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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.04 Biological Survey Report BIOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT CAERUS OIL AND GAS BJU N23 496 CDP Cover Photo: Habitat conditions at the site of the proposed BJU N23 496 CDP location. Prepared for: Caerus Oil and Gas 143 Diamond Avenue Parachute, CO 81635 Prepared by: June 2020 WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 20 June 2020 INTRODUCTION Caerus Oil and Gas (Caerus) requested that WestWater Engineering (WestWater) conduct biological surveys for the proposed BJU N23 496 CDP location, (Figure 1). The project would be located on private surface with minerals owned by the federal government and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) White River Field Office (WRFO) in Section 23, Township 4 South, Range 96 West. Raptor surveys were conducted on April 20-21, 2020. The remainder of the biological surveys were conducted on June 15, 2020. The objectives of the surveys were to document the following natural resources and biological attributes: • Identify occurrences and map areas of suitable habitat for federally listed threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate plant and wildlife species; • Identify and map areas where sensitive and rare plant and animal species occur; • Identify species of vegetation, including noxious weeds, and generally characterize habitats within the proposed project boundaries; • Locate raptor (bird of prey) nest sites and identify potential raptor habitat and use areas; • Identify Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) occurrence, nest sites, and habitat; • Identify aquatic resources including potentially jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and wetlands; and • Identify and map areas used by Greater Sage-grouse. PROJECT AREA DESCRIPTION Terrain The proposed CDP would be located on a ridgetop east of the East Fork of Stewart Gulch. The ridgetop is divided by ephemeral drainages that typically drain west into the East Fork of Stewart Gulch or east into an unnamed tributary. The CDP would be situated at an elevation of approximately 8,180 feet (Figure 1). Terrain in the general vicinity is composed of rolling ridges divided by draws and drainages that flow north toward Piceance Creek. Soils and Geology The project would be located on two soil types as described in Table 1 (NRCS 2020). Table 1. Soils occurring in the project area. Map Unit Symbol Soil Name Description 53 Parachute-Rhone loams, 5 to 30 percent slopes Occurs on mountain slopes at an elevation of 7,600 to 8,600 feet. Parent material is colluvium over residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. WestWater Engineering Page 3 of 20 June 2020 Table 1. Soils occurring in the project area. Map Unit Symbol Soil Name Description 61 Rhone loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes Occurs on ridges and mountainsides from 7,600 to 8,600 feet in elevation; parent material is Marl and/or residuum weathered from sandstone. Not prime farmland Vegetation The proposed project would be located in an area composed primarily of sagebrush shrublands with an understory of native forbs and grasses. Aspen woodlands, mountain shrublands, and oakbrush shrublands are present along the sideslopes and draws surrounding the project area. Common plants observed in the project area are described in Table 2. Table 2. Common plant species occurring in the project area. Common Name Scientific Name Abundance* Habitat Type Grasses and Grass-like plants Basin wildrye Leymus cinereus x Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata xx Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Canada wildrye Elymus canadensis x Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Cheatgrass Bromus tectorum x Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Indian ricegrass Achnatherum hymenoides x Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis xx Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Needle and thread Hesperostipa comata x Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Prairie Junegrass Koeleria macrantha xx Sagebrush shrublands Sandberg bluegrass Poa secunda xxx Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Smooth brome Bromus inermis x Sagebrush shrublands, mountain shrub Forbs WestWater Engineering Page 4 of 20 June 2020 Table 2. Common plant species occurring in the project area. Common Name Scientific Name Abundance* Habitat Type Arrowleaf balsamroot Balsamorhiza sagitta xxx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Barneby's thistle Cirsium barnebyi x Sagebrush shrubland Bastard toadflax Comandra umbellata x Sagebrush shrubland Common dandelion Taraxacum officinale x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Common yarrow Achillea millefolium xx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Fineleaf hymenopappus Hymenopappus filifolius xx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Geyer's sedge