HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR

The Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) (PMJM) is currently a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A review of current literature provides some indication of habitat associations for the PMJM. Typically, this mouse occurs below 7,500 feet in elevation, generally in lowlands with medium to high moisture (USFWS 1998, Natural Heritage Program 1996) along permanent or intermittent streams and canals (Ryon 1 996, Meaney et al. 1996). The mouse occurs in low undergrowth consisting of grasses and forbs, in open wet meadows riparian corridors near forests, or where tall shrubs and low trees provide adequate cover (USFWS 1998, Meaney and Clippinger 1995). A comparison of vegetation structure and dominant plant species between sites historically and currently occupied by PMJM in Colorado found that the species is apparently restricted to multi-strata, stream-side vegetation often in association with willow shrubs (Salix spp.) and thick herbaceous undergrowth (Ryon 1996, EG&G 1993).

Habitat disturbing activities connected to a federal nexus (such as Section 404 permits) that are within areas occupied by PMJM require a Formal Section 7 Consultation under the ESA. Areas determined not to be occupied by PMJM, either by a habitat evaluation or presence/absence survey, do not require Section 7 Consultation. Section 7 Consultation usually requires a Biological Assessment that evaluates alternatives (Including avoidance) to the habitat disturbing activity, predicts impacts to PMJM, and develops mitigation and monitoring activities.

Activities within potential PMJM habitat but not connected to a federal nexus will be regulated under Section 9 of the ESA. The USFWS recently proposed designating areas of known PMJM occupancy as Mouse Protection Areas (MPA) and areas of high quality habitat as potential MPA (Federal Register Vol. 63, No 232:66777-66784 12/3/98). No areas identified as a MPA or PMPA exist on the project site.

The site is adjacent to property containing a portion of Jackson Creek that does support a known population of PMJM. Numerous development activities in the area have required biological assessments and Section 7 consultation, particularly activities involving the Tri-View Water and Sanitation District. The proposed project is outside of any areas identified as PMJM habitat.

Current El Paso County regulations require project proponents to address potential PMJM issues prior to obtaining a county permit.

Objective

The purpose of the habitat assessment was to determine the suitability of habitat within the project site to support PMJM.

A proposed commercial retail development is being planned on 30 acres of land located south of Baptist Road and east of the proposed Jackson Creek Parkway extension (Figure 1). The proposed project will include a large retail store, parking lot, and snow and water detention areas. Per zoning regulations of the City of Monument, water detention ponds constructed on the south end of the property will retain any surface drainage in excess of historical flows.

Study Area and Management History

The project site is located south of Baptist Road and east of I-25 and the proposed Jackson Creek Parkway extension in El Paso County, Colorado (Figure 1). This site has been historically grazed by livestock. Jackson Creek flows under Baptist Road approximately 300 feet west of the project site then sharply bends west. A small, unnamed drainage swale conveys surface runoff towards Jackson Creek along the south boundary of the proposed project. The development will not encroach upon the swale and a natural vegetation buffer will separate the drainage swale from the proposed development. No areas previously identified as PMJM habitat exists on the site.

Rapid urbanization of the area, including the widening of Baptist Road and the construction of Jackson Creek Parkway, residential subdivisions, supermarkets, gas stations, banks and restaurants has altered the land use of the area from agricultural grazing to residential and commercial development.

Soils and hydrology

Soils within the project site are classified as Tomah-Crowfoot loamy sands (8-15 % slopes). These soils are well-drained soils formed in alluvial fans on hills and ridges in the uplands (USSCS 1975).

No established drainage exists on the project site. Storm drainage is provided by surface runoff and sheet flows until entering a small unnamed swale on the southern border of the property.

Methods

The project site was surveyed on foot to determine the suitability of the area to support

PMJM on October 8, 1999. The survey was completed following USFWS guidelines (1999).

4.0 PREBLE’S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE HABITAT ASSESSMENT RESULTS

Ecological Characteristics of Surveyed Site

The project site consists of upland vegetated by mixed xeric grassland and Gambel oak. No wetland or riparian areas occur on the site. The unnamed drainage swale along the south boundary of the project site is characterized as a shallow swale that drains surface flow from a small area to the east. The western edge of the swale has experienced some downcutting and erosion due to heavy spring rains (Photograph 1). Vegetation within the swale is characterized as xeric grassland dominated by big bluestem (Andropogan graddii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), needleandthread (Stipa comata), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) (Photograph 1). Forbs along the edge of the swale include patches of woods rose (Rosa woodsii) and hairy golden aster (Heterotheca villosa). The swale becomes dryer to the east and the upper end of the drainage passes through a heavily grazed horse pasture and terminates in a small drainage basin dominated by Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) and dense grasses. Vegetation species in this portion of the unnamed swale include big and little bluestem, blue grama and western wheatgrass with scattered diffuse knapweed (Centaurea djffusa) (Photograph 2). A few small (1 by 2 m.) patches of rushes (Scirpus spp.) have formed in areas subject to puddleing.

None of the habitat components typically associated with the presence of PMJM exists on the project site. In particular, the site completely lacks any shrub component along the drainage swale that could provide cover and hibernaculum for PMJM.

A habitat assessment for PMJM was conducted at a proposed commercial retail center in El Paso County, Colorado on October 12, 1999. The area contains no habitat capable of supporting PMJM or providing foraging or buffer habitat for the mouse. No habitat typically associated with the presence of PMJM is located on or immediately adjacent to the proposed project site. It is highly unlikely that any PMJM would be impacted by the proposed project because of the following:

1. Complete lack of any drainage and associated riparian habitat.

2. Lack of an adequate shrub component.

3. Dominance of xeric and upland vegetation.

4. Separated from a known population of PMJM on Jackson Creek by more than 800 feet of upland vegetation.

5. All surface drainage will be retained in on-site detention ponds. 

Mr. Beane is a certified ecologist and a Zoology Research Associate with the Denver Museum of Natural History. He has performed small mammal investigations for more than 10 years throughout the Western US. He has completed more than 50 habitat Assessments and 30 Presence / Absence Surveys for PMJM over the last four years.

Location: T115, R67W, SE ¼, SW ¼, Section 36, Monument, Colorado Quadrangle.

UTM: N 4322550—4322850

E 0513500-0513800

Elevation: 6,800 - 6,880 feet

Soils: Tomah-Crowfoot loamy sands.

Site Hydrology: Surface drainage swale

Proposed Construction: Commercial Retail facility

EG&G. 1993. Report of findings: 2nd year survey for the Preble’s jumping mouse. Prepared by Stoecker Ecological Consultants for ESCO Associates Inc., September, 1993.

EG&G. 1994. Preble’s jumping mouse at RFP Fact Sheet, August 19, 1994. EE&G RFP, Golden CO. 2pp.

Harrington, F.A. 1995. Survey for Preble’s meadow jumping mouse at the Highway 18 bridge on East Plum Creek, Douglas County, Colorado. Prepared by Pardisan Associates for the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Meaney, C.A. and N.W. Clippinger. 1995. A survey of Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) in Colorado. Prepared for Judy Sheppard, Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Natural Heritage Program. 1996. Vertebrate characterization abstract (State) Zapus hudsonius preblei.

Ryon, T.R. 1996. Evaluation of historical capture sites of the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse in Colorado. Final Report. MSES Thesis University of Colorado at Denver. May 1.

United States Soil Conservation Service (USSCS). 1975. Soil survey of El Paso County Area, Colorado. U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Survey Guidelines for Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. USFWS, Colorado Field Office. Revised May.

Updated Friday, August 25, 2000 © Copyright, 2000- 2004. All rights reserved. The Coalition of Tri-Lakes Communities, P.O. Box 1763, Monument, Colorado 80132-1763