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Home My WebLink About4.0 Conditions of ApprovalMIliant Dedee Kelly Senior Account Manager Direct: (832) 485-4077 Email dkelly@alliantinsurance.com July 24, 2008 Mr. Fred Jarman Garfield County Vegetation Management Department 108 8th Street, Bldg. & Planning Dept. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Re: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Bond No. 105073484 (Replacing RLI # RLB0009670) Permit for S. Parachute 20/8/6 Pipeline Project To Whom It May Concern: We are pleased to enclose the original of the above captioned bond issued as a replacement of RLI Insurance Company Bond No. RLB0009670 as of September 14, 2008. We ask that you please accept this bond as of this date by returning the original of RLI Bond No. RLB0009670 utilizing the enclosed envelope. We trust you will find the enclosed to be in complete order. However, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Kindest regards, Dedee Kelly Senior Account Manager Enclosure(s) cc: Judy Sisneros — EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., Denver, CO Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. • 5847 San Felipe • Suite 2750 • Houston, TX 77057-3265 PRONE (832) 485-4000 • FAX (832) 485-4001 • www.alliantinsurance,com BOND NO. 105073484 PERMIT BOND KNOW ALL BY THE PRESENTS, That we EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 370 17'^ Street Suite 1700 Denver CO 80202 as Principal, and the Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America a Connecticut Corporation, as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto Garfield County, Board of County Commissioners, 108 8'" Street, Bldg & Planning Dept. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, as Obligee, in the sum of Sixty Thousand and No/100 ($60 00000) DOLLARS for which sum, well and truly to be paid, we bind ourselves, our heirs executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. WHEREAS, the Principal has been or is about to be granted a Permit for the South Parachute 20/8/6 Pipeline Project (Sections 15. 16, 17, 20 & 21, Township 7 South, Ranee 95 West), by the Obligee. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH THAT if the Principal shall well and truly comply with applicable local ordinances, and conduct business in conformity therewith, then this obligation to be void: otherwise to remain in full force and effect, in no event shall the liability hereunder exceed the penal sum hereof. PROVIDED AND SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS PRECEDENT: 1. This obligation may be canceled by the Surety by giving thirty (30) days notice in writing of the intention to do so to the Obligee, and the Surety shall be relieved of any further liability under this Bond thirty (30) days after receipt of said notice by the Obligee, except for defaults occurring prior thereto. 2. Any claim must be presented in writing to Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, 4650 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041-2036. 3. Surety shall have no obligation to the Principal, the Obligee or any other person or entity for any loss suffered by the Principal, the Obligee or any other person or entity by reason of acts or omissions which are or could be covered by the Obligee's or the Principal's general liability insurance, products liability insurance, completed operations insurance or any other insurance. 4. No right or action shall accrue under this Bond to or for the use or benefit of anyone other than the named Obligee. 5. The Obligee will issue a release of this Bond within a reasonable period, but in no instance longer than thirty (30) days after termination of the Permit. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the above bound parties have executed this instrument under their several seals this 24th day of July, 2008, the name and corporate seal of each corporate party being hereto affixed and those presents duly signed by its undersigned representative pursuant to authority of its governing body. EnCana Oi asUSA) Inc. By: t� 7— Ds,. v. Parcell i, v ice— fre.$ide �- Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America B Principal Teresa D. Kelly, Attome Surety in_Fact TRAVELERSJ WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER POWER OF ATTORNEY Farmington Casualty Company Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc. Seaboard Surely Company St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company Travelers Casualty and Surety Company Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company Attorney -In Fact No. 219916 Certificate No. 002340023 KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That Seaboard Surety Company is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of New York, that St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company are corporations duly organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, that Farmington Casualty Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, and Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America are corporations duly organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut, that United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Maryland, that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Iowa, and that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc. is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein collectively called the "Companies"), and that the Companies do hereby make, constitute and appoint Teresa D. Kelly, Dan W. Burton, Benjamin D. Wilcox, and Candace D. Bosheers of the City of Houston State of Texas their true and lawful Attorney(s)-in-Fact, each in their separate capacity if more than one is named above, to sign, execute, seal and acknowledge any and all bonds, recognizances, conditional undertakings and other writings obligatory in the nature thereof on behalf of the Companies in Iheirbusiness of„guaranteeing the fidelity of persons, guaranteeing the performance of contracts and executing or guaranteeing bonds and undertakings required or petit Itedcin anrri4ons or -proceedings allowed by law. 1. 23rd INWITNFSSIWHEREOF, the Comm% have caused this instrwni titobe.sjnei%.2hdJhei?T�"co-orate seals to be hereto affixed, this day of AP ' ...z\t .,. Farmington Casualty Cptnp3 p'.-%� Fidelity and GuarantypsllractpanS°'N Fidelity and Guaranty Insu"ra"ce' JnderwThers, Inc. Seaboard Surety Company St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company SL Paul Guardian Insurance Company St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company Travelers Casualty and Surety Company Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company State of Connecticut City of Hanford ss. By: Georg gWJ Thompson. ice President On this the 23rd day of April 2008 before me personally appeared George W. Thompson, who acknowledged himself to be the Senior Vice President of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Seaboard Surely Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casually and Surety Company of America, and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, and that he, as such, being authorized so to do, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing on behalf of the corporations by himself as a duly authorized officer. In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal. My Commission expires the 30th day of June, 2011. 