Carex geyeri x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Hollyleaf clover Trifolium gymnocarpon x Sagebrush shrubland Lambstongue ragwort Senecio integerrimus x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Largeflower hawksbeard Crepis occidentalis x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Lobeleaf groundsel Packera multilobata x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Longleaf phlox Phlox longifolia xx Sagebrush shrubland Mat penstemon Penstemon caespitosus x Sagebrush shrubland Mountain deathcamas Zigadenus elegans x Sagebrush shrubland Navajo fleabane Erigeron concinnus x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Northwestern Indian paintbrush Castilleja chromosa xx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Pygmyflower rockjasmine Androsace septentrionalis x Sagebrush shrubland Rayless tansyaster Machaeranthera grindelioides x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Rocky Mountain springparsley Cymopterus planosus xx Sagebrush shrubland WestWater Engineering Page 5 of 20 June 2020 Table 2. Common plant species occurring in the project area. Common Name Scientific Name Abundance* Habitat Type Rosy pussytoes Antennaria rosea xxx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Silvery lupine Lupinus argenteus xx Sagebrush, mountain shrub Spiny phlox Phlox hoodii xxx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Sulphur flower buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum xxx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Thriftmock goldenweed Stenotus armerioides x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Twolobe larkspur Delphinium nuttallianum x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Winged buckwheat Eriogonum alatum xxx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Shrubs/Trees Antelope bitterbrush Purshia tridentata xx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Broom snakeweed Gutierrezia sarothrae x Sagebrush shrubland Creeping barberry Berberis repens x Mountain shrub Gambel's oak Quercus gambelii xx Mountain shrub Mountain mahogany Cercocarpus montanus xx Mountain shrub Mountain snowberry Symphoricarpos oreophilus xxx Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides x Mountain shrub Utah serviceberry Amelanchier utahensis xxx Mountain shrub Woods’ Rose Rosa woodsii x Mountain shrub Mountain Sagebrush Artemisa tridentata ssp. Vasayana xxx Sagebrush shrubland Yellow rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus viscidflorus x Sagebrush shrubland, mountain shrub WestWater Engineering Page 6 of 20 June 2020 Table 2. Common plant species occurring in the project area. Common Name Scientific Name Abundance* Habitat Type * x= uncommon in project area. xx= moderate frequency throughout project area. xxx = common frequency throughout project area. SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES (SSS) OF PLANTS & NOXIOUS WEEDS Survey Methods All survey tracks and field data were recorded using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and locations were recorded as Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates (Datum: NAD 83, Zone: 12). Photographs were taken of the habitat, terrain, and biological features found during the survey. Vegetation types were determined through field identification of plants, aerial photography, and on-the-ground assessment of plant abundance visible during the survey. Identification of plant species was aided by using pertinent published field guides (Ackerfield 2015, CWMA 2009, Weber and Wittmann 2012, Whitson et al. 2006) and descriptions of habitat provided by the CNHP (Spackman et al. 1997). WestWater biologists identified survey routes and transect spacing based on aerial photographs, geologic mapping of the surveyed area, and WestWater’s previous observations in the area for other projects. Surveys were conducted in accordance with White River Field Office (WRFO) Standards for Contractor Inventories for Special Status Plants and Noxious Weeds (BLM 2019). Surveys were conducted within 100 meters of project features to search for threatened, endangered, or other sensitive plants listed by the WRFO, and noxious weeds (Figure 2). Results SSS Plants The SSS plants that may potentially occur within a given area are dependent on specific soil types, soil conditions, and terrain (BLM 2019). There is no potential habitat near the project area for SSS plants listed by the WRFO. This is based on analysis of aerial photos and geologic mapping of the area, Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide (Spackman, et. al. 1997), WestWater biologists’ knowledge of plant occurrence in western Colorado, and the WRFO plant inventory protocol (BLM 2019). Observations No SSS plants and/or suitable habitat were observed during surveys; species listed by the WRFO are generally confined to lower elevations or soil/habitat types not found within this area of the Roan Plateau. Recommendations Due to the distance from known occupied habitat for SSS