HomeMy WebLinkAbout951071.tiffUnited States Forest Pawnee
Department of Service National
Agriculture Grassland
660 "0" Street
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 353-5004
Reply to: 1950
Date: May 4, 1995
Dear Interested Party:
Enclosed is a copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Proposed
Establishment of the Daves Draw Research Natural Area on the Pawnee National
Grassland.
This EA documents environmental analysis of the proposed action for authorizing
the establishment and two alternatives to the proposed action. The proposed
action follows current policy for establishing Research Natural Areas and is
consistent with existing National Forest Management Act (NFMA) regulations.
Establishment would require an amendment to the Forest Plan to reflect the
change in land use allocation.
If you wish to submit comment for consideration before final decision is made
please mail your feedback to me at the address shown below. After reviewing
and analyzing comments, the Regional Forester will identify the selected
alternative and document the reasons for choosing that alternative in a formal
decision document.
The responsible official for this decision is:
Regional Forester, Rocky Mountain Region
USDA, Forest Service
740 Simms Street PO Box 25127
Lakewood CO 80225
C)
However, please return your comments to me:
District Ranger, Pawnee National Grassland
USDA, Forest Service
660 "0" Street
Greeley CO 80631
The comment period will extend for 30 days from the day after publication in
the Denver Post pursuant to 36 CFR 215.
I thank you for your time and attention.
27/
JEFFIi$Y M. LOSCHE
District Ranger
Pawnee National Grassland
Caring for the Land and Serving People
e : EX; PA)
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Printed on Recycled Paper A
INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to disclose the
environmental effects of establishing the Daves Draw Research Natural Area
(RNA) on the Pawnee National Grassland Ranger District of the Arapaho and
Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. As a result of this
analysis the management strategy for this area may be changed from its current
designation of Management Area 4-C (wildlife habitat emphasis) to 10-A
(established RNA) in the Forest Plan.
The Daves Draw exclosure contains excellent wooded draws, High Plains
grassland, and an unusual isolated stand of limber pine. The area is contained
within the South 1/2 of Section 24 and the North 1/2 of the North 1/2 of
Section 25, Township 10 North, Range 60 west, with a minor acreage in the
Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 30, Township 10 North, Range 59
West, Sixth Principal Meridian.
PROPOSED ACTION
The Forest Service is proposing to establish the Daves Draw Research Natural
Area- and to manage it according to the direction provided for established RNA's
in the Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) for the Arapaiep and
Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (page III -238). The
proposed action, formal designation of the RNA by the Regional Forester for the
Rocky Mountain Region of the Forest Service, will amend the Forest Plan.
PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of this analysis is to establish a Daves Draw RNA that is in
compliance with Forest Plan standards and guidelines.
The current Forest Plan provides the following goals and objectives relevant to
the proposal.
GOALS
1. Encourage natural succession to proceed in all designated
wilderness and natural areas.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Discourage or prohibit any public use which contributes
to impairment of research or educational values.
2. Restrict livestock grazing to that essential for the
maintenance of a specific vegetation type.
3. Permit and encourage use by cientists and educators.
(Additional objectives on pages 1I1-239,240 will also be used as
general direction by the District Ranger for area management.)
MANAGEMENT AREA DIRECTION
The Daves Draw RNA will contribute to a series of RNA's designated to
"illustrate adequately or typify for research or education purposes, the
important forest and range types in each forest region, as -well as other plant
communities that have special or unique characteristics of scientific interest
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and importance" (36 CFR 251.23). Daves Draw RNA contributes to this series of
RNA's by providing an example of High Plains woody draws specifically
representing the Mid -Grass Prairie, Plains Upland Series and the Riparian
Shrubland Series types as discussed in the Regional Guide for the Rocky
Mountain Region (page 5). An evaluation by the Regional RNA Committee,
pursuant to direction in Forest Service Manual (FSM 4063.04b), of the need for
RNA's identified these types as suitable and desirable for inclusion in the
national network. Establishment of the Daves Draw RNA will provide long-term
protection and recognition of these types.
DECISION TO BE MADE
Whether or not to establish the Daves Draw RNA as proposed.
SCOPING ISSUES
An issue is defined as a point of discussion, debate or dispute concerning
environmental effects. Scoping for this proposal has occurred throughout the
1960's ;'fifth a series of public meetings and letters. Scoping for this
environmental assessment began in May, 1994 and included a half -page newspaper
article in the local newspaper!; The Greeley Tribune. Letters were sent to
interested groups and individuals. Internal and external scoping revealed few
issues related to establishment of Daves Draw as an RNA. For the purpose of
this analysis these issues were divided into significant and nonsignificant
issues. Significant (key) issues are used to formulate alternatives, prescribe
mitigation measures, or analyze environmental effects. Issues are considered
significant because of the extent of their geographic distribution of effects
or the intensity of interest or resource conflict.
SIGNIFICANT (KEY) ISSUES
Size of the RNA exclosure. The Daves Draw area was fenced to its current
dimension of 263 acres in 1968. Recent scoping indicated the concern by
interested publics that the area be expanded by 80 acres upstream to include
the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 24. Proponents of expansion
believe this additional area would afford protection to a greater segment of
Daves Draw. The issue will be addressed by evaluating an RNA exclosure
containing these 80 acres in Alternative C.
NON -SIGNIFICANT (NON -KEY) ISSUES
Nonsignificant issues are not used in the environmental analysis. The
following issues were not considered significant in this analysis with the
reason cited below.
Noxious Weed Control. Noxious weeds are currently not inhabiting or invading
the Daves Draw exclosure. Noxious weed control is addressed in the current
Forest Plan should the need for management occur in the future.
Threatened and Endangered Species. A biological evaluation for this proposed
action was prepared and is located in Appendix 'A' of this EA. The summary
concludes there is a "no effect" determination for all alternatives for
Threatened and Endangered species in the affected area.
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Sensitive Plants & Animals. Review of the Region 2 Sensitive Species list
indicates habitat for six species may exist in the area of analysis. These
species are the swift fox, fringed -tailed myotis, dwarf shrew, ferruginous
hawk, loggerhead Shrike, and alpine feverfew (Bolophyta alpinum). Potential
habitat for several other Region 2 sensitive species occurs in areas of
shortgrass prairie adjacent to the exclosure. Analysis of all sensitive
species' habitats and potential impacts are evaluated in the biological
evaluation located in Appendix 'A' of this EA. The proposed action and
alternatives will have no impact on Grassland sensitive species. In addition,
the spotted skunk, a Category 2 species not listed as regionally sensitive may
occur in the exclosure.
Cultural Resources. A Level 1 search has been conducted for the proposed
action and alternatives. There are no recorded cultural resource sites listed
in the files of the State Historic Preservation Officer. No cultural resource
surveys have been conducted in the area. The proposed action and alternatives
would have no impact on cultural resources, other than giving them additional
protection.
Prime Farmland/Cropland. The greater portion of the affected area has never
been plowed and remains native High Plains grassland. Acproximately 40 acres
of the southwest corner of the current exclosure was farmed and planted back to
crested wneatgrass following the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. The area is slowly
changing to the upland Needle-and-Thread/Blue grama Kuchler vegetation type.
Floodplain or Wetland. Daves Draw and the surrounding adjacent area does not
contain floodplain or wetland environments. Daves Draw Creek, a dry arroyo,
does flood occasionally during heavy rain storms, however, this type of
flooding does not fit the definition of a typical floodplain.
Mineral Development. All of the lands in these analyses are acquired,
therefore mineral withdrawal is not needed. The entire Pawnee Grassland and
the proposed action is in a "high potential" classification for oil and gas
development. The area involved is small enough to have no significant bearing
on the exploration and extraction of oil and gas resources from outside the
boundaries of the RNA. The 263 acre area can be considered for inclusion in a
larger parcel of leases and a No Surface Occupancy stipulation for the RNA can
be included in the terms and conditions of any leasing.
