2024-05-06_REVISION - M1986123 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ATTACHMENT A ir TAT OF Tye./2� FISII l&W ILDLIFE SERVICE o United States Department of the Interior 7 0 a9 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 49CH 3,�$ Colorado Ecological Services IN REPLY REFER To: Front Range: Western Slope: FWS/R6/ES Co Post Office Box 25486 445 W.Gunnison Avenue Mail Stop 65412 Suite 240 Denver,Colorado 80225-0486 Grand Junction,Colorado 81501-5711 TAILS: 06E24000-2017-TA-0001 June 9, 2017 Jerry Powell Wildlife Specialties P.O. Box 1231 Lyons, Colorado 80540 Dear Mr. Powell: On May 19, 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)received your letter requesting our review of conservation measures proposed in 2008 for the Coulson Excavating Company Inc. Stroh Pit along the Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado, and whether they are still valid and agreeable. In a letter dated February 28, 2006, we agreed that the proposed mining project at the site should not have adverse effects to the threatened Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei)because project plans avoid impacts to the species and its habitat. Our review was performed consistent with our authority under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Critical habitat has not been designated in the project area; therefore,none will be affected. The approximately 256-acre Stroh Pit is located east of the I-25 frontage road with the northwestern corner located at the Big Thompson River and the I-25 bridge. The Big Thompson River generally forms the northern boundary of the proposed Stroh Pit. The 2006 proposal, for which you are seeking our continued agreement, calls for the establishment of a permanent 300- foot buffer from riparian habitat along the southern edge of the Big Thompson River. An exception to the 300-foot setback is an area in the northwestern portion of the property where access will be afforded along existing roads and disturbed areas adjacent to a home site. The permanent buffer area would be planted with small (3-4 plants) clumps of native shrubs including but not necessarily limited to chokecherry (Prunus virginianus), golden currant(Ribes aureum), and American plum (Prunus americanus)planted throughout the buffer area. In addition to shrubs,native grasses and forbs will be planted in these areas to create useable Preble's meadow jumping mouse upland habitat. The final seed mixture has not been determined but it will be approved by the Service prior to planting. Further, livestock grazing will not be allowed within the permanent buffer area.