plants, no recommendations are offered. WestWater Engineering Page 7 of 20 June 2020 Noxious Weeds Noxious weeds are plants that are not native to an area and have been designated by the State of Colorado as posing a threat to agriculture and/or livestock. Most noxious weed species were introduced from Europe or Asia, either accidentally via such pathways as food, feed and seed, or intentionally as ornamental plants intended for gardens. Once weeds are established in a new environment they tend to spread quickly because the insects, diseases and animals that normally control them are absent. Prime locations for the establishment of noxious weeds include roadsides, sites cleared for construction, areas that are overused by animals or humans, wetlands, and riparian corridors. Subsequent to soil disturbances, native or desirable vegetation communities are susceptible to infestations of invasive or exotic weed species. Observations The only noxious weed listed by the State of Colorado that was observed during surveys was cheatgrass. Cheatgrass was lightly scattered within the 100-meter survey buffer and was not mapped due to its widespread distribution. Recommendations Soil disturbance associated with construction in the project area may promote conditions that facilitate the spread of invasive noxious weeds from outside the project area. The application of a weed management plan for this project site is recommended to: 1) prevent the invasion and expanded range of noxious weeds; and 2) promote the establishment of desirable plant life upon rehabilitation of the proposed CDP site. RAPTORS; BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN; THREATENED, ENDANGERED, and BLM SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES; AQUATIC RESOURCES Survey Methods Data locations were recorded using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) units (Datum: Zone 12, NAD83) and photographs were taken of the habitat, terrain, and biological features found during the survey. Aerial photographs were consulted to determine survey routes and areas of suitable raptor nesting habitat. Raptor and Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) surveys were conducted on foot within a 0.25- mile buffer of the project features in suitable woodland raptor nesting habitat (Figure 3). Other biological features, sensitive wildlife habitats, and aquatic resources were recorded as they were encountered. Raptor surveys for the project were conducted in accordance with WRFO protocols (Smithers 2012). Survey transects in suitable woodland habitat were spaced approximately 50 meters apart or less in areas of highly suitable habitat. Due to the early timing of the raptor surveys, call playback methodology was not used. Data collected included tree height, nest height, tree diameter at breast height (DBH), nest diameter, nest depth, nest slope, nest aspect, nest status, (occupied, unoccupied, or unknown), and general condition of the nest. WestWater Engineering Page 8 of 20 June 2020 Results Raptors Mature aspen woodlands and oakbrush shrublands within the survey area provide suitable raptor nesting habitat. Approximately 67 acres of suitable woodland raptor nesting habitat were surveyed (Figure 3). In suitable woodland nesting habitat, tree height ranged from 20 feet to 60 feet on average. There are no suitable cliffs or rock outcrops within one-half mile of the project area to support nesting raptors. Several species of raptors may potentially inhabit the region (Table 3) (Andrews and Righter 1992, Sibley 2000, and Wickersham 2016). Common species include Cooper’s Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Long-eared Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk. The Flammulated Owl is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) and Northern Goshawk is a BLM Sensitive Species (USFWS 2008 and BLM 2015). Table 3. Raptor species that may be present in the project area. Common Name Scientific Name BCC /BLM Sensitive American Kestrel Falco sparverius No Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii No Flammulated Owl Otus flammeolus BCC Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus No Long-eared Owl Asio otus No Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis BLM Sensitive Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma No Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus No Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis No Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus No Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni No Observations No raptor nests were observed during surveys (Figure 3). Several raptors, including a Cooper’s Hawk, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, and a Northern Harrier were incidentally observed flying in the project area. None of the raptors observed displayed defensive behavior that would indicate potential nesting nearby. Recommendations If construction activities get postponed to a subsequent nesting season, then raptor surveys should