Grazing and Range Plant Communities. Daves Draw has been excluded from the
Buttes cattle Allotment since 1968. Since then, grazing has been limited to a
two week period every four years. Consequently, the forage contained within
the exclosure is not contained in any grazing permits with the Pawnee Grazing
Cooperative. Alternatives A and B will not affect grazing or range plant
communities exceptas described in the consequence section of this EA.
Alternative C would contain approximately 80 acres of upland forage currently
used as part of the Buttes Allotment. This alternative would reduce the Pawnee
Grazing Cooperative by approximately 16 animal unit months (AVM's).
State Water Quality Standards. Protection of the Daves Draw watershed is
occurring under the current Forest Plan management area standards for the
analysis area. RNA designation would not significantly affect this drainage by
any change in management under Alternatives A & B. Alternative C would exclose
the upper portion of the dry creekbed along an additional 1/4 mile stretch.
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The RNA would then be directly adjacent to Weld County Road 107 and a runoff
culvert along the western fenceline. Runoff through the culvert underneath
Road 107 would probably encounter increased vegetation and shrub cover slightly
upstream over a period of time.
Porcupine. Evidence of porcupine scars is seen on many of the limber pines in
the exclosure. Many of the scars are old (greater than 10 - 20 years),
indicating the presence of porcupine in the area throughout the life of the
pine stand. The porcupine do not appear to be affecting seedling regeneration
or sapling health of the limber pine in this area.
State Air Quality Standards. The proposed action and alternatives will have no
significant effect on air quality on the Pawnee National Grassland.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternative A - Proposed Action. Alternative A would designate a 263 -acre (106
hectare) area as Daves Draw Research Natural Area. The area will be managed
to restrict livestock grazing to minimum levels necessary for the maintenance
of High Plains Grassland types identified by Kuchler as chokecherry
-snowberry/western wheatgras5, limber pine/little bluestem, and needle-and-
thread/blue grama plant associations. Protection of the wooded draw will occur
by limiting livestock grazing to 20 animal unit months (AUMs) in any four-year
...-interval.
Selection of this alternative will amend the current Arapaho and Roosevelt and
Pawnee National Grassland Forest Plan. The management area will be changed
from 4-C (Wildlife Habitat in Wooded Draws) to 10-A (Research Natural Areas)
designation.
All Forest Plan standards relating to research natural areas will be used to
implement this action.
No further structural improvements will be required to implement the proposed
action.
Alternative B - No Action. No change would occur in the present management
area direction of the Daves Draw exclosure. The area would remain under 4-C
direction providing for wildlife habitat in wooded draws in rangeland settings.
Deferred grazing and non -motorized vehicle use would continue under present
management. The Research Natural Area would not be established.
Alternative C - Expanded RNA. Alternative C would establish a 343 -acre Daves
Draw RNA that includes the acreage in the proposed action and approximately 80
acres in the southwest quarter of Section 24. The additional area is currently
managed as part of the Buttes Cattle Allotment in management area 6-B (emphasis
on livestock grazing).
Selection of this alternative will amend the current Forest Plan by changing
the area currently designated as 4-C (Wildlife Habitat in Wooded Draws) and
approximately 80 acres of the Buttes Allotment (6-B) to Research Natural Area
designation (10-A).
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All Forest Plan standards relating to research natural areas will be used to
implement this action.
Further structural improvements will be required to implement this alternative.
The existing west fenceline will be removed and approximately 3/4 miles of
four -strand barbed wire fence will be constructed along the south and west
boundary of .the 80 -acre addition in Section 24.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The area of analysis is located in Weld County and is approximately 4 miles
west of the Pawnee Buttes, a distinctive landmark on the plains. The current
exclosure is contained within the South 1/2 of Section 24 and the North 1/2 of
the North 1/2 of Section 25, Township 10 North, Range 60 West, with a minor
acreage in the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 30, Township 10
North, Range 59 West, Sixth Principal Meridian. A location map is provided in
Appendix 'B'.
Records indicatethe area was fenced to its current dimensions in 1968. Since
that time, grazing has been permitted in the exclosure every fourth year for up
to two weeks in%the spring or fall.
Daves Draw is a break in the uniformity of the Great Plains. Three Kuchler
vegetation types are used to principally describe the plant life include
chokecherry-snowberry/western wheatgrass, limber pine/little bluestem, and
needle-and-thread/blue grama plant associations. Daves Draw is a haven for
wildlife because of the available tree and shrub cover. Range analysis
indicates these associations to be generally at a Potential Natural Community
(PNC) level throughout the exclosure.
Outside the fenceline to the west are 80 additional acres in the Northwest 1/4
of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 24, considered in Alternative C. This area is
currently part of the Buttes Cattle Allotment and has been grazed season -long
(May 15 - October 15) since 1948. Much of this area is in 'go -back', a term
given to describe areas planted into crested wheatgrass following the dustbowl
era. This area is slowly reverting to native grasses but crested wheatgrass is
still a major component of this part of the allotment.
EFFECTS ANALYSIS
Size of the Daves Draw Exclosure
Expansion of the Daves Draw exclosure was identified through scoping as a
significant (key) issue. The direct,. indirect and cumulative effects of each
alternative are provided for comparison.
Alternative A, Proposed Action - Under this alternative, Daves Draw will be
established as a 263 -acre RNA. Existing improvements will be left in place.
Livestock will be used discriminately in the RNA to maintain vegetation at
Potential Natural Community (PNC) levels presently established.
RNA establishment will provide for preservation of this area as an example of
midgrass prairie grasslands and wooded draws in excellent condition. Within
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this area, research study, observation, monitoring, and education will be
emphasized. Non-destructive and non -manipulative types of.research will be
allowed. Unmodified to slightly -modified conditions will exist and can be used
as benchmarks for surrounding management of the grassland.
Protection of the wooded draw upstream from the 263 -acre RNA will be limited in
this alternative to that provided for by the current Allotment Management Plan
for the Buttes Allotment. The allotment is grazed under a three -pasture
deferred rotation system allowing for periodic grazing restrictions on the area
throughout the growing season. Though this area does not contain the shrub
cover available within the exclosure, protection of the watershed is afforded
by the existing mid-seral grass communities and evidence of erosion is minimal.
Under this alternative, there are no cumulative effects having adverse effects
in the area of this analysis on any non -significant issues described on pages
2-4 of this EA. This alternative is consistent with Forest Plan management
goals and objectives for 10-A Research Natural Area designation.
Alternative B, No Action - This alternative will maintain the Daves Draw
wildlife exclosure as a 263 -"acre area under current Forest Plan management area
direction for 4-C (Wildlife Habitat in Wooded Draws in Rangeland Settings).
Under this alternative, there are no cumulative effects having adverse effects
in the area of this analysis on any non -significant issues described on pages
2-4 of this EA. This alternative is not consistent with Forest Plan management
goals and objectives for 10-A Research Natural Area designation.
Alternative C, Expanded RNA - Under this alternative Daves Draw will be
established as a 343 -acre RNA. Approximately 1/4 mile of fencing will be
removed and 3/4 mile of additional fencing will be constructed along the
southwest portion of the exclosure.
The additional area will fence approximately 80 acres currently managed under
the Buttes Allotment Management Plan. This will decrease the acreage of the
Buttes Allotment and subsequently reduce the Pawnee Grazing Association permit
by approximately 16 AUMs. Much of this area is currently in a mixed crested
wheatgrass 'go -back' stand. The crested wheatgrass stands in this area will
not revert to native plant communities as only continued grazing will allow
native grasses to regain a foot -hold in the area by keeping residual cover and
vigor of the wheatgrass to a minimum. Including this area as part of the RNA
will allow for limited light grazing to preserve the integrity of the wooded
draws and will not allow native grasses to trend upward over time in much of
this additional upstream area.
The wooded draw found within the expanded area upstream to the northwest of the
current fenceline may show increased chokecherry vigor and density over time.