58440-5-07 Printed in U.S.A. Marie C. Tetreault, Notary Public WARNING: THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUT THE RED BORDER WILDLIFE IMPACT AND SENSITIVE AREAS REPORT ETC CANYON - SOUTH PARACHUTE LOOP PIPELINE GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO Prepared for: ETC Canyon Pipeline Prepared by: WestWater Engineering 2570 Foresight Circle #1 Grand Junction, CO 81505 In coordination with: Wagon Wheel Consulting 111 E. 3rd St. Ste 213 Rifle, CO 81650 May 2008 RECEIVED MAY 0 8 2003 GARFIELD COUNTY BUILDING & PLANNING 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Description ETC Canyon Pipeline has requested WestWater Engineering (WWE), in coordination with Wagon Wheel Consulting, to provide a "Wildlife Impact and Sensitive Areas Report" for a proposed "special use permit" in Garfield County, Colorado. ETC Canyon Pipeline is seeking the special use permit to install a 24 -inch gas pipeline from an interconnect on Holms Mesa, approximately 3 miles south of Rulison, to an existing interconnect near Pete and Bill Creek, 3 miles southwest of the town of Battlement Mesa. The total length of the pipeline is 13.9 miles. The pipeline will be used to increase the capacity of the existing natural gas transportation system from 20 million standard cubic feet per day to 240 million standard cubic feet per day. The pipeline will be placed in an existing Right -of -Way (ROW) adjacent to pipelines owned by ETC Canyon Pipeline, LLC. Surface disturbance will occur in a 30 -foot permanent ROW and a 30 -foot temporary ROW, as well as three 2 -acre staging areas. The proposed pipeline is located on private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within an existing ROW that lies between Holms Mesa to the south of Rulison and its terminus near Pete and Bill Creek in Section 36, Township 7 South, Range 96 West (Figure 1). The proposed pipeline begins on private lands at the existing 12 -inch interconnect approximately 3 miles south of Rulison, travels north about 0.50 mile, then heads west crossing Cache Creek before turning to the north, then west across Holms Mesa for approximately 2 miles. The pipeline then turns to the south crossing Cottonwood Creek and west before heading southwest, crossing BLM land in Section 14 and 16 and Battlement Creek in Section 15. The pipeline continues in a southwesterly direction ascending High Mesa before terminating at the interconnect in Section 36 near Pete and Bill Creek. The topography along the pipeline route varies from flat irrigated meadows and hay fields to steep rocky sections with pinon-juniper and oakbrush draws. The pipeline crosses several perennial and ephemeral streams and their associated riparian habitats. These streams include Spruce Creek, Cache Creek, Cottonwood Creek and Battlement Creek. Elevations along the pipeline alignment range from 5,450 feet near Battlement Mesa to 6,800 feet near Spruce Creek. Numerous natural gas well pads are adjacent to the pipeline alignment. Rural residences are widely spaced in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline alignment along Morrisana Mesa and the Holms Mesa area. The primary use of the surrounding area of the pipeline is agriculture/rangeland, wildlife habitat, and recent natural gas' extraction/development. 1.2 General Survey Information In preparation for developing the following report, WWE biologists performed field surveys and assessments of wildlife, wildlife habitats, and habitats for sensitive plant species on the proposed pipeline alignment and surrounding area. WWE conducted the surveys on April 16, 21 and 23, 2008. The purposes of the surveys were to determine the wildlife and sensitive plant species that occupy the project area at varying periods during the year and that would potentially be impacted as a result of the pipeline construction and operational activities. Factors considered include: 1) soil type and texture; 2) existing land management; 3) absence or presence of wildlife and plant species; 4) habitat designations by Federal and State wildlife agencies; and 5) the present natural vegetation community. This report provides written documentation that describes survey WestWater Engineering Page 1 of 23 pages May 2008 findings as well as recommended mitigation measures to help offset potential impacts to wildlife and sensitive plants that occupy the project site and adjacent area. This assessment and mitigation plan meets the wildlife requirement of Garfield County Regulation 9.07.04 (10) (Board of County Commissioners 2006). 2.0 LANDSCAPE SETTING 2.1 Vegetation Vegetation communities along the pipeline route are categorized as pinon juniper woodlands and agricultural lands (Photo 1). Pifion-juniper woodlands are dominated by pifion pine (Pinus edulis) and Utah juniper (Juniperus utahensis) and can be mixed with an understory of mainly Wyoming sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata wyomingensis), low sagebrush (Artemesia arbuscula), forbs, and grasses. Much of the terrain traverses steep undulating hillsides of pinon juniper with Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) draws. Vegetation along the draws and drier sites consists of greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), basin big sagebrush (Atermesia tridentata tridentata), low sagebrush and scattered four -winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens). The shrublands within the project area are composed primarily of Wyoming big sagebrush, mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), serviceberry and snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius). Non- native downy brome (Bromus tectorum) is prevalent in the understory for some areas of shrublands well as the pifion-juniper woodlands throughout the project area. Photo 1. Pifion-juniper woodlands and agricultural lands WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 23 pages May 2008 Agricultural lands within the pipeline corridor include pasture lands located near Morrisana Mesa and irrigated meadows on Holms Mesa (Photo 2). The pipeline also crosses through riparian habitat found adjacent to Battlement Creek, Cache Creek, and Spruce Creek. The vegetation in this area is composed primarily of narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia), sumac (Rhus trilobata), Woods' rose (Rosa woodsii), and willow (Salix spp.). Photo 2. Meadow on Holms Mesa 2.2 Soils Soil types and the vegetation that they support vary with elevation and slope aspect. Elevations along the proposed pipeline route range from 6,800 feet in the east to about 5,450 feet farther west. The slope aspects vary from north facing to south facing. Soils at the east terminus (Section 9, T7S, R94W) are Morval-Tridell complex, 6-25% slopes. These soils formed on alluvial fans and mesa side -slopes from reworked basalt and sandstone alluvium. Characteristic native vegetation of the Morval-Tridell complex is pifion pine, Utah