead, the owl occurs in disjunct localities that <br />correspond to isolated mountain systems and canyons. <br />Ute ladies'- tresses orchid <br />The Ute ladies'- tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis), is a perennial, terrestrial orchid with stems <br />8 to 20 inches tall, arising from tuberously thickened roots. Its narrow 0.39 inch leaves can reach <br />11 inches long. Basal leaves are the longest and become reduced in size up the stem. The <br />Page 6 <br />