Under this alternative, there are no cumulative effects having adverse effects
in the area of this analysis on any non -significant issues described on pages
2-4 of this EA. This alternative is consistent with Forest Plan management
goals and objectives for 10-A Research Natural Area designation.
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SCOPING ISSUE IDENTIFICATION
Interested persons were contacted (see list Appendix 'C') to determine whether
or not conditions had changed since the original proposal of Daves Draw RNA in
1982 and the subsequent interim scoping events, interested publics were
contacted on May 18, 1994. At the same time, the local newspaper, The Greeley
Tribune featured a cover story and photo regarding the proposed action. The
following comments were received and addressed as indicated below.
Kirk Cunningham -- Supports establishment of the Daves Draw RNA, however, this
individual felt the area should encompass a greater portion of the watershed up
and downstream, and access to the RNA area by road should be discouraged. The
Forest Service responded to these comments by adding road closures along the
south fenceline of the proposed RNA in an area where erosion along the
two -track road was a safety concern as well as a resource protection issue. In
addition, Alternative C was developed to address the area boundary concerns.
The Sierra Club -- Supports establishment of the Daves Draw RNA for protection
of the ;trees and riparian vegetation but would like to see the area contain
more of the drainage up and downstream. Downstream expansion is precluded by
private land ownerships. Upstream expansioil,is presented for analysis in
Alternative C.
LIST OF AGENCIES AND PERSONS CONSULTED
A complete list of persons and agencies contacted during scoping on May 18,
1994 is provided in Appendix 'C'.
Preparers
Maggie M. Marston, Pawnee National Grassland Range Technician
Jeff Losche, Pawnee National Grassland District Ranger
Mark J. Ball, Pawnee National Grassland District Wildlife Biologist
John Slay, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and PNG Forest Archeologist
Editors
Paulette Karasch, Pawnee National Grassland Support Services Supervisor
Janet Adams, Pawnee National Grassland Office Automation Assistant
Consulting Specialists
Tom Andrews, Regional RNA Ecologist
Diana Menapace, Regional Environmental Assessment Specialist
Don Bright, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and PNG Ecosystem Group
Leader
John Wagner, Colo. Division of Wildlife, District Wildlife Manager
APPENDICES
A. Biological Evaluation
B. Project Area Map
C. List of Interested Publics
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APPENDIX A - BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION FOR RESEARCH NATURAL AREA DESIGNATION FOR
DAVES DRAW
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BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
FOR
RESEARCH NATURAL AREA DESIGNATION FOR DAVES DRAW
PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND AND ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FORESTS
PREPARED BY:
Wildlife Biologist
DATE: 3-i- ?r
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BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
RESEARCH NATURAL AREA DESIGNATION FOR DAVES DRAW
PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND AND ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FORESTS
I. INTRODUCTION
The Forest Service requested information from the Fish and Wildlife Service
about the occurrence of threatened, endangered and candidate species that could
be present on the Pawnee National Grassland. This was done as part of the
planning process to assess the effects, if any, of all multiple -use activities
on the Grassland. The Fish and Wildlife Service responded to the request in a
letter, included in the Project Record, which listed four T&E species which may
occur on the Pawnee National Grassland. This Biological Evaluation was used to
evaluate any effects to those species and to Forest Service Region 2 Sensitive
Species which are known to occur or may occur on the Pawnee National Grassland
both as a resident or during migration.
A. PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS:
r
The proposed action it: to establish the "Daves Draw" Research Natural Area
(RNA) and to manage i°t according to the direction provided for "proposed"
Wand/or established RNA's in the Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan)
for the "Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland "
(page III -238). The proposed action, formal designation of the RNA by the
Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region of the Forest Service, will
amend the Forest Plan.
B. PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed location is in the S 1/2 of Section 24, T1ON,R6OW, 6th P.M. in
Weld County, Colorado. See Appendix A for map location.
C. CONSIDERED SPECIES
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.),
requires determination of whether species of wildlife and plants are
endangered or threatened based on the best available scientific and
commercial data. THREATENED or ENDANGERED are taxa which have been listed
under a published rule as either threatened or endangered according to the
process and definitions of Section 4 of Endangered Species Act of 1973 and
Section 3 of ESA.
SENSITIVE SPECIES are those species on the Region 2 Sensitive Species list
(FSM 2670.22 - Sensitive Species) which occur or may occur on Pawnee
National Grassland.
The following classifications are also identified under status if they
apply to the Sensitive Species.
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CATEGORY 1 are taxa for which the FWS has substantial information on hand
to support the biological appropriateness of proposing to list the species
as endangered or threatened. Currently, data is being gathered concerning
essential habitat needs and, for some taxa, the precise boundaries for
critical habitat designations. Development and publication of proposed
rules on such species is anticipated.
CATEGORY 2 are taxa for which information now in possession of the FWS
indicates that proposing to list the species as endangered or threatened is
possibly appropriate, but for which conclusive data on biological
vulnerability and threat(s) is not currently available to support proposed
rules.
ENDEMIC SPECIES OF INTEREST are those species that are indigenous to the
North American Steppe.
II. SPECIES
A. MAMMALS:
Black -footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)
OCCURRENCE: Used to range widely throughout Midwest U.S. from
southern Canada south to New Mexico and western Texas, west into
Arizona, east into the Great Plains. Although all habitat components
occur in some areas of the Pawnee National Grassland, yearly surveys
since 1985 have failed to produce a verified sighting of a
black -footed ferret. Diurnal or nocturnal surveys have been conducted
yearly on approximately 20% of the Grassland prairie dog town acreage
over the last ten years. Surveys are conducted according to methods
described in, BLACK -FOOTED FERRET SURVEY GUIDELINES FOR COMPLIANCE
WITH THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Denver, Colorado and Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 1989. No evidence
of current occupation has been found. It is believed that no ferrets
presently exist on the Grassland.
Currently, the only known occurrences in the wild are associated with
the Ferret Recovery Program in Shirley Basin, Wyoming.
STATUS: Federally Endangered.
HABITAT: Historical and recent literature document the close
association of black -footed ferrets and prairie dogs (Hillman and
Clark 1980). Ferrets prey on prairie dogs and utilize their burrows
for shelter and denning. No chemical control of prairie dog towns is
being done at this time on the Grassland. Dog towns which seem to
reach a size greater than 100 acres usually die out because of plague,
which appears to act as a limiting factor in this area. The largest
town recorded since records were kept in 1967 grew to 400 acres before
being reduced by sylvatic plague.
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ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: The proposed action is not
located in or close to black -footed ferret habitat (prairie dog towns)
and not likely to adversely affect prairie dog habitat, which the
ferret is closely associated with and likely dependent on.
Consequently, no effect to this endangered species is predicted.
Swift Fox (Vulpes velox)
OCCURRENCE: The swift fox ranges throughout the Great Plains from
southern Canada to eastern New Mexico and panhandles of Texas and
Oklahoma (formerly into western Minnesota and western Iowa); west to
extreme northeastern Utah. Found in all five states in Region 2.
Yearly surveys on the Grassland have been conducted on the swift fox
since 1990. Curpently, the population seems to be stable, with higher
densities appeartn4 is some areas.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: Inhabits short -grass prairie and open desert. Prefers
heavily grazed grasslands, sparsely vegetated habitats on sloping
plains, hill tops and other well -drained situations (Cutter, 1958a).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Fringed -tailed myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis)
OCCURRENCE: The bat apparently occurs as scattered populations at
moderate elevations on the Western Slope, along the foothills of the
Front Range and eastward on the mesas of southeastern Colorado.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: The fringed myotis is a species of the coniferous forest and
woodland at moderate elevations in Colorado. Typical vegetation of
the habitat includes ponderosa pine, pinyon, juniper, greasewood,
saltbush and scrub oak (Bats of Colorado).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
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Plains spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta)
OCCURRENCE: Occurs throughout Colorado and mostofthe United States
extending south into Mexico.