and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), big sagebrush, Utah serviceberry, and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii). The proposed pipeline route then ascends a short, but steep portion of Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock Outcrop complex whose characteristic native vegetation is pifion pine, Utah juniper, mountain mahogany, sagebrush, needle and thread grass (Hesperostipa comata), and Indian ricegrass. As the route passes over the gentle north slopes of Holms Mesa it crosses Morval, Tridell, and Vale soils. The Vale silt loam, 6-12% slopes, soil formed in calcareous eolian material. Characteristic native vegetation on the Vale soil is big sagebrush, Utah serviceberry, rubber rabbitbrush, western wheatgrass, and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). WestWater Engineering Page 3 of 23 pages May 2008 The route crosses Cottonwood Creek and turns due south over soils of the Potts-Ildefonso complex, 12-25% slopes. These soils are formed from sandstone, shale, or basalt alluvium on alluvial fans, mesas and valley sides. Characteristic native vegetation of this soil complex is pifion pine, Utah juniper, Utah serviceberry, western wheatgrass, and Indian ricegrass. Next, the route turns generally southwest and crosses Battlement Creek over a short section of Villa Grove-Zoltay complex, 15-30% slopes. These rich soils are formed from mixed or basaltic alluvium on mountain sides and alluvial fans. Characteristic native vegetation is oakbmsh, Utah serviceberry, mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius), and mountain brome (Bromus marginatus). The terrain of the remaining route varies from gentle to moderately steep slopes on the four soils previously mentioned: Potts, Ildefonso, Torriorthents, and Camborthids. The westem terminus (Section 36, T7S, R96W) lies on Potts-Ildefonso, 3-12% slopes. 3.0 WILDLIFE AND PLANT SURVEYS 3.1 Background Information Descriptions of critical habitats for federally -listed threatened, endangered and candidate fish and wildlife species were reviewed in the Federal Register, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Wildlife habitat (activities) maps, provided via the Internet web by the Colorado Division of Wildlife's (CDOW) "Natural Diversity Information Source" (NDIS), were reviewed and incorporated into this report in reference to state -listed threatened, endangered and species of "special concern"(CDOW 2008a). A list of Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) and their habitats for the Southern Rocky Mountain Region and the Colorado Plateau was reviewed. This List is published by the USFWS through a Memorandum of Understanding with the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which places high conservation priorities for BOCC species (USFWS 2002). Not all of these BOCC species occur regularly in Colorado, some are present only as seasonal migrants. Of those known to breed in Colorado, only a portion are known or suspected to breed within the vicinity of the proposed pipeline. Avian literature sources such as the "Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country" (Righter et al. 2004) and the "Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas" (Kingery 1998) were reviewed to determine the likelihood for species occurrence within the project area. Bird identification and taxonomic nomenclature are in accordance with that applied by the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas Project (Kingery 1998). Mapped soil types, as published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, were reviewed to determine the soil types and vegetation characteristics of the project site and surrounding property (NRCS 2008). The determination of the presence/absence of suitable habitat for Threatened, Endangered and "Sensitive Species" (TESS) plants was based on previous WWE observations of typical habitat occupied by BLM or USFS sensitive plants, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) Rare Plant Field Guide (Spackman et al. 1997), and locations of species documented in the CNHP statewide database. WestWater Engineering Page 4 of 23 pages May 2008 3.2 Survey Methods A preliminary review of the project area, using aerial photography maps, was conducted to familiarize personnel with vegetation types and terrain and as an aid to help determine the likelihood of the presence of threatened, endangered or sensitive wildlife and plant species. Field data including general project location, boundaries and reported features were verified and/or recorded with the aid of a handheld global positioning system instrument (GPS) utilizing NAD83/WGS84 map datum, with all coordinate locations based on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system within Zones 12S and 13S. WWE biologists physically surveyed the area within 150 feet of both sides of the pipeline alignment to identify and locate wildlife species, wildlife sign (tracks, fecal droppings, vegetation disturbance), vegetation communities and wildlife habitats. Vegetation types were determined through field identification of plants, aerial photography, and on -the -ground assessments of plant abundance. Identification of plant species was aided by using pertinent published field guides (Whitson et al. 2004, CWMA 2007, Kershaw et al. 1998). Visual searches for raptor and other bird species nests were focused on rock cliffs, pinon pine, Utah juniper, and Fremont cottonwood trees within a 0.25 mile distance from the pipeline's centerline. Nest searches and bird identification were aided with the use of binoculars and song recognition, where needed. In addition to these visual and audio searching techniques, biologists used the recorded call play -back methodology described by P. Kennedy (Kennedy and Stahlecker 1993; the "Kennedy-Stahlecker-Rinker" method) as modified by R. Reynolds and others (1992) for the southwestern United States. WWE biologists used "Predation MP3 Game Caller" units and played the call of a Great Horned Owl or a Cooper's Hawk alarm call in an attempt to locate raptors who often respond to the presence and calls of other raptors. Photographs were taken of the general project location, surrounding vegetation and terrain, and specific biological findings. 