BOTANICAL NOTES and OBSERVATIONS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

BOTANICAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Bonnie Heidel, Botanist Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

30 August 2001

Cook Ranch encompasses the matrix grassland and sagebrush steppe of the Laramie basin, and a segment of the Laramie Range escarpment with predominantly shrubland and grassland cover. Characteristic palustrine and riverine features are inlaid on these basin and escarpment landscapes, contributing to plant species and vegetation diversity.

Laramie Basin grassland Mixed grass prairie is the most extensive vegetation feature, with a sparse, low-stature component of Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) over most of the vast, well-drained alluvial fans and terraces. Sagebrush cover drops out at the north end on finer textured soils, with patches of silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana).

In the grasslands, only Sandberg's bluegrass and junegrass (Poa secunda and Koeleria macrantha, resp.) were conspicuous at the time of visit. Dominants and codominants among the grassland plant associations include at least needle-and-thread, western wheatgrass, and thread leaved sedge (Stipa coma ta, Elymus smithii, and Carex filifolia, resp.). Cover composition estimates and plant association characterizations were not made because foot travel was concentrated on unrepresentative overlook points, the drought restricted some species from heading out to bias the windshield survey, and this investigator did not have firsthand experience in the setting. The many ridges and rims associated with the rolling topography support many plains cushion plant species including Phlox muscoides, Haplopappus acaulis, Arenaria hookeri, Astragalus spathulatus and Eriogonum .. The grassland communities showed little or no skewing of plant composition under a long history of grazing. Even in the drought year, much less than 50% of the grass canopy cover was removed by livestock.

Laramie River corridor The 15-mile corridor of the Laramie River is an open gentle river valley with braided segments that provide extensive emergent wetland habitat. This habitat was not evaluated on foot, and livestock had been moved onto the River pastures last month, limiting interpretation. Shrub and tree cover were intermittent or absent. Graminoid dominants include at least threesquare (Scirpus pungens) and tufted hairgrass (J)eschampsia cespitosa.) Bank erosion and hummock topography from trampling were not evident.

Laramie Basin wetlands Long Lake is an alkali lake that was entirely dry at the time of visit. It is fed by Middle and Wallrock Creeks early in the season and may connect to the Laramie River in highwater conditions.

There are many other natural wetland basins ranging from over 200 acres to less than 1 acre, with no surface flow connecting them. They include temporary, seasonal and semi-permanent systems of varying alkalinity. There are also reservoirs on the plains. Springs and seeps associated with the riverine and palustrine systems are said to be common in the Spring Creek area at the north end of the Ranch.

North of Long Lake is a lakebed cut off from the Laramie River by early owners. It is ten feet lower than the River elevation, and has incised cutbank walls along most of the perimeter. It represents some of the most fertile and productive habitat on the ranch, and large areas have been planted into exotic species for hay. In the south end of the large lakebed is Lake Ione, a small waterbody with narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) filling one area, and open water dominated by sego pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) filling another large portion. Elsewhere in the lakebed, isolated areas of native vegetation persist, with salt-affected composition that includes Alkali grass, foxtail barley and povertyweed (Puccinnellia nuttalliana, Hordeum jubatum, Iva axillaries, resp.)

Laramie Basin sagebrush steppe Wyoming big sagebrush sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis] increases in stature and cover with elevation gain to the east. It prevails in the Wallrock Canyon unit. It spans a subtle gradient between grassland and steppe, and most of the Ranch has Wyoming big sagebrush present albeit at low height and canopy cover.

Outcrops Limestone, sandstone, shale, and igneous outcrops are present and were not characterized. Several of the rare species are substrate-specific.

Laramie basin desert shrubland Grasslands are inset with large areas of desert shrubland including the Gardner's saltbush desert shrubland (dominated by Atriplex gardneri) found in north-central upland outcrops ofbentonite. Greasewood desert shrublands (dominated by Sarcobatus vermiculatus) are found on the lowlands east of Long Lake.

Laramie Escarpment shrublands and grasslands Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) prevails across the west-facing flanks of the Laramie Range, and on limestone canyon walls. Woodlands are in small patches, with small groves of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in spring-fed valley settings, and pockets of limber pine (Pinus flexilis) on limestone breaks. Threetip sagebrush (Artemisia tripartita) is on at least the crest of the flanks.