STATUS: Category 2
HABITAT: Brushy or sparsely wooded areas, along streams, among
boulders; prairies.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Dwarf shrew (Sorex nanus)
OCCURRENCE: In Region 2, the dwarf shrew occurs in Utah Wyoming, and
Colorado. It once occurred in Kansas and New Mexico (Fibcb, 1992).
This species is considered rare in Colorado (Armstrong, 19721. The
dwarf shrew is normally associated with montain habitat but his been
collected at elevations as low as 2,400 feet (Clark, 1989). This
species is known to occur on the Pawnee National Grassland and is
considered a rare occurrence.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: Generally associated with higher mountain elevations, this
species has been collected at lower elevations. The dwarf shrew is
less restricted to moist areas than other shrews and has been reported
in isolates areas of more arid habitat including the short -grass
prairie. It apparently has a wide tolerance of habitat types. Pawnee
National Grassland is on the periphery of its range providing marginal
habitat. It is thought that this species is restricted to the more
moist bottom and marshy sites in the short -grass prairie habitat.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei)
OCCURRENCE: In Region 2, Preble's occurs in Wyoming and Colorado. It
is found along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains from Colorado
Springs northward to Cheyenne and as far east as Greeley. This
species is not known to occur on the Pawnee National Grassland which
is thought to be just outside its historic range. Although it is not
known to occur here, some habitat on the Grassland appears suitable
for occupation and may be under consideration after appropriate
analysis for recovery efforts should the species be federally listed.
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STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: Generally associated with non -forested drainages from 4,000
to 7,000 foot in elevation. Drainages may be intermittent or
perennial with a moderate to dense vegetative understory of grass,
sedges, forbs or shrubs over 18 inches in height. A shrub overstory
may or may not be present.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: The proposed action will include
likely habitat for this species. This action will maintain habitat in
a suitable condition for Preble's. No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
`B BIROS:
Whooping crane (Grus aiericana)
OCCURRENCE: Originally, these birds were abundant along the
Mississippi flyway. Many passed through the eastern portions of the
region in both spring and fall they are considered as rare migrants on
the Pawnee National Grassland (written comm. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service 1992). No known active or historic nest sites exist on the
Pawnee National Grassland. The main migration route from the
47,000 -acre Arkansas Refuge is nearly a straight line northward
through eastcentral Kansas and into Nebraska, where the cranes often
rest along the Platte River before continuing northward to
Saskatchewan and to their only known breeding ground in Mackenzie
(Bailey et al., 1965). The Pawnee National Grassland is not
considered as an area having potential habitat, which results in only
minimum intensity surveys being performed.
STATUS: Federally Endangered
HABITAT: Habitat used includes muskeg, marshes, prairie pools and
grain fields.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No effects are expected for
this rare visitor to Pawnee National Grassland.
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
OCCURRENCE: The eagle was once widely distributed in North America
but is now restricted primarily to the Southeast, the Northwest,
Canada and Alaska. The bald eagle is considered mainly as a winter
resident around larger rivers and open reservoirs (Wildlife and Fish
Habitat Relationships, Vol. I Narratives). Yearly raptor surveys,
5
951071
which are considered as high intensity surveys, are conducted
throughout the entire Grassland. This type of survey estimates
population trend and distribution as well as nesting locations and
other important habitat features. Surveys have never resulted in
identifying any bald eagles or nest locations. Bald eagles have
rarely been sighted as they migrate over the Grassland.
STATUS: Federally Threatened
HABITAT: Eagles often gather at dusk, collecting in the open branches
of large trees where they stage an imminent flight to a communal night
roost. Communal night roosts are usually located within a few miles
of feeding areas. Night roosts are generally found in coniferous
stands with well -developed canopies which provide thermal cover and
shelter from wind and rain. Eagles usually locate nests in the
super -canopy of large old -growth trees bordering coastal, lake on
river areas; although they may also choose T;o nest on cliffs and
ledges (Stalmaster, et al., 1985).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No effect to this species is
predicted for the proposed action.
Eskimo curlew (Numenius borealis)
OCCURRENCE: Nests on arctic tundra; winters in South America. Most
sightings in this century have been along the Texas coast during
spring migration. They are considered a possible rare migrant on the
Pawnee National Grassland. In Colorado, only one record has been
recorded (Jewett, 1942).
STATUS: Federally Endangered
HABITAT: Found along coastal marshes and muddy flats.
ANTICIPATE IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No effect from the proposed
action is expected.
American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
OCCURRENCE: In Colorado, the peregrine falcon is considered an
uncommon summer resident, more often seen in migration (Bailey et al.,
1965). Yearly raptor surveys, which are considered as high intensity
surveys, are conducted throughout the entire Grassland. This type of
survey estimates population trend and distribution as well as nesting
locations and other important habitat features. Surveys have never
resulted in identifying any peregrine falcon nest locations.
6
951071
STATUS: Federally Endangered
HABITAT: Peregrines are generally limited to areas where suitable
nesting habitat may be found. Falcons prefer to nest where the
concentration of prey, generally smaller birds, is high and where
habitat "structural characteristics.. may increase prey vulnerability"
(Skaggs et al., 1986). Cliffs and bluffs typically found along river
courses and other large water bodies usually provide habitat for
nesting peregrines (Call 1987). Nesting and foraging habitat of
variable quality does not occur throughout the Pawnee National
Grassland.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: The proposed action will have no
effect on this rare user on the Grassland.
Mountain Plover (Chaa`adrius montanus)
OCCURRENCE: bommon summer resident on the Pawnee National Grassland
and eastern plains, occasionally into mountain parks (Bailey et al.;
1965). High intensity surveys have been conducted on the Grassland in
1992 and 93 and are being repeated in 1994.
STATUS: Category 1, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: Open areas of dry, grazed, short -grass flats for mating
display and nesting (Graul 1973 Thesis).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
OCCURRENCE: They are found over the western half of the U.S.,
southern Canada and northern Mexico wherever the combination of
nesting sites in deciduous and coniferous trees, rock ledges and an
abundant rodent supply are found. They are residents of Colorado but
are less common in winter than in summer, occurring throughout the
state in valleys and upon the prairies, occasionally ranging into the
high mountains (Bailey et al., 1965).
Yearly raptor surveys, which are considered as high intensity surveys,
are conducted throughout the entire Grassland. This type of survey
estimates population trends and distribution as well as nesting
locations and other important habitat features. Olendorff's study
(1973) identified suitable nesting habitat as the limiting factor on
the Grassland.
7
951071
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: They prefer to live in deciduous trees, riparian zones at
lower elevations in the foothills and on the plains. Several full -
foliage deciduous trees per section are important for nesting sites in
areas where disturbances are infrequent, especially during the
incubation stage (Bailey and Niedrach (1965), Martin, Zim and Nelson
(1951), Sanderson (1977).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea)
OCCURRENCE: They are found throughout western North America. This
species occurs on the plains and nonforested areas from British
Columbia south through Baja Califorina and Central America to Tierra
del Fuego. This race ranges from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and
Manitoba south through Washington, Oregon, and California and offshore
islands to Baja California, and from Minisota and Iowa south to
Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. There is a local race in Florida.
Winters over much of the southern portion of the breeding range.
Summer resident, formerly very common on the prairies of eastern and
western Colorado, especially in association with prairie dog towns.
(Bailey and Niedrach, 1965).
Survey records for the Pawnee consist of incidental sightings during
prairie dog surveys. -These surveys show almost all prairie dog towns
host burrowing owls.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Breeds in prairie, desert, sagebrush, and pinyon -juniper
habitats of western North America. Utilizes other open habitats such
as golf courses, road cuts, and airports. Utilizes rodent burrows and
is found in association with prairie dog towns.(Bailey and Niedrach
(1965), Finch (1992).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii)
OCCURRENCE: In Colorado, it is a regular but uncommon migrant and
probably a winter resident (Bailey and Niedrach 1965). Rare on the
Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
8
951071 I
HABITAT: Prairie grassland.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are anticipated.