be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to construction activities. WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 20 June 2020 Special Status Wildlife Species (excluding raptors) In addition to surveys for nests of the raptors presented above, WestWater biologists conducted literature reviews and surveyed the project area for the presence of sensitive wildlife and their habitat, including species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as candidate, threatened, and endangered; BLM Sensitive Species (BLM 2015); and Birds of Conservation Concern (USFWS 2008). Species that could potentially occur are described in Table 4. Literature reviews of species occurrence in the project area included BCC habitat and nesting records as described in the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (Wickersham 2016) and Colorado Birds (Andrews and Righter 1992), references in Mammals of Colorado (Fitzgerald et al. 2011), and references in Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado (Hammerson 1999). Table 4. Status of Candidate, Threatened, Endangered, BLM sensitive species and BCC species that may occur within the project area. Species Common Name Species Scientific Name Status* Habitat Description Habitat or Species Potentially Occurring within Landscape Area MAMMALS Spotted bat Euderma maculatum S Rocky cliffs, caves, crevices, or mines near coniferous woodlands or open semi-desert shrublands accessible to water. Elevation ranges from sea-level to 10,600 ft. Known in Moffat County and likely to occur elsewhere in W CO. May forage and roost in the mountain shrublands. Townsend’s Big- eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii S Semi-desert shrublands, pinyon- juniper woodlands, and open montane forests associated with caves or crevices in rock faces. Elevations up to 9,500 ft. Known in all W CO counties. May forage and roost in the aspen stands and mountain shrublands. BIRDS Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri S/BCC Expanses of big sagebrush with little shrub diversity on relatively level ground. Elevations up to and above timberline. Likely to occur within sagebrush shrublands. Cassin’s Finch Carpodacus cassinii BCC Nests in ponderosa pine, Douglas-firs, and conifer forests. Breeding habitat from 8,000 to 11,000 feet. May occur within the aspen woodlands. WestWater Engineering Page 10 of 20 June 2020 Table 4. Status of Candidate, Threatened, Endangered, BLM sensitive species and BCC species that may occur within the project area. Species Common Name Species Scientific Name Status* Habitat Description Habitat or Species Potentially Occurring within Landscape Area Greater Sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus S, SC Broad, continuous big sagebrush habitat within a broad elevation range on flat or gently sloping terrain north of the Colorado River. Likely to occur in the project area. The project is located within CPW- mapped priority habitat. Lewis’ Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis BCC Nests in open conifer forests, riparian areas, or burns where they can forage for flying insects. Potential to occur in aspen woodlands surrounding the project area. FISH Bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus S, SC Small to mid-size tributaries in the Upper Colorado River Basin and suitable habitat in larger main-stem streams; runs and riffles with rocky or gravelly substrate and cool temperatures. Known to occur downstream in Piceance Creek. Colorado pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius E, ST The Colorado River and its major tributaries; adults require pools, deep runs, and eddy habitats and high spring run-off flows that flush sediment from spawning areas; spawn on gravel and cobble substrates; nursery habitat includes backwaters and flooded lowlands. Known to occur downstream of the project area in the White River. Flannelmouth sucker Catostomas latipinnis S Medium and large low elevation rivers of the Upper Colorado River system; slow, warmer waters in the mouths of tributaries, pools, and deep runs, as well as riffles and backwaters; as habitat generalists, this fish will utilize most riverine habitats in some season or life stage, but does avoid cold tail waters and headwaters. Known to occur downstream in Piceance Creek. WestWater Engineering Page 11 of 20 June 2020 Table 4. Status of Candidate, Threatened, Endangered, BLM sensitive species and BCC species that may occur within the project area. Species Common Name Species Scientific Name Status* Habitat Description Habitat or Species Potentially Occurring within Landscape Area Mountain sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus S, SC Small streams to large rivers (lakes and reservoirs to a lesser extent); in streams, low gradient segments with riffles, runs, and pools associated with cover and woody debris and a variety of substrates; spawn in riffles below pools; shallow, slow moving water behind obstructions or aquatic vegetation provides