4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY 4.1 TESS Plant Species Special status species of plants that may be present in the project area, and their habitats, are listed in Tables 1 and 2 in three categories: 1) Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered (1 species), 2) Federal Candidate Species (2 species), and 3) BLM Sensitive Species (5 species). Nomenclature and habitat descriptions are based on the CHNP literature (Spackman et al. 1997). Table 1. Potential Federally -listed Threatened, Endangered and Candidate plant species Scientific Name Common Name Status* Habitat Preference Penstemon debilis Parachute penstemon C Endemic to Garfield County with only five known occurrences; sparsely vegetated, south facing, steep, white shale talus in the Mahogany Zone of the Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation. Elev. 7,800-9,000 ft Phacelia ace l a ica sub Debeque phacelia C Chocolate -brown or Gray clay on Atwell Gulch and Shire members of the Wasatch Formation; sparsely vegetated steep slopes. Elevation: 4700-6,200 ft Sclerocactus glaucus Colorado hooklessT cactus Typically xeric and fine textured Quaternary and Tertiary alluvium soils overlain with cobbles and pebbles; cold desert shrub and pifion-juniper communities along river benches, valley slopes, and rolling hills. E= Federal Endangered, T= Federal Threatened, C= Federal Candidate WestWater Engineering Page 5 of 23 pages May 2008 Table 2. Potential BLM sensitive plant species Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Preference Penstemon harringtonii Harrington beardtongue Rocky loam, rocky clay loam derived from coarse calcareous parent materials; open sagebrush or, less commonly, pinon-juniper. Found in Garfield County on Grass Mesa and Spruce Creek area. Elevation: 6,500-9,200 ft Astragalus debequaeus Debeque milkvetch Varicolored, fine textured, seleniferous, saline soils of the Wasatch formation -Atwell Gulch member. Elevation: 5,100-6,400 ft Astragalus naturitensis Naturita milkvetch Sandstone mesas, ledges, crevices and slopes in pinon-juniper woodlands. Elevation: 5,000-7,000 ft Cirsium perp/exans Rocky Mountain thistle Barren clay outcrops derived from shales of the Mancos or Wasatch formations; open and disturbed sites in mixed shrubland and pinon- juniper woodland. Elevation: 5,000-8,000 ft Menzelia rhizomata Roan Cliffs blazingstar Steep eroding talus slopes of shale, Green River formation. Elevation: 5,800-9,000 ft Results: No TESS plants were observed during the biological survey. Potential habitat for Harrington beardtongue exists on the east end of the pipeline alignment in Sections 7, 8 and 9. Appropriate elevation, correct aspect and soil type is present in this area, but no beardtongue could accurately be identified. Harrington beardtongue has been observed in nearby Sections 3 and 9, Township 7 South, Range 94 West (WWE 2004, WWE 2007). To confirm the presence or absence of Harrington beardtongue, surveys should be conducted during the bloom period from late June to early August when accurate identification is possible. There were areas on High Mesa that had habitat suitable for Debeque milkvetch; however, none was observed during the survey. The closest known sites supporting the Debeque milkvetch are found in the northern portion of Sharrard Park and west of Webster Mesa. No known Debeque milkvetch populations will be affected by the proposed pipeline alignment. Suitable habitat for the other TESS plants listed in Tables 1 and 2 was not observed during this survey. 4.2 Federal Listed Threatened, Endangered, Candidate Wildlife Species No federal listed threatened, endangered or candidate wildlife species are known to occupy the area of the proposed pipeline alignment and, thus, none of these species will be affected as a result of the proposed project. However, all streams crossed by this pipeline drain into a section of the Colorado River that is designated critical habitat for the Federally endangered Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker (Maddux 1993). 4.3 State Listed Threatened, Endangered Special Concern Wildlife Species WWE biologists determined that five state listed threatened, endangered or special concern species may occur within the project area and are listed in Table 3 (CDOW 2008b). WestWater Engineering Page 6 of 23 pages May 2008 Table 3. Potential State -listed Threatened, Endangered and Special Concern wildlife species Scientific Name Common Name State Status Habitat Preference Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle T Open Water — Lakes, Forested Wetlands, Shrub Dominated Wetlands, Grass/Forb Dominated Wetlands; occurs in Garfield County; common winter migrant along stream corridors, Elevation: 3,000 - 8,000 ft Falco peregrinus anatum American PeregrineSC Falcon Rare migrant throughout most of Colorado; local in summer in mountains, and a few in winter. Breeding pairs nest on cliffs and forage over adjacent coniferous and riparian forests, and at times other habitats; occurs in Garfield County. Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Townsend's Big- eared Bat SC Mesic Upland Shrub, Xeric Upland Shrub, Deciduous Oak Bitterbrush Shrub, Mountain Big Sage, Wyoming Big Sage Big Sagebrush, Shrubland, Desert Shrub, Saltbrush Fans & Flats Greasewood Fans & Flats, Sand Dune Complex (Shrubland) Disturbed Shrubland, Juniper, Pifion-Juniper, riparian. Elevation: 3,000 — 9500 ft Rana pipiens Northern Leopard Frog SC Standing or running water along with other habitat types, Deciduous Oak, Bitterbrush Shrub, Mountain Big Sage Wyoming Big Sage, Big Sagebrush Shrubland, coniferous and deciduous woodlands; occurs in Garfield County. Elevation: 3,000-11,000 ft Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus Colorado RiverSC Cutthroat Trout Cold water streams and lakes; headwaters to low elevations near 6,500 feet. Occurs in Garfield County. * E= State Endangered T= State Threatened, SC = Species of Concern During the surveys, no state listed threatened or endangered wildlife species were observed in the area of the proposed pipeline alignment. Bald Eagles are common winter residents on the Colorado River and utilize the cottonwood trees for night roosts, hunting perches and nesting. There are several nesting pairs of Bald Eagles on the Colorado River, with the closest nest site being west of Rifle, Colorado, near Webster Hill. The Colorado River and adjacent mesas and drainages to the south are utilized as hunting areas by the Bald Eagles. The eagles may visit these areas in search of winter forage in the form of live prey and dead animal carcasses. Peregrine Falcons are summer residents in Colorado and the closest known nesting sites are found in the sheer cliffs of the Parachute and Clear Creek drainages. Habitats for bat species for roosting, breeding and hibernating, in the form of caves, mine shafts, walls and cliffs, do not exist along this pipeline corridor. Townsend's big -eared bat could occur in the area while foraging (CDOW 2008a). Potential habitat occurs along the Colorado River and the tributary streams such as Battlement Creek, Cache Creek and Spruce Creek for the northern leopard frog. Breeding habitat for northem leopard frog, in the form of shallow and quiet areas of water, was not observed near any of the pipeline crossings of the above creeks. The Colorado River cutthroat trout is known to inhabit Battlement Creek and Cache Creek. 