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
OCCURRENCE: This species is common on the plains and low valleys
throughout the state, occasionally ranging into the mountains to 9,000
feet. It is most common at low elevations in Region 2 during winter.
(Bailey and Niedrach (1975); Bent (1950); Pearson (1917). Common on
the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: This species prefers relatively open country with available
lookout perches.‘ Roadsides, savannahs, chaparral and deserts are
common habitats.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
OCCURRENCE: Summer resident in Colorado (Bent (1963), Bull et al.
(1977), Pough (1951). Fairly common on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Nothing really specified, nests are usually built on muskrat
homes, floating debris or little knolls in marshy areas, often in
rather deep water.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected.
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
OCCURRENCE: In Colorado, they are a regular summer visitor to the
eastern plains and breed in the San Luis Valley. Rare on Pawnee
National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: They prefer almost exclusively ponds, marshes, muddy pools,
stream margins and river banks for breeding, feeding and resting
(Bailey and Niedrach 1965).
9
951071
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact to Ibis or its habitat
is expected for these rare users of the Pawnee National Grassland.
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
OCCURRENCE: The American bittern are widespread in North America,
nesting from the Great Slave Lake and Hudson Bay to Newfoundland and
south to the lower Colorado River and lower Mississippi Valley and
Florida. No records of occurrence on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species, Colorado protected non -game species.
HABITAT: The American bittern is found along swamps, marshes, reedy
lakes, slow moving rivers, moist meadows and dense riparian thickets.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
this species.
Yellow -Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
OCCURRENCE: This species breeds throughout much of North America and
they range from Quebec, Ontario and North Dakota to eastern Colorado.
It is an uncommonsummerresident, arriving in early May and the
majority departing during the first weeks of September (Bailey and
Niedrach, 1965). Uncommon on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species. It is native to the U.S. and
protected, in addition it appears on the Audubon Society Blue List of
declining Species.
HABITAT: In region 2 it is found only locally in thickets along
rivers and in mesquite types.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
speciesorits habitat.
Long -Billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)
OCCURRENCE: In Colorado, this species is considered a summer resident
and migrant on the eastern plains (Bailey and Niedrach, 1965).
Uncommon on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species and protected.
HABITAT: They prefer to nest on open buffalo-gramma grass flats from
Texas to Montana, occasionally nesting in wheat stubble or open field.
10
951071
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
this species.
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
OCCURRENCE: In Colorado, this species occurs regularly, singly or in
pairs in spring and fall upon reservoirs of the eastern prairie and
more rarely west of the Continental Divide (Bailey and Niedrach,
1965). Rare occurrence on the Pawnee National Grassland
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: This species
— _ rivers for nesting and
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF
needs vegetation along edges of lakes and
water for feeding.
ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
OCCURRENCE: The species are irregular migrants, usually mere
transients through Colorado in spring and fall and a few, one or two
at a time, occur over the waters of the state (Henny 1975). Rare
occurrence on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Snags for perching and nesting. Open water for feeding.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for these
occasional users of the Grassland.
Golden -crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
OCCURRENCE: In Colorado, this species is considered an uncommon
resident west of the Continental Divide and rare in the east; however,
when found it is usually during breeding season (Bent (1949); Bull
(1977); Bailey et al., 1965). Uncommon on the Pawnee National
Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Uses mature conifers in summer. During migration and winter
uses young deciduous trees and weeds.
ANTICIPATE IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
these occasional users of the Grassland.
11
951071
Lewis' Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis)
OCCURRENCE: Resident on plains close to foothills (Bailey and
Niedrach, 1965). Not recorded on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Scattered snags or live trees and brushy undergrowth must be
available.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
this species.
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
OCCURRENCE: The species ranges through much 6f the northern part of
the Northern Hemisphere. This western race breeds from Alberta,
Saskatchewan, and Manitoba south to Montana and northwestern North
Dakota. Winters south into western Texas to northwestern Mexico.
Migrant and winter resident in Colorado's mountains and on the plains
(Bailey and Niedrach, 1965). Uncommon on Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Nests in open woods or wooded prairie; otherwise found in a
variety of habitats (National Geographic Society, 1987).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
these occasional users of the Grassland.
Purple Martin (Progne subis)
OCCURRENCE: The purple martin breeds from southern Canada to northern
New Mexico, but populations are small and scattered in the Great Basin
and Rocky Mountain states (Finch, 1992). This species is a rare summer
visitor to Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Western martins inhabit deciduous riparian woodlands, aspen
stands, open coniferous forests, burns with snags, woodland edges, and
urban areas. Western populations typically nest in tree cavities
excavated by woodpeckers, eaves of buildings, or natural tree hollows
(Finch, 1992).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
these rare users of the Grassland.
12
951071
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
OCCURRENCE: The species breeds over much of Alaska and Canada south
into the mountains of the northern states, and from southeastern
British Columbia and southwestern Alberta south through the mountains
from Oregon east to Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. In
Colorado it is an uncommon resident west of the continental divide,
and rare in the east (Bailey and Niedrach, 1965). The fox sparrow is
a rare migrant across the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Found in dense undergrowth in coniferous or mixed woodlands,
chaparral.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
these rare users.'of the Grassland.
r
Olive -sided Flycatcher (Contopus borealis)
OCCURRENCE: Breeds from northern and western Yukon across Canada to
Newfoundland, and in northern states from Nevada to New York, south to
Arizona and Baja, California. Winters in South America. In Colorado
it is frequent in the Transition Zone throughout the state, fairly
common in the Canadian Zone, and a migrant on the plains (Bailey and
Niedrach, 1965). This flycatcher is a rare migrant on the Pawnee
National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: The olive -sided flycatcher is associated with montane
coniferous forests, and its territories typically contain tall
conifers and bogs or meadows. The species has an affinity for
unusually large trees (Finch, 1992).
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
these migrants across the Grassland.
Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)
OCCURRENCE: Breeds locally from Alaska, across Canada, Maine,
Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma to Washington and
Oregon. Winters in southern South America to Argentina and Chile. It
is uncommon in Colorado except on the eastern border where it is a
fairly numerous summer resident (Bailey and Niedrach, 1965). It is a
rare summer resident on Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
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951071
HABITAT: This species inhabits native prairies, open grasslands,
upland clearings, hayfields, and wet meadows. The upland sandpiper
avoids tall -grass and shrubsteppe grasslands (Finch, 1992). It
prefers mid -grass habitat, where often only its head and neck are
visible above the grass (National Geographic Society, 1987). The
short -grass system on Pawnee National Grassland provides marginal
habitat for this species.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is anticipated for
these occasional users of the Grassland.
C. INSECTS:
Regal frittilary butterfly (Speyeria idalia)
OCCURRENCE:
Grassland is unknown.
Eastern Colorado Counties, occurrence on Pawnee National
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: Found in wet meadows and virgin prairies near marshes. It
is locally abundant at a number of tall grass prairie sites, but has
declined greatly, especially east of the Mississippi River, because of
prairie conversion to agriculture (Opler,1981)
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected for this
species from the proposed action.
Lost ethimid moth (Ethmia monachella)
OCCURRENCE: Reported from Boulder County. No known records of
occurrence on Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: No information available (Opler, pers. comm. 1991)
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are predicted for the
proposed action.
Albarufan dagger moth (Acronicta albarufa)
OCCURRENCE: Has not been reported in Colorado since before 1963. No
known reports on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species.
14
951071
HABITAT: No information available
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is predicted for the
proposed action.
D. FISH:
Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus)
OCCURRENCE: The species has a very disjunctive distribution, found in
several plains states including Colorado. In a study conducted by
Propst (1982) which was comprised of the South Platte River's southern
tributaries from Greeley to Sterling, he reported widely scattered
distribution of,small populations of topminnows. He also recommended
their status be designated as threatened species. A population has
been recorded on the Pawnee National Grassland.