Escarpment grasslands in the canyons and on top were not characterized except to note their good-excellent condition. Species present include Stipa comata and Muhlenbergia filiculmis. Rare Plants There are no known records for Wyoming plant species of concern on Cook Ranch, though there is one record of pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum) based on a 1961 speciment collected east of Bosler, immediately upstream on the Laramie River. This species and the majority of the 12 species are regional endemics, i.e., species oflimited worldwide distribution for which their status in Wyoming is important in determining their rangewide status. The species, their ranks, and their habitats are summarized below.

Wyoming plant species of concern potentially occurring on Cook Ranch

Scientific name Common name Global State Potential habitat rank rank probability Aquilegia laramiensis Laramie columbine G2 S2 Low - granite escarpment at high elevation Carex oreocharis Mountain-loving G3 Sl High - limestone and sedge granite escarpment Eriogonum exilifolium Slender-leaved G3 S2 Moderate - foothills buckwheat slopes and clay/shale barrens Haplopappus wardii Ward's goldenweed G2G3 S2S3 High - basin bentonite outcrops and clay roadsides Hemicarpha drummondii Dward bulrush G4G5 Sl Moderate - basin sandy shores Machaeranthera Colorado tansy-aster G2? Sl High - basin redbeds, coloradoensis limey-sandstones outcrops, Niobrara shale outcrops Phacelia denticulata Rocky Mountain G3? S2 Low - sandy canyon phacelia bottom in foothills Phacelia neomexicana var. White scorpion- G4G5 Sl Moderate- granite alba weed escarpment Potamogeton stricifolius Strict-leaved GS Sl Moderate - perennial pondweed streams Potentilla ambigens Giant cinquefoil G3 SH Low - sandy canyon bottom Rorippa calycina Persistent sepal G3 G2G3 Moderate - basin shores yellowcress w/ sand or occasionally shale Sisyrinchium pallidum Pale blue-eyed grass G2G3 S2S3 High - basin riparian meadows Sphaeromeria simplex Laramie false G2 S2 High - basin and sagebrush escarpment limestone

In the recent field visit, rare plant habitats were identified and potential habitat probability was assessed for the 12 Wyoming plant species of special concern. Systematic surveys are needed to document the rare plant significance of Cook Ranch, which would focus the survey effort on at least those seven globally rare species (Gl-G3) below that have a high or moderate probability of suitable habitat on the Cook Ranch. They are highlighted below and described in detail on an accompanying set of state species abstracts.

Mountain-loving sedge is an upland plant of the southern Rocky Mountains, ranging from northern Arizona to southeastern Wyoming. In the state, it is known from a total of five locations in Albany and Laramie counties. It occupies dry, montane grassland over limestone and granite bedrock where it may be locally abundant.

Slender-leaved buckwheat is an upland plant restricted to southcentral Wyoming and northcentral Colorado. In the state, it is known from a total of seven locations in Albany and Carbon counties. It occupies sparse cushion plant communities of plains and foothills on sandy clay gumbo flats, white shaley-gypsum ridges, red clay hills, and limestone outcrops where it may be locally common.

Ward's goldenweed is an upland plant restricted to southcentral Wyoming. It occupies selenium-· rich shale-clay slopes where it may be locally common. It is known from about 25 locations to date, and may be more widely-distributed than previously known. It will be moved to the watch list in the 2001 Wyoming plant species of concern, in progress.

Colorado tansy-aster is an upland plant restricted to southeastern Wyoming and central Colorado. In the state, it is known from a total of four locations in addition to a historical record. It occupies barren cushion plant and sparse grassland communities on limey-sandstone, shaley gypsum or redbed slopes on plains and foothills. It has not been found on BLM-administered lands to date, but is recognized as a Sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service.

Persistant sepal yellowcress is a wetland plant restricted to Wyoming plains, in addition to historic records in Montana and the Yellowstone River of North Dakota; plus two collections that seem to represent chance introductions by waterfowl in Montana and the Northwest Territories. It was formerly a Category 2 candidate for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act. It was recommended dropped based in a 1981 status survey by Robert Lichvar, and officially dropped as a candidate in 1996 with the elimination of the C2 program. It occupies shoreline zones that are inundated early in the growing season, and is most commonly found on sandy alluvium.

Pale blue-eyed grass is a wetland plant restricted to plains of southeastern Wyoming and northcentral Colorado. It was formerly a Category 2 candidate for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act, but was dropped as a candidate in 1996 following the recommendations of a 1992 status survey by Dr. Ron Hartman of the University of Wyoming. In the past decade, Hartman and other University researchers have documented over 20 new locations for this wetland obligate plant in the Laramie and Hanna basins. Many of these are quite numerous, containing several thousand individual plants. Although it was dropped as a candidate by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sisyrinchium pallidum is still considered Sensitive by the Wyoming state office of the Bureau of Land Management on BLM-administered lands.