4.4 Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) Raptors: Several raptor (birds of prey) species nest, reside, forage or pass through the general area of the pipeline project. Raptor species that are common to the area include Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Cooper's Hawk, and Great Horned Owl. The Bald Eagle, a common winter migrant, is discussed in Table 3 of this report. Numerous pit -ion -pine and Utah juniper, as well as a limited number of cottonwood trees encountered along and adjacent to the WestWater Engineering Page 7 of 23 pages May 2008 pipeline alignment, are of sufficient height and density for tree nesting raptors. No rock outcrops suitable for nesting raptors were observed during this survey. Raptor species that are listed as BOCC in the Southern Rockies and the Colorado Plateau, and which may occur in the project area, are listed in Table 4. In addition to the BOCC list, seven other species of raptors that could potentially be found nesting in the pipeline project area are also listed in Table 4. Table 4. Raptor species that may be present in the project area Common Name Scientific Name BOCC Habitat & BreedingRecords Northern Harriercattails, Circus cyaneus y • Grassland, shrubland, agricultural areas, and marshes. Nests in areas with abundant cover (e.g., tall reeds, grasses) in grasslands and marshes. Also known to nest in high -elevation sagebrush. Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii N • Cottonwood riparian to spruce/fir forests, including pinon/juniper woodlands. Nests most frequently in pines and aspen. Sharp -shinned Hawk Accipiter strinttts N • High density young, or even -aged, stands of coniferous forest and deciduous forests of aspen or oak brush with small stands of conifers. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis • Diverse habitats including grasslands, pifion-juniper woodlands and deciduous, coniferous and riparian forests. Nests in mature trees (especially cottonwood, aspen, and pines) and on cliffs and utility poles. Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni Y • Typically, arid grassland, desert, agricultural areas, shrublands and riparian forests. Nests in trees in or near open areas. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos y • Grasslands, shrublands, agricultural areas, pifion-juniper woodlands, and ponderosa forests. Prefers nest sites on cliffs and sometimes in trees in rugged areas. American Kestrel Falco sparverius N • Coniferous and deciduous forests and open terrain with suitable perches. Nests in cavities in trees, cliffs and buildings. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Y • Phion-juniper woodlands and coniferous and riparian forest near cliffs. Nests on ledges of high cliffs away from human disturbance. Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus y • Grasslands, shrublands, and alpine tundra. Nests on cliffs or bluffs in open areas. Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus N • Occupies diverse habitats including riparian, deciduous and coniferous forests with adjacent open terrain for hunting. Northern Saw- whet Owl Aegolius acadicus N • Mountain and foothills forest and canyon country. Significant use of pifion-juniper woodland and Douglas - fir. Long-eared Owl Asio otos N • Occupies mixed shrublands. Nests and roost in sites in dense cottonwoods, willows, scrub oak, junipers and dense forest of mixed conifers and aspens. Red-tailed Hawk nesting activity was observed at a power line structure (Photo 3, Figure 1). The female was on the nest when first observed and in an incubating posture. The male circled overhead nearby. No other nesting activity was observed during the survey, although several other Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper's Hawks were seen in the area during the survey. While only one Red-tailed Hawk nesting activity was noted, it is still early for most species except owls WestWater Engineering Page 8 of 23 pages May 2008 and eagles. In this portion of Colorado, the raptor nesting season is generally considered to occur between mid-February and mid-August. Typically, owls and eagles are the first raptors to begin the annual nesting cycle followed by members of the Genus Accipiter, Buteo, Circus and Falco. Usually, by mid-August all young birds have fledged and left the nest. tw-h Photo 3. Active Red-tailed Hawk nest in Power line structure WWE biologists assigned nest sites to specific raptor species based on knowledge of raptor occurrence in this area, as well as design, location, materials, and configuration of nesting structures. The raptor nests observed during this survey are found in Table 5 and Figure 1. Table 5. South Parachute Loop Pipeline — Raptor Nest Locations, April 2008 Number Zone Easting Northing Photo Status RTHA-1 13S 243638 4370073 Yes Active UNHA-1 12S 754433 4365641 Yes Inactive UNHA-2 12S 754739 4365612 Yes Inactive WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 23 pages May 2008 4.5 Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) other than raptors In addition to raptors discussed above, WWE biologists surveyed the proposed pipeline route for the presence of sensitive or migratory BOCC that could potentially occur in the project area. BOCC habitat and nesting records, as described in the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (Kingery 1998), Colorado Birds (Andrews and Righter 1992) and Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country (Righter et al. 2004) in the vicinity of the pipeline are summarized in Table 6. Table 6. BLM sensitive & migratory bird species that may be present in the project area Common Name Scientific Name Habitat & Breeding Records Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephahus • Ph -ion -juniper woodlands; nests in pinon or junipers. • Confirmed breeder in Garfield County in the vicinity of the pipeline. Black -throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens • Mature pinon-juniper woodlands; nests on horizontal branches in pinon or juniper. • Confirmed breeder in Garfield County in the vicinity of the pipeline. Lewis's Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis • Open stands of cottonwood and ponderosa pine; nests in cottonwood in riparian settings, ponderosa pine and aspen. • Possible breeder in Garfield County. Virginia's Warbler Vermivora virginiae • Dense shrublands and scrub forests of Gambel oak, pinon- juniper, mountain mahogany or ponderosa pine. Nests on the ground among dead leaves or on rock or log overhangs. • Nesting has been confirmed in Garfield Counties, including the Roan Plateau. Unlikely nester in the project area. Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri • Sagebrush, greasewood and rabbitbrush in desert valleys; nests in sagebrush. • Confirmed breeder in Garfield County in the vicinity of the pipeline. The species most likely to nest in this project area include the Pinyon Jay and Black -throated Gray Warblers, which prefer mature pifion-juniper woodlands for nesting. The primary suitable habitat for nesting occurs in the pifion-juniper woodlands in the segment of the pipeline near High Mesa, segments south of Morrisana Mesa, Holms Mesa, and the segment between Cache Creek and Spruce Creek. Pinyon Jays were observed in the pinon-juniper woodlands along the pipeline segment north of High Mesa at the following UTM coordinates: 12S, 755727 east, 4366628 north (Figure 1). There are only a few suitable patches of sagebrush available for Brewer's sparrow to nest in within the project area and, therefore, it is not likely to occur. The cottonwood riparian vegetation along the Battlement Creek appears to be suitable nesting habitat for Lewis' Woodpecker. Virginia's Warbler is a potential nester in the project area in the eastern section of the pipeline where pinon-juniper woodlands and oakbrush