STATUS: Category 2, R2 Sensitive Species
HABITAT: Plains topminnows have specialized habitat requirements.
Populations in Colorado are found in waters where there is abundant
filamentous algal growths and still, clear water.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are expected for this
species or its habitat.
E. AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
OCCURRENCE: The species occurs throughout Colorado except in the
Republican River drainage area and southeastern Colorado south of the
Arkansas River (Woodling 1985). Has been recorded on the Pawnee
National Grassland.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: The Northern leopard frog typically inhabits the banks and
shallow portion of marshes, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, beaver ponds,
streams and other bodies of permanent water, especially those having
rooted aquatic vegetation. Areas with 100% vegetative ground cover
are preferred. Open, barren -ground, heavily grazed pasture and sandy
areas are avoided. Grassy areas 15-30 cm. (6-12 in.) in height are
areas most used.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are expected for this
species or its habitat.
15
951071
Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
OCCURRENCE: The species is found over almost the entire U.S. and
occurs throughout Colorado (Hammerson, 1986). Common on the Pawnee
National Grassland areas with permanent water.
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Tiger salamanders occur in virtually any habitat, provided
there is a body of non -flowing water nearby for breeding. These
salamanders inhabit ponds, lakes and reservoirs ranging in size from
10 ft. across to several acres. They are equally at home in clear
waters of lakes, glacial kettle ponds and in turbid ponds badly
polluted with cow manure in the plains.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are expected for this
species or its habitat.
Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
OCCURRENCE: Ranges from extreme
America. Occurs throughout most
elevations below about 8,000 ft.
about 6,000 feet. Fairly common
likely habitats.
southern Canada to northern South
of eastern and southern Colorado at
and in west-centeral Colorado below
on the Pawnee National Grassland in
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Milk snakes occur in a wide variety of habitats in Colorado,
including grasslands, sandhills, canyons and open stands of ponderosa
pine in the foothills, pinyon -juniper woodland, and arid river
valleys. On the Pawnee, this species can be found inwoodydraws,
aroundoldhomesteads, and in rocky areas.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are expected for this
species or its habitat.
F. PLANTS:
Utes Ladies' -Tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis)
OCCURRENCE: Small populations of this species occur in Ft. Collins,
Colorado, Boulder, Colorado and north of the Pawnee National
Grassland in Goshen County, Wyoming. Populations also have been found
in Utah, south-eastern Wyoming, and eastern Nevada in areas generally
below 7500 feet in wet meadows and along sandy streams. This species
has not been found but is suspected to occur on Pawnee National
Grassland. Associated species include Carex eleocharis, Sisyrinchium,
and Lobelia. This genus may not exhibit above -ground plant material
each year, and may stay subterranean as a fleshy tuber in some years.
STATUS: Federally Threatened
16
951071
HABITAT: The species is generally found on quaternary alluvial
deposits in areas with good subsurface flows, flooding events or wet
streambank sands.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impact is expected.
Colorado butterfly weed (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradoensis)
OCCURRENCE: Through the years a few small populations have recorded
in northern Colorado the plant has not been seen near Fort Collins,
where first recorded, since 1944. Small populations have been
recorded just over the State lines in southeastern Wyoming and western
Nebraska. May occur on the Pawnee National Grassland, known nearby.
STATUS: Category 1, R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Transition zone between wet stream bottom and rich floodplain
areas.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: No impacts are expected for this
species or its habitat.
Alpine feverfew (Parthenium alpinum)
OCCURRENCE: Driest parts of the plains grasslands in northern
Colorado and eastern Wyoming. Rare and local on the Pawnee National
Grassland (Webber 1990).
STATUS: R2 Sensitive Species.
HABITAT: Particularly gravelly or barren slopes with very little
forage.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES: The proposed action is not
located in or near this species habitat and no impact is expected.
III. DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS:
It is my conclusion that the proposed action including alternatives
discussed in the EA are not likely to cause a trend toward Federal
listing for any of the sensitive species and no effect to any of the
threatened or endangered species addressed in this report.
17
951071
IV. LITERATURE CITED
Armstrong, D.M. 1972. Distribution of Mammals in Colorado. Monograph at
the Museum of Natural History, Number 3. The University of Kansas.
Bailey, A.M. and R.J. Niedrach. 1965. Birds of Colorado. Denver Mus. Nat.
Hist., Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO.
Bent, A.C. 1937. Life Histories of North American
U.S. National Mus. Bull. 167:1-398.
Birds of Prey, Part I.
1940. Life Histories of North American Cuckoos, Goatsuckers;
Hummingbirds and their Allies, Part 1. U.S. National Mus. Bull.( 240
pp.
1949. Life histories of North American Thrushes, Kinglets, and
their Allies. U.S. National Mus. Bull. 196:1-454.
North American Wagtails Shrikes,
Vireos, and their Allies. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. no. 197. Washington,
D.C.
1963. Life Histories of North American Marsh Birds.
Smithsonian Institution, U.S. National Mus. Bull. 135. Dover Pub.,
Inc., New York. 392 pp.
Bull, J. and J. Farrand, Jr. 1977. The Audubon Society Field Guide to
North American Birds, Eastern Region. A.A. Knofp, Inc., New York.
Burt, W.H. and R.P. Grossenheider. 1964. A Field Guide to the Mammals.
Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA.
Call, M.W. 1978. Nesting habitats and surveying techniques for common
western raptors. USDI-BLM Technical Note TN -316.
Clark, T.W. 1989. Rare, Sensitive, and Threatened Species of the Greater
Yellowstone Ecosystem. Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative,
Montana Natural Heritage Program, The Nature Conservancy --Idaho,
Montana, and Wyoming Fielf Offices, and Mountain West Environmental
Services.
Collins, H.H., Jr. 1959. Complete Field Guide to American Wildlife/East,
Central, and North. Harper & Row, New York. 683 pp.
Cutter, W.L. 1958. Denning of the Swift Fox in Northern Texas. Jour.
Mammal. 39:70-74.
1950. Life Histories of
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Denton, S.J. 1975.
thesis. Oregon
Enderson, J.H. 1964.
Mountain Region.
Evans E.E., Evans M.A
a Rocky Mountain
PP.
Status of Prairie Falcons Breeding in Oregon. M.S.
State Univ., Corvallis, Oregon. 58 pp.
A Study of the Prairie Falcon in the Central Rocky
Auk 81(3):332-352.
. 1991. Cache la Poudre: The Natural History of
River. University Press of Colorado, Niwot CO. 260
Finch D.M. 1992. Threatened, Endangered, and Vulnerable Species of
Terrestrial Vertebrates in the Rocky Mountain Region. General
Technical Report RM-215, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment
Station. USDA Forest Service. 38 pp.
Graul W. 1973. Breeding Adaptations of the Mountain Plover (Charadrius
montanus). Ph.D.' Dissertation, Univ. of Minnesota. 175 pp.
1992. Communication Record in the Project File. 3 pp.
Great Plains Flora Association. 1986. Flora of the Great Plains.
University Press of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. 1392 pp.
Hamerstrom, F. 1969. A Harrier Population Study. Peregrine falcon
Populations, J.J. Hickey (ed.), Univ. Wisconsin Press, Madison. pp.
367-383.
Hammerson G.A. 1986. Amphibians and Retiles in Colorado. Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO.
Hillman, C.N. and R.L. Linder. 1980. Mustela nigripes. Mammalian
Species No. 126. Amer. Soc. of Mammalogists. 3 pp.
Hausman, L.A. 1946. A Field Book of Eastern Birds. Putnam Books.
659
PP•
Henny, J. 1975. Research Management and Status of the Osprey in North
America. Pages 199-221 in World Conference on Birds of Prey, Int.
Council for Bird Preser., Vienna. 442 pp.
Jewett. Stanely G. 1942. An unrecorded Eskimo curlew from Colorado.
Condor, 44:74.
Kingery, H.E. and W.D. Graul. 1978. Colorado Bird Distribution Latilong
Study. Colorado Div. of Wildlife, Denver. 59 pp.