nursery habitat. Known to occur downstream in Piceance Creek. Razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus E, SE Main-stem of the Colorado River and its major tributaries; seasonal pattern to habitat use by adult fish; fall/winter preference for pools and slow eddies, runs and backwaters in early spring, backwaters and flooded lowlands in June, and runs and pools in late summer and early fall; may also utilize reservoir habitats. Known to occur in the White River downstream of the project area. Roundtail chub Gila robusta S, SC Medium and large tributaries to the Colorado River Stream reaches with pool and riffle habitats, often occupying deep, slow areas with debris and cover on a rocky, gravel, silt, or sandy substrate. Known to occur in the White River downstream of the project area. REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS Northern leopard frog Lithobates (Rana) pipiens S, SC Wet meadows and the banks and shallow areas of ponds, marshes, lakes, streams, reservoirs, ditches; known in all western CO counties. Known to occur downstream of the project area along Piceance Creek. * C - USFWS Candidate species, T- USFWS Threatened Species, E- USFWS Endangered Species; BCC - Birds of Conservation Concern; SC – Colorado State Species of Concern, ST- Colorado State Threatened, SE- Colorado State Endangered; S - BLM Sensitive Species WestWater Engineering Page 12 of 20 June 2020 Observations Mammals: BLM sensitive species of bats may roost and forage in the project area (Fitzgerald 2011). Although none were observed, it is possible that bats breed within caves and rocky outcrops in the general area. Birds: Numerous species of migratory birds, including three species listed as BCC and BLM Sensitive Species, nest in various habitats in the survey area. BCC and BLM sensitive species that have potential to occur in the project area include Brewer’s Sparrow, Cassin’s Finch, and Lewis’ Woodpecker. Greater Sage-grouse: The project footprint falls within a Greater Sage-grouse (GrSG) priority habitat management area on the edge of general habitat management area (Figure 4) (CPW 2020). Several leks occur greater than 1.5 miles to the west of the proposed project. During 2020 surveys, WestWater biologists walked pedestrian surveys across all suitable GrSG habitat on the ridge top within the project area; no GrSG sign (i.e. fecal pellets, cecal pellets, feathers, etc.) or birds were observed. Fish: The Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker, which are federally listed endangered fish species, occur within the White River downstream of the project area. The White River from Rio Blanco Lake downstream to the confluence with the Green River is designated critical habitat for the Colorado pikeminnow (USFWS 1994). Downstream of the White River in the Green and Colorado Rivers is designated critical habitat for the razorback sucker (USFWS 1994). No records indicate that the humpback chub and bonytail occur in the White River at the confluence with Piceance Creek; however, USFWS designated critical habitat for these two species occurs downstream in the Green River (USFWS 1994). Several BLM sensitive species of fish are known to occur in Piceance Creek which is located downstream of the proposed project. These species include bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, mountain sucker, and roundtail chub. Colorado River endangered fishes and BLM sensitive fish species and their habitats could be impacted by project development related to water use, increase in sediment to waterways, and contamination from spills. Amphibians: Northern leopard frogs are known to occur along Piceance Creek and its tributaries downstream of the project area. There is potential that increased sedimentation to waterways as a result of construction activities related to this project and contamination to surface or groundwater from any spills could impact this species. Recommendations Mammals: It is unlikely that project development would impact populations of BLM sensitive species of bats due to the widespread availability of foraging and roosting habitat in the surrounding area. Birds: Impacts to migratory bird species can be minimized if surface disturbing construction activities take place outside the nesting season. Nesting season is generally considered to occur from April 1 to July 31 in this area. May 1 to July 15 is the peak period when most incubation and brood rearing takes place. If vegetation clearing can occur prior to May 1, most affected birds will relocate to alternate nesting sites. After mid-to-late July, most fledging has occurred and brush clearing impacts would be minimized. WestWater Engineering Page 13 of 20 June 2020 Greater Sage-grouse: The project area is within the area mapped by CPW as priority habitat management area; however, no use by Greater Sage-grouse was documented in the project area during surveys. It is recommended that Caerus implement the Best Management Practices for sage-grouse as outlined in their