mix. Except for Pinyon Jays, no other BOCC species were observed since the surveys were not conducted during the prime breeding or nesting periods. Migratory songbirds typically begin to arrive in Colorado in late April with the majority arriving and initiating breeding activity during the month of May and June. WestWater Engineering Page 11 of 23 pages May 2008 4.6 Terrestrial Species 4.6.1 American Elk and Mule Deer CDOW places the proposed pipeline within Game Management Unit (GMU) 42. In GMU 42, the pipeline is situated within mule deer and American elk overall range and winter range. The entire project area lies within an elk winter concentration area and the east half of the project area on Morrisana Mesa and Holms Mesa is designated as elk severe winter range (Figure 2). Mule deer severe winter range and a winter concentration area are found south of the Colorado River from Battlement Mesa to Rifle, Colorado, extending to the base of High Mesa, Morrisana Mesa and Holms Mesa. High Mesa and Holms Mesa are also mapped as mule deer concentration areas (Figure 3). CDOW defines "winter range" as "that part of the overall range where 90 percent of the individuals are located during the average five winters out of ten from the first heavy snowfall to spring green -up". CDOW defines a "winter concentration area" as "that part of the winter range where densities are at least 200 percent greater than the surrounding winter range density during the same period used to define winter range in the average five winters out of ten". "Severe winter range" is defined as "that part of the range of a species where 90 percent of the individuals are located when the annual snow pack is at its maximum and/or temperatures are at a minimum in the two worst winters out of ten." During the surveys, numerous deer and elk, fresh tracks, beds, antler rubs and fecal pellets were observed in areas where sagebrush and/or pinon pine and juniper trees were present (Photo 4 and 5). Significant browsing by deer on available sagebrush and rabbitbrush was observed where these plant species occurred, especially in the openings in the pinon juniper and meadow edges. Evidence of deer and elk use was observed in the pinon juniper woodlands throughout the project area, especially near High Mesa and south of Morrisana Mesa. Mule deer rely on the existing sagebrush and shrubs above the snow for their primary food source, while elk rely primarily on available grasses for food. Adjacent areas of pinon pine and juniper trees provide necessary escape, thermal and loafing cover for deer and elk. Deer and elk were observed in areas adjacent to the pipeline throughout the survey. Photo 4. Deer pellets in sagebrush opening WestWater Engineering Photo 5. Elk rub in pifion-juniper Page 12 of 23 pages May 2008 4.6.2 Black Bear and Mountain Lion CDOW "NDIS" mapping shows the proposed pipeline to be within overall range for black bear and mountain lion. The vegetation of the proposed project site does not provide adequate food sources for black bear to be routinely attracted to the area. However, it is not uncommon for black bear to travel through the surrounding area during periods of short natural food supplies as bears search for food. During these periods black bears may be attracted to human -related food sources such as garbage and cooking areas. Mountain lion typically follow migrating deer herds in search of deer as the primary food source. Mountain lion have large territories and are highly mobile as they search for food or new ten-itories. Mountain lion prefer to hunt in rocky terrain with trees or shrubs. This habitat condition occurs within the High Mesa area south of Battlement Mesa as well as the steep slopes at the south edge of Holms Mesa. Mountain lion could travel through and hunt in these areas, especially when deer are present during the winter period. High densities of deer that occur near heavily populated human areas can also attract mountain lions. As a result, the Battlement Mesa and Holms Mesa areas are mapped by CDOW as potential mountain lion conflict areas due to the high density of deer and potential for mountain lion presence in close proximity to human populations (Figure 4). 4.6.3 Small Mammals Common small mammal species (small game, forbearers, non -game) include mountain cottontail, coyote, bobcat, striped skunk, porcupine, deer mouse and least chipmunk. Several cottontails and chipmunks were observed along the pipeline ROW during the survey. Fringed myotis and spotted bat are two bat species of the area that are considered "sensitive" by the BLM and could possibly forage for airborne insects through the area of the project (Reid 2006). Townsend's big -eared bat is previously discussed in the section on "State Listed Threatened, Endangered Special Concern Wildlife Species". Roosting, breeding and hibernating habitats for bats in the form of caves, mine shafts, walls and cliffs does not occur near the pipeline alignment, however, bats could spend time foraging within the project area. 4.6.4 Other Bird Species The project areas' sagebrush, piiion pine, Utah juniper, cottonwood riparian, wetlands and grass under -stories provide nesting and foraging habitats for various other migratory and non - migratory bird species, depending on the season of the year (Photos 6 and 7). Bird species observed during the survey included House Finch, Black -billed Magpie, American Crow, Common Raven, Dark -eyed Junco, Mountain Bluebird, Black -capped Chickadee, White - breasted Nuthatch, Red -winged Blackbird, Turkey Vultures, Western Bluebird, Mouming Dove, Spotted Towhee, Northern Flicker, and Vesper Sparrow. The Mourning Dove is the most common game bird in the area (Righter et al. 2004) and likely nests in trees and ground settings throughout this area. Limited habitat for Wild Turkey occurs in the east end of the proposed pipeline (CDOW 2008a), but no birds were observed during the survey. WestWater Engineering Page 15 of 23 pages May 2008 Photo 6. Pinon-juniper woodland nesting habitat Photo 7. Narrowleaf cottonwood nesting habitat WestWater Engineering Page 17 of 23 pages May 2008 4.6.5 Reptiles Plateau striped whiptail, sagebrush lizard, side -blotched lizard, plateau lizard, bullsnake, and western rattlesnake are reptiles common to this region and could occur in the vegetation and terrain of the project property (Hammerson 1999). 4.7 Aquatic Species 4.7.1 Amphibians Great Basin spadefoot is an amphibian species that could occur within the project area since it is common to the pifion-juniper woodland and sagebrush shrublands of the area (Hammerson 1999). This species breeds during summer periods in temporary pools in ravines and drainages that experience water flow after heavy rain events. Potential habitat for northem leopard frog occurs along the tributary streams to the Colorado River, including Battlement Creek, Cache Creek and Spruce Creek. 4.7.2 Fish No fish inventories were conducted as part of this survey. However, the pipeline crosses several streams inhabited by the Colorado River cutthroat trout, a State species of Special Concern. A genetically pure population of Colorado River cutthroat exists in Battlement Creek and is considered a conservation population (Elmblad 2008). Cache Creek also contains Colorado River cutthroats; however, the genetic purity is not known. Genetic samples have been submitted but test results are still pending. 