Knopf, F. 1992. Communication Record in the Project File, 2 pp.
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Martin, A.C., H.S. Zim and A.L. Nelson. 1951. American Wildlife and
Plants. A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Dover Publ., Inc., New
York. 500 pp.
National Geographic Society 1987. Field Guide to the Birds of North
America. 2nd Edition. National Geographic Society, Washington, DC.
464 pp.
Olendorff, Richard R. 1973. The Ecology of the Nesting Birds of Prey of
Northeastern Colorado. U.S. International Biological Program.
Technical Report No. 211. Natural Resources Ecology Laboratory, Colo.
State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. 233 pp.
Opler P.A. (1989 or later). North American Problems and Perspectives in
Insect Conservation. p. 9-30.
1981. Management of Prairie Habitat for Insect Conservation.
J.'Natural Areas Association 1 (4):3-6.
Opler P.A., Williams L. 1978. Proposed Endangered or Threatened Status or
Critical Habitat for Ten Butterflies or Moths. Fed. Regist.
43:28938-45 (Pyle et al. 1981, p. 256)
Opler P.A. 1977. The Parade of Passing Species: A Survey of Extinctions
in the U.S. The Science Teacher 44(1): National Science Teachers a
Association.
Pearson, T.G. ed. 1917. Birds of America. Doubleday and Co., Inc.,
Garden City, New York. 289 pp.
Peterson, R.T. 1969. A Field Guide to Western Birds (3rd ed.). Houghton
Mifflin Co., Boston. 366 pp.
Pough, R.H. 1946. Audubon Bird Guide: Eastern Land Birds. Doubleday 6
Co., Inc., New York, 312 pp.
1951. Audubon Water Bird Guide. Doubleday and Company, Inc.,
Garden City, New York. 353 pp.
Propst, D.L. 1982. The Warmwater Fishes of the Platte River System,
Colorado, 1978-80. Ph.D. Dissertation, Colorado State Univ. 161 pp.
Pyle R., Bentzien M., Opler P. 1981. Insect Conservation. Ann. Rev.
Entomol. 26:233-258.
Ryder, R.A. 1978. Region 2 Wildlife Species Habitat Narratives. Colo.
State Univ., Fort Collins. This was referenced before it became part
of the USDA Forest Service Handbook 2609.23 (Region 2).
20
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Sanderson, G.C. (Ed.) 1977. Management of Migratory Shore and Upland Game
Birds in North America. Int. Assoc. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,
Washington, D.C. 358 pp.
Skaggs, R.W., D.H. Ellis, W.G. Hunt and T.H. Johnson. 1986. Peregrin
falcon. pages 127-136 in R.L. Glinski, B.G. Pendleton, M.B. Moss,
M.N. LeFranc Jr., B.A. Millsap and S.W. Hoffman ed. Proceedings of
the Southwest Raptor Management Symposium and Workshop. National
Wildlife Federation.
Snow, C. 1974. Prairie Falcon, U.S. Dept. Int., Bur. Land Manage., Tech.
Note 240:1-18.
Stalmaster, M.V., R.L. Knight, B.L. Holder and R.J. Anderson. 1985. Bald
eagles. Pages;269-290 in Brown, E.R., ed. Management of wildlife
and fish habitats, in forests of western Oregon and Washington. USDA
Forest Service, PNW Region. Publ. No.: R6-F&WL- 192-1985.
Udvardy, M.D.F. 1977. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American
Birds. Western Region A.A. Knopf, Inc., New York. 852 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1989. Black -footed ferret survey
guidelines for compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Denver, CO
and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
U.S.F.S 1978. California Wildlife Species Habitat Narrative. Region 5
San Francisco.
Weber, W.A. 1990. Colorado Flora Eastern Slope. University Press of
Colorado, Niwot, Colorado. 396 pp.
Williams, F.C. and A.L. LeSassier. Cassin's Sparrow. Pages 981-990. In
Bent, A.C. 1968. Life histories of North American cardinals,
grosbeaks, buntings, towhees, finches, sparrows and allies. U.S. Nat.
Mus. Bull. 237(2): 1-1889.
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APPENDIX A
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APPENDIX B - DAVES DRAW RESEARCH NATURAL AREA MAPS
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DAVES DRAW
Research Natural Area
RNA LOCATION MAP
STATE VICINITY MAP
951071
SITE LOCATION MAP
APPENDIX C - LIST OF PERSONS AND AGENCIES CONTACTED DURING SCOPING
951071
MAILING LIST FOR NEPA INTERESTED PARTIES
HONORABLE HANK BROWN
UNITED STATES SENATOR
1100 10TH STREET 201B
GREELEY CO 80634
HONORABLE WAYNE ALLARD
GREELEY NATIONAL PLAZA STE 350
822 7TH STREET
GREELEY CO 80631
City, State and County Agencies
WELD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PO BOX 758
GREELEY CO 80632
ATTN BOB LEACHMAN
U S FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE
529 1/2 ROAD, STE B-113
GRAND JUNCTION''CO 81505
ATTN FRITZ KNOPF DIRECTOR
NATIONAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
4512 MC MURRAY AVENUE
FORT COLLINS CO 80526-3400
ATTN JOHN WAGNER
COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
PO BOX 2178
EATON CO 80615
ATTN WALT GRAUL NE REGIONAL MGR
COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
317 W PROSPECT AVENUE
FORT COLLINS CO 80526
Board Members of Crow Valley:
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
WATER & WASTE WATER UTILITY
PO BOX 580
FORT COLLINS CO 80522-0580
COLORADO OIL& GAS CONSER COMMISSION
1580 LOGAN STREET 380
DENVER CO 80203
ATTN DR JAMES FITZGERALD
UNIVERSITY OF NO COLORADO
ROSS HALL 243
GREELEY CO 80639
ATTN DONNIE SPARKS
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
PO BOX 2200
CANON CITY CO 81215-2200
Grazing Associations
MR DEAN KANODE PRES
CROW VALLEY LIVESTOCK CO-OP INC
54501 WCR 53
AULT CO 80610
MR ROLAND BALL VICE-PRES
CROW VALLEY LIVESTOCK CO-OP INC
43501 WCR 71
BRIGGSDALE CO 80611
MR BRYCE BOWMAN SEC
CROW VALLEY LIVESTOCK CO-OP INC
ROUTE 1 BOX 343
AULT CO 80610
MR ARVID DE PORTER DIRECTOR
CROW VALLEY LIVESTOCK CO-OP INC
14503 WCR 108
NUNN CO 80648
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MR FRANK BURNETT DIRECTOR
CROW VALLEY LIVESTOCK CO-OP INC
55670 WCR 77
GROVER CO 80729
Board Members of Pawnee:
MR ROBERT ROHN PRES