Wildlife Mitigation Plan for the North Parachute Ranch. Fish/Amphibians: Water depletions, if any occur, and stormwater run-off may affect special status aquatic species downstream. Appropriate mitigation for depletions includes measures outlined in the Programmatic Biological Opinion issued by the USFWS for minor water depletions related to the BLM’s fluid minerals program (USFWS 2017). Stormwater management plans and spill prevention, control and countermeasure plans should be implemented as appropriate for projects of this nature. Terrestrial Wildlife Species Mule Deer and Elk: The proposed project would also be located within elk production area (Figure 5a), but is located outside of mule deer sensitive winter ranges (Figure 5b) as mapped by CPW (CPW 2020). Recommendations It is recommended that Caerus adhere to the Best Management Practices outlined in their Wildlife Mitigation Plan for the North Parachute Ranch for construction activities occurring within big game elk production areas. Waters of the U.S. Waters of the U.S. (WoUS) include wetlands and drainages that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). Perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams and drainages, as indicated on U.S. Geological Survey mapping, are considered WoUS if they exhibit evidence of flow (i.e. ordinary high-water mark – OHWM) and are hydrologically connected to a perennial stream. In addition to hydrology, a jurisdictional wetland will also demonstrate the unique soil and vegetation characteristics that result from inundation or saturation. WestWater biologists surveyed the project area for aquatic resources including springs, seeps, wetlands and WoUS crossings that would fall under the jurisdiction of the ACOE in conjunction with other surveys that were conducted for this report. Observations No WoUS features were observed during the survey. REFERENCES Ackerfield, J. 2015. Flora of Colorado. Colorado State University Herbarium, Brit Press. Andrews, R., and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and Habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History, Colorado. BLM. 2015. BLM Colorado State Director’s Sensitive Species List. Bureau of Land Management, Colorado. WestWater Engineering Page 14 of 20 June 2020 BLM. 2019. White River Field Office (WRFO), Little Snake Field Office (LSFO), Kremmling Field Office (KFO), Standards for Contractor Inventories for Special Status Plant Species & Noxious Weed Affiliates, Field Season 2019. Bureau of Land Management, White River Field Office, Meeker, CO. CPW. 2020. Colorado Parks and Wildlife All Species Activity Mapping Data. Available at https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=190573c5aba643a0bc058e6f7f0510b7. CWMA. 2009. A. Doran, S. Anthony, and. C. Shelton. Noxious Weeds of Colorado, Tenth Edition. Colorado Weed Management Association, Centennial. Fitzgerald, J. P., C. A. Meaney, and D. M. Armstrong. 2011. Mammals of Colorado, Second Edition. University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Hammerson, Geoffrey.1999. Amphibians and Reptiles of Colorado. 2nd edition, University Press of Colorado and Colorado Division of Wildlife. NRCS. 2020. Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Sibley D.A. 2000. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, New York. Smithers, B. 2012. White River Field Office Diurnal Raptor Survey Protocol. U.S. Bureau of Land Management, White River Field Office, Meeker, CO. Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spurrier. 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. 1994. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Determination of Critical Habitat for the Colorado River Endangered Fishes: Razorback Sucker, Colorado Squawfish, Humpback Chub, and Bonytail Chub. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Register (Volume 49, No. 54, March 21, 1994, pp. 13374-13400). USFWS. 2008. Birds of Conservation Concern 2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia. USFWS. 2017. Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) for Water Depletions Associated with Bureau of Land Management’s Fluid Mineral Program within the Upper Colorado River Basin in Colorado. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (ES/GJ-6-CO-08-F-0006). Weber, W. A., and R. C. Wittman. 2012. Colorado Flora, Western Slope. Fourth Edition. University Press of Colorado, Boulder. Whitson, T. D. (editor), L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney, B. E. Nelson, R. D. Lee, and Robert Parker. 2006. Weeds of the West, Ninth Edition. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming. Laramie. Wickersham, L.E. (editor). 2016. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. WestWater Engineering Page 1 of 20 June 2020 WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 20 June 2020 WestWater Engineering Page 3 of 20 June 2020 WestWater Engineering Page 4 of 20 June 2020 WestWater Engineering Page 5 of 20 June 2020 WestWater Engineering Page 6 of 20 June 2020