5.0 IMPACTS TO WILDLIFE 5.1 Wildlife Impact Assessment Construction of the pipeline will cause disturbance within the ROW to native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Foreseen impacts would be (1) the loss of winter range to a small number of mule deer and elk that utilize this site, (2) the loss of foraging and nesting vegetation/habitat to a small number of bird species, and (3) the possible disturbance to raptor nests adjacent to and within the pipeline corridor. The casual human disturbance that will be associated with the pipeline construction activities will indirectly cause some wildlife species to avoid the area, at least during the periods of human activity. Some species will become accustomed to the human activity while maintaining a distance that is tolerable. The impact to wildlife as a result of the pipeline installation and operation is relatively minimal and would not affect the overall status of wildlife populations of the area. The project and its ongoing activities will contribute; however, to the overall cumulative impacts to the wildlife populations of the area that are experiencing gradual habitat loss, fragmentation, alteration and displacement through increased development. 6.0 MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS The following suggestions for mitigation are presented for maintenance and improvement of wildlife habitat quality as well as for the prevention of human -caused wildlife losses and/or conflicts. WestWater Engineering Page 18 of 23 pages May 2008 6.1 Maintenance and Restoration of Habitat In the Rocky Mountain Region, sagebrush communities have declined over the years and continue to do so as a result of development and habitat conversion. Sagebrush is a key food source for wintering mule deer on this project site and provides nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of migratory birds and small mammals. The grass understory of the current sagebrush, pinon-juniper vegetation and adjacent meadows provides valuable forage for wintering elk. After disturbance and removal, it generally takes decades to return sagebrush to its current condition through natural vegetative succession. Deliberate planting of sagebrush is possible, yet costly. Native Wyoming and basin big sagebrush should be considered and added to the re - vegetation plan of disturbed soils once grass/forb plantings have established themselves. Seed from the existing sagebrush vegetation should be used to create wildlife forage that has a mix of grasses, forbs and sagebrush. Any further energy exploration and/or development in this area, such as future pipeline installations, should include efforts to maintain and/or restore the sagebrush community. Ongoing control of noxious and invasive weeds is recommended as an additional method to maintain native vegetation communities and favorable wildlife habitats. An "Integrated Vegetation and Weed Management Plan" is provided for this project in a separate report. 6.2 Off-site Mitigation A temporary loss of wildlife habitat will occur as result of habitat alteration for the pipeline installation. Habitat loss will be permanent in areas where vegetation reclamation is unsuccessful. Some species of wildlife will benefit when the disturbed vegetation of the pipeline corridor is reclaimed with introduced plant species; yet other species will not benefit as a result of a change in the native vegetation complex. For example, disturbance and removal of sagebrush will cause long term winter habitat loss to mule deer until native sagebrush becomes re-established. This habitat loss contributes to the overall cumulative impacts to wildlife as a result of increased development in this region. Efforts to conduct or contribute to off-site habitat mitigation in the local area, especially for deer and elk winter range, would help offset net habitat losses to these species. Off-site mitigation could be in the form of habitat improvement or habitat acquisition that protects key habitats in perpetuity. CDOW is a key agency to contact for suggestions and recommendations toward off-site wildlife habitat mitigation. 6.3 Planning for Sensitive Time Periods 6.3.1 Mule Deer and Elk Wintering mule deer and elk would benefit if construction and/or energy exploration/ development activities avoided the critical time for these species, from December 1 to April 30. Energy industry activities are commonly limited during this time period on federal lands in the area in order to accommodate wintering mule deer and elk. Table 7 displays the most critical periods for deer and elk in the area of the pipeline project. WestWater Engineering Page 19 of 23 pages May 2008 Table 7. Seasonal critical periods for South Parachute Loop Pipeline Concern Period Deer and Elk severe (critical) winter range December I — April 30 Migratory Birds primary nesting season May 15 — August 1 Raptor nesting season February 1 — August 15 6.3.2 Migratory Birds Vegetation clearing activities, in relation to construction and development projects, would have less impact to migratory birds if conducted outside the primary nesting season of May 15 to August 1 (Table 7). 6.3.3 Raptors Activities associated with the proposed project have the potential to impact raptor populations. In order to reduce the potential for impacts to nesting raptors, it will be important that the project proponent schedule construction activities such that they do not interfere with breeding, nesting and brood rearing activities (Table 7). CDOW's (Craig 2002) recommended raptor nest site avoidance standards for the species observed in this survey are summarized below (Table 8). If the project cannot be completed prior to, or after, the next nesting season, the known nest should be re -inventoried by qualified biologists. If any birds are found behaving in a manner consistent with nesting, every effort should be made to apply the timing limitation and buffer distance stipulations. Table 8. Timing Limitations and NSO Recommendations For Active Raptor Nests Species Buffer Zone - NSO 0.33 mile Seasonal Restriction 1 March - 15 July Red-tailed Hawk Swainson's Hawk 0.25 mile 1 April - 15 August Sharp -shinned Hawk 0.25 mile 1 April - 15 August Cooper's Hawk 0.25 mile 1 April - 15 August American Kestrel * * Peregrine Falcon 0.5 mile 15 March - 31 July Prairie Falcon 0.5 mile 15 March - 31 July Golden Eagle 0.25 mile + alt. nests 1 January - 15 July Bald Eagle 0.50 mile 15 December - 15 July Northern Harrier 0.25 mile 1 April - 15 August Long-eared Owl 0.25 mile 1 March - 15 July Northern Saw -whet Owl 0.25 1 March — 15 July Great Horned Owl * * * Great Horned Owls and Kestrels are relatively tolerant of human activity. Keep activity to a minimum during breeding season. 