PAWNEE COOPERATIVE GRAZING ASSOC
KEOTA ROUTE
GROVER CO 80729
MR GARY DOLLERSCHELL VICE PRES
PAWNEE COOPERATIVE GRAZING ASSOC
STONEHAM CO 80754
MR BRET MC ENDAFFER SEC
PAWNEE COOPERATIVE GRAZING ASSOC
STAR ROUTE
NEW RAYMER CO 80742
ATTN CINDY BISHOP
PRAIRIE DOG RESCUE
PO BOX 11164
ENGLEWOOD CO 80151
ATTN CLAIRE MOSELEY
RMOGA
1775 SHERMAN STREET STE 2501
DENVER CO 80203-4313
ATTN JASPER CARLTON
BIODIVERSITY LEGAL
PO BOX 18327
BOULDER CO 80308-8327
ATTN NANCY MOORE
INSIDE ENERGY
PO BOX 6880
DENVER CO 80206
WILTEL BUSINESS NETWORKS
ONE WILLIAMS CENTER
TULSA OK 74172
ATTN ROBERT R MONTGOMERY
MONTGOMERY LITTLE & MCGREW
5445 DTC PARKWAY STE 800
ENGLEWOOD CO 80111
MR ROBERT HILL DIRECTOR
PAWNEE COOPERATIVE GRAZING ASSOC
489220 WCR 86
BRIGGSDALE CO 80611
MR LEONARD HARMS DIRECTOR
PAWNEE COOPERATIVE GRAZING ASSOC
PO BOX 67
BUSHNELL NE 69128
•4, Organizations
INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ASSOC
1214 DENVER CLUB BUILDING
518 17TH STREET
DENVER CO 80202-4167
ATTN CHRISTOPHER PAGUE
COLROADO NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM
HUNTER 115, CAMPUS BOX 315
BOULDER CO 80309-0315
ATTN ADAM MEHLBERG
CO ASSOC 4 WDCI
632 PRATT STREET
LONGMONT CO 80501
ATTN ROCKY SMITH
COLORADO ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION
777 GRANT STREET STE 606
DENVER CO 80203-3518
ATTN GRETCHEN CUTTS
GREELEY AUDUBON SOCIETY
1980 26TH AVENUE PLACE
GREELEY CO 80631
ATTN ROY HOOD
TRAILRIDGE RUNNERS INC
1633 SUMNER STREET
LONGMONT CO 80501
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ATTN TERRY BELTON
TEXACO EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION
PO BOX 2100
DENVER CO 80201
ATTN THOMAS JEPPERSON
CELSIUS ENERGY
79 S STATE STREET
PO BOX 11070
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84147
ATTN GUY WALKINGSTICK
SNYDER OIL CO
1625 BROADWAY STE 2200
DENVER CO 80202
POWERS ELEVATION CO INC
PO BOX 440889
AURORA CO 80044
ATTN CURTIS L JOHNSON
FUELCO
SEVENTEENTH STREET PLAZA
1225 17TH STREET STE 2100
DENVER CO 80202-5521
ATTN MARGARET MELLY
VASTER RESOURCES INC
15375 MEMORIAL DRIVE
HOUSTON TX 77251
ATTN CARL KEISER
COLROADO AUDUBON COUNCIL
30227 ISENBERG LANE
EVERGREEN CO 80439
ATTN TOM DOUGHERTY
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
2260 BASELINE ROAD STE 100
BOULDER CO 80302
ATTN DICK MAXFIELD
COLORADO MOUNTAIN CLUB
710 11TH AVENUE E305
GREELEY 0 80631
ATTN ANDY ANDRAU
GOODWIN & ASSOCIATES INC
1616 S VOSS ROAD STE 875
HOUSTON TX 77057
DENVER AUDUBON SOCIETY
8751 E HAMPDEN AVENUE STE A-1
DENVER CO 80231
ATTN MILT ROBINSON
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
2211 S JOSEPHINE STREET
DENVER CO 80208
ARKANSAS VALLEY AUDUBON
PO BOX 11187
PURBLO VO 81001
ATTN JIM MC NAY
WALSH PRODUCTION INC
PO BOX 30
STERLING CO 80751
ATTN CAM MILLER
GREAT PLAINS RESOURCES INC
PO BOX 369
LITTLETON CO 80160
ATTN DAVID BOYD
UNIV OF COLO SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
PO BOX 287
BOULDER CO 80309
EVERGREEN AUDUBON SOCIETY INC
PO BOX 523
EVERGREEN CO 80439
ATTN KIRK CUNNINGHAM
SIERRA CLUB
1842 CANYON BLVD 204
BOULDER CO 80302
ATTN STEVE GAST
PHILLIPS PETROLEUM
PO BOX 1967
HOUSTON TX 77251-1967
ATTN ED BURRIT
TEXACO EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION INC
PO BOX 46513
DENVER CO 80201-6513
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COLORADO MOUNTAIN CLUB
710 10 STREET NO 200
GOLDEN CO 80401
MR MARTI MARINEZ
719 E KIOWA
COLORADO SPRINGS CO 80903
MS KRISTIN GRAVES
125 S 22ND AVENUE 14
BRIGHTON CO 80601
ATTN TOM ANDERS
T & B DESIGN
2301 SUNLEAF COURT
FORT COLLINS CO 80525
MR MIKE STABLER
PO BOX 1166
BOULDER CO 80306
MR SCOTT SPANN
PLAZA ONE STE 160
3065 CENTER GREEN DRIVE
BOULDER CO 80301
MR DAVE NASLUND
2450 FENTON
EDGEWATER CO 80214
MR LARRY NORRIS
1154 S VANCOUVER WAY
LAKEWOOD CO 80228
MR DAVE LEAHY
2435 8TH AVENUE
GREELEY CO 80631
MS DONNA MESSERSMITH
816 SHERRY DRIVE
FORT COLLINS CO 80524
MS MERIETTA WEST
40718 WCR 83
BRIGGSDALE CO 80611
MR LARRY SIMPSON
PO BOX 679
LOVELAND CO 80539
ANNE VICKERY
5255 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
BOULDER CO 80303
Individuals
MS ELIZABETH LACK
4582 S ULSTER
DENVER CO 80237
MR TERRY DYE
1137 N COUNTY LINE ROAD
FORT COLLINS CO 80524
DR RON RYDER
748 EASTDALE DRIVE
FORT COLLINS CO 80525
MS DORIS WILLIAMS
57875 WCR 86
NEW RAYMER CO 80742
MR RAY BEIGHLE
820 S MILLER COURT
LAKEWOOD CO 80226-3934
MS JULIE EMERSON
2259 S JOSEPHINE ST NO 101
DENVER CO 80210-4842
MR ED LEVERING
626 REMINGTON STREET
FORT COLLINS CO 80524
MR GARY SKIBA
737 DEXTER STREET
DENVER CO 80220
MS KAY CHENEY
52230 WCR 149
STONEHAM CO 84047
MS CHARLENE LOPEZ
5990 GREENWOOD PL BLVD STE 250
ENGLEWOOD CO 80111
MS LOIS WEBSTER
780 GENEVIEVE
AURORA CO 80010
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MS LELLOINE GUNNING
1806 LAKESIDE DRIVE
GREELEY CO 80631
MR ROBERT ANDERSON
PO BOX 3586
CASPER WY 82602-3586
MR PHIL BROCK
1680 DOVER STREET
LAKEWOOD CO 80215
MR DAVID HILL
7115 S SYRACUSE COURT
ENGLEWOOD CO 80112
MS JOYCE HELD
2001 W 92ND AVENUE 768
DENVER CO 80221
MR JOE TENBRINK
6801 E MISSISSIPPI A-202
DENVER CO 80224
FRAN ENRIGHT
83 LONG VIEW
EVERGREEN CO 80439
" MR JOHN MONARCH
PO BOX 344
ALMA CO 80420
MR ED BUTTERFIELD
17410 NICHOLS PLACE
AURORA CO 80016
MR ED BRACKKEN
143 S DEVINNEY ST
GOLDEN CO 80401
ATTN PAULINE REETZ
DENVER AUDUBON SOCIETY
470 CLAYTON
DENVER CO 80206
MS PATRICIA B MC CLEARN
444 CHERRY STREET
DENVER CO 80220
MR DAVID PANTLE
1826 FLORA COURT
CANON CITY CO 81212
MS BETH MULLAN
1716 HEATHPARK WAY
FORT COLLINS CO 80524
MR KEITH ANDERSON
430 S VICTOR WAY
AURORA CO 80012
MR MALCOLM FEA
145 S CLARKSbN
DENVER CO 80209
MS JACKIE L GRIFFIN
12487 E CEDAR AVENUE
AURORA CO 80012
MS JANET DECKER
740 COLUMBINE
DENVER CO 80206
MR PAUL MC IVEN
6533 BENTON CIRCLE
ARVADA CO 80003
MR PAVEL BUJAK
% INFORMATION SERVICES
231 JEFFERSON STREET
FORT COLLINS CO 80524
951071
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