Laramie false sagebrush is an upland plant restricted to southeastern Wyoming. It was formerly a Category 2 candidate for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act when it was known from only one location, but it was dropped as a candidate in 1996 with the elimination of the C2 program. It has since been documented from a total of 11 locations, and occupies gentle slopes or rims of dry, rocky limestone-sandstone or thin-soiled outcrops of limestone bedrock on plains and foothills. Although it was dropped as a candidate by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sphaeromeria simplex is still considered Sensitive by the Wyoming state office of the Bureau of Land Management on BLM-administered lands. ZOOLOGICAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : Douglas Keinath, Zoologist Gary Beauvais, Director

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

30 August 2001

On 22 August 2001, staff of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) staff performed a reconnaissance tour of the Cook Ranch to evaluate the potential occurrence of rare species. The general landform and vegetation of the Ranch is described in the accompanying botanical report, and will not be detailed here.

Below are several tables showing vertebrate species that could possibly occur on the Ranch based on known species ranges, previously documented observations, and coarse-scale habitats occurring in the vicinity. This analysis focused on the Ranch itself plus a roughly 2-Township surrounding area. This buffer area included some observations of sub-alpine and alpine species occurring on the Snowy Range to the west; these species were removed from these tables to more accurately reflect potential occurrences on the Ranch.

Please note that these tables include only those species that are actively tracked in WYNDD's central databases. These species are generally referred to as "of conservation concern", and are typically rare, declining, or endemic to the region. Note also that table entries in boldface refer to species for which WYNDD has evidence of breeding or otherwise prolonged occupation in this area. Non-bold entries refer to species for which WYNDD currently has no evidence of breeding or prolonged occupation. Species that only migrate through the area are generally not included on this list, but please see the discussion below under Laramie River corridor I Laramie Basin wetlands.

A brief note on the Heritage ranking system: each species is given a global concern rank ranging from G 1 ( critically imperiled globally) to G5 ( demonstrably secure globally). Similarly, each species is given a state concern rank ranging from Sl (critically imperiled in Wyoming) to S5 ( demonstrably secure in Wyoming). Migratory species, such as some birds and bats, are given 2 state ranks, with one referring to status in the breeding season ( e.g., S lB) and the other referring to status in the non-breeding season (e.g., S2N). Tlie "Z" rank (e.g., SZN) is used to denote that a particular species does not occur widely enough in Wyoming to be given a meaningful rank during that season.

SPECIFIC COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS Laramie Basin grassland The Cook Ranch encompasses large and unfragmented expanses of high-quality grassland with very high potential to support several species of concern such as swift fox (Vulpes velox), mountain plover (Charadrius montanus), and white-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys leucurus), as well as a host of other species typically associated with white-tailed prairie dog colonies ( e.g., burrowing owl [Athene cunnicularia]). All of these species are reported present by Ranch managers. Ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) and McCown's longspurs (Calcarius mccowni), both considered species-of-concern on short and mixed grass prairies, were regularly observed on this tour. Chestnut collared longspurs ( Calcarius ornatus) breed in the Ranch vicinity, and are likely breeding on the Ranch itself.

The Ranch is solidly within the historic range of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), and is in reasonable proximity to the reintroduced population currently to the northwest in Shirley Basin. If a large complex of white-tailed prairie dog colonies extends onto the Ranch, and if the Shirley Basin population expands, ferrets may occupy the property.

Laramie River corridor/ Laramie Basin wetlands Woody overstory (e.g., Salix spp., Populus spp.) appears to be rather sparse and intermittent along the segment of the Laramie River occurring on the Ranch. The stream is typically bordered by a heavy understory of grasses, sedges, and forbs, with backwaters and sloughs supporting occasionally heavy patches of emergent vegetation. Similarly, heavy under- and mid story vegetation dominates the margins of the closed-basin wetlands on the Ranch, with large areas of emergent vegetation present in shallow water.

Wyoming toads (Bufo baxteri) were documented on the Laramie River immediately upstream of the Ranch in 1941 and 1963, but subsequent surveys have been negative. The historic range of this extremely rare amphibian is restricted entirely to the Laramie Basin; currently, only one free-ranging population exists. The Cook Ranch segment of the Laramie River may be suitable for the reintroduction of a second free-ranging population. hnportantly, the closed basin wetlands on the Ranch also have potential to support Wyoming toads, and in both vegetation and landform closely approximate the area supporting the only extant free-ranging population.

Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is known to occur along streams throughout much of the Laramie Mountains, and has been tentatively documented in riparian areas on the floor of the Laramie Basin itself. The Cook Ranch segment of the Laramie River, and to a lesser extent the adjacent closed-basin wetlands, have good potential for supporting a rather large population of this listed tax on. Considering the post-breeding/ pre-migration date of this tour, an astounding number and diversity of waterbirds were observed on both the Laramie River and the closed-basin wetlands. Based on these species observations and observations of the general extent and condition of waterbird habitat, the Cook Ranch is likely one of the major waterbird production centers in southeastern Wyoming. Perhaps more importantly, ranch wetlands undoubtedly serve as a major migratory stopover for a significant number of waterbirds traveling to breeding and wintering grounds elsewhere.

Laramie Basin sagebrush steppe Sagebrush dominated areas on the western fringe of the Ranch, and especially on the Wall Canyon section of the property; appear to be high-quality habitat for sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Ranch managers report this species to be abundant, with several large leks present on the Ranch itself. Sage thrashers (Orescoptes montanus), sage sparrows (Amphispiza belli), and Brewer's sparrows (Spizella breweri) potentially occur here in abundance, with the latter species being repeatedly observed on the tour.

Outcrops / Laramie Escarpment Foothills escarpment and canyons on the Wall Canyon section of the Ranch have high potential for supporting multiple species of concern, including cliff-nesting raptors such as prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The massive cliff faces usually associated with peregrine falcon (F. peregrinus) reproduction were not observed, but may occur on the Ranch in areas not covered by this tour.

Ranch managers report bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) regularly using canyons on the Wall Canyon section of the Ranch. Good sheep range was observed on the tour; most notably, there appears to be extensive winter range on south facing canyon sides and slopes, with adequate-to excellent forage production.

Perhaps the most biologically interesting quality of the Wall Canyon section of the Ranch is its extremely high potential to support multiple bat species of conservation concern such as Townsend's big eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes), and even spotted bat (Euderma maculatum ). The limestone layer exposed in this area is perforated by a number of caves, slits, fissures, and overhangs that appear to be outstanding roost substrate. Occasional dense patches of aspen (Populus tremuloides), limber pine (Pinus flexilis), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) provide potential tree roosts for species such as hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Furthermore, all of these potential roosts occur in immediate proximity to good foraging habitat; namely, permanent streams and ponds bordered by heavy vegetation in a matrix of open grassland and shrubland.

It should be noted that similar canyon habitats may occur farther north on the Ranch, but this area was not observed during this tour. FISH

Species Scientific Name Heritage Management Status Habitat Notes Rank Hornyhead chub Nocomis biguttatus G5/S2 Found in clear, gravel-bottomed streams. It has been collected in the Sweetwater River and in the North Platte River drainage including the tributaries of the Laramie River, but is now very rare in Wyoming.

Suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis G5/S2 Found in clear water riffles with sand or gravel substrate, but sometimes in lakes. Occurs in Wyoming in the tributaries of the North Platte River and perhaps the South Platte River.

Orangethroat darter Etheostoma spectabi/e GS/SI? In Wyoming, orangethroat darters have been found most reliably in Lodegpole Creek (Laramie County). They prefer small streams with sand or gravel bottoms, including intermittent streams, but may also be found in small lakes. AMPHIBIANS and REPTILES

Species Scientific Name Heritage Management Status Habitat Notes Rank Boreal western toad (Southern Bufo boreas boreas (undescribed G4TIQ/Sl USFWS Candidate, USFS R2 Sensitive Boreal toads can be found in and near pennanent (or semi-pennanent) Rocky Mountain population) taxon) montane wetlands that have shallow areas for breeding and egg laying. They have fonnerly been found in higher elevations of the Laramie Range Mountains, but are not known to be currently extant there. Wyoming toad Bufobaxteri Gl/S1 USFWS Endangered This species is a Pleistocene relict restricted completely to the (Bufo hemiophrys baxteri) Laramie Basin. Northern leopard frog Rana pipiens G5/S3 USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Sensitiv Found near pennanent water in areas up to about 9,000 feet. Lower elevation sites are usually swampy cattail marshes; higher ones tend to be beaver ponds. Northern many-lined skink Eumeces multivirgatus G5/S2 The many-lined skink occurs in grassland communities or open scarp woodlands. It lives on the ground and often hides under loose objects (e.g., boards, logs, rocks, etc.). Red-lipped prairie lizard Sceloporus undu/atus GSTS/S2 The red-lipped prairie