6.4 Other Mitigation Practices 6.4.1 Erosion Control and Soil Stability Efforts to control soil erosion within the project area should be implemented. Disturbed soils within the pipeline corridor will be highly susceptible to erosion and downstream water quality could be negatively affected by increased soil erosion. Boring beneath river/streams and their WestWater Engineering Page 20 of 23 pages May 2008 associated wetlands for pipeline crossings would minimize disturbance to the soils and vegetation of the stream bed and banks, thus, reducing downstream silt and sediment loads that can affect water quality for fish habitat and other aquatic life. 6.4.2 Fences Several livestock fences will be dismantled and re -built as part of the pipeline construction project. Re -built fences that are designed for easy passage of deer and elk can allow these animals to utilize the native and planted vegetation for forage and move about the adjacent areas freely as they search for food and cover. In addition, properly designed fences will prevent deer and elk from being injured or suffering death as a result of becoming entangled as they attempt to jump over or pass through a fence. Generally, wire fences that do not exceed 42 inches in height and have 12 -inch spacing between the top two wires will allow deer and elk to pass over a fence without conflict. The BLM utilizes these fence specifications for livestock fencing on federal lands (BLM 1989). The publication presented by CDOW, "Fencing with Wildlife in Mind" provides fence designs that are friendly to wildlife and is available at the CDOW web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/BOD65D61-6CB0-4746-94F1- 6EE 194E 1 C230/0/fencing. pdf. 6.4.3 Traffic Construction and service vehicle drivers should be encouraged to maintain modest speeds to reduce the chances of striking wildlife on public and private roads. Advisory signs with this cautionary message could be placed on roadways of the area. Posting speed limit signs where collisions with wildlife appear most likely, on County Roads and energy -industry roads, will help reduce losses to wildlife as a result of vehicle encounters. 6.5 Mitigation Summary Table 9 briefly summarizes the mitigation measures mentioned in this report, which can help to reduce impacts to wildlife as a result of the South Parachute Loop Pipeline project. Table 9. List of Mitigation Measures for Wildlife Mitigating Measure Benefiting Wildlife Maintain and restore native sagebrush vegetation Deer, elk, migratory birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians Off-site habitat improvement or acquisition Deer, elk, migratory birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians Seasonal scheduling of construction and development (see Table 1) Deer and elk, migratory birds, raptors Make livestock and property fencing wildlife friendly Deer and elk, large mammals, small mammals Control soil erosion on disturbed soils; bore beneath Battlement Creek and Cache Creek to install pipeline Colorado River Cutthroat trout, State designated species of Special Concern Store food & garbage securely, remove often Black bears Educate workers and guests, supervise children and small pets while outdoors Mountain lion Reduce vehicular speeds on access roads Deer and elk, large mammals, small mammals WestWater Engineering Page 21 of 23 pages May 2008 7.0 REFERENCES Andrews, R., and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and Habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History, Colorado. BLM. 1989. Bureau of Land Management Manual, Handbook H-1741-1, "Fencing". http://blm.gov. Board of County Commissioners. 2006. Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978, amended October, 2006. Board of County Commissioners, Building and Planning Department, Glenwood Springs, Colorado. CDOW. 2008a. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Natural Diversity Information Source. http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/wildlife.asp. CDOW. 2008b. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Wildlife Species of Concern. Threatened and Endangered List. CDOW Web Home Page: http://wildlife.state.co.us/W ildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/ThreatenedEndangeredList. Craig, Gerald R. 2002. Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. CWMA. 2007. S. Anthony, T. D'Amato, A. Doran, S. Elzinga, J. Powell, I. Schonle, and K. Uhing. Noxious Weeds of Colorado, Ninth Edition. Colorado Weed Management Association, Centennial. Elmblad, William. 2008. Location of Colorado River Cutthroat trout and genetic purity in South Parachute Loop Pipeline project area. Retired fisheries biologist, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Grand Junction, Colorado. Hammerson, G. A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado, Second Edition. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. Kennedy, P. L., and D. W. Stahlecker.1993. Responsiveness of nesting northern goshawks to taped broadcasts of 3 conspecific calls. Journal of Wildlife Management, 57:249-257. Kershaw, Linda, A. MacKinnon, and J. Pojar. 1998. Plants of the Rocky Mountains. Lone Pine Publishing, Auburn, Washington. Kingery, H. E. 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. Maddux, H., L. Fitzpatrick, and W. Noonan. 1993. Colorado River Endangered Fishes Critical Habitat. Biological Support Document. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah/Colorado Field Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, 225 pp. NRCS. 2008. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. WestWater Engineering Page 22 of 23 pages May 2008 Reid, F. A. 2006. A Field Guide to Mammals of North America, Fourth Edition. Peterson Field Guides. National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, New York. Reynolds, R. T., R. T. Graham, M. H. Reiser, R. L. Bassett, P. L. Kennedy, D. A. Boyce Jr., G. Goodwin, R. Smith and E. L Fisher.1992. Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in the southwestern United States. General Technical Report RM - GTR -217, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colorado.. Righter, R., R. Levad, C. Dexter, and K. Potter. 2004. Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country. Grand Valley Audubon Society, Grand Junction, Colorado. Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spurner. 1997. Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. USFWS. 2002. Birds of Conservation Concern 2002. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Arlington, Virginia. Whitson, T. D. (editor), L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney, B. E. Nelson, R. D. Lee, and Robert Parker. 2004. Weeds of the West, Ninth Edition. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming. Laramie. WWE. 2004. BLM Special Status Species Plants Survey, Canyon Gas, Porcupine Loop Pipeline Project, Garfield County, Colorado. By WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado; submitted to U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Glenwood Springs Field Office, Glenwood Springs, Colorado. WWE. 2007. Biological Report for Spruce Creek Environmental Assessment, Garfield County, Colorado. WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado; submitted to Bureau of Land Management, Glenwood Springs Field Office, Glenwood Springs, Colorado. WestWater Engineering Page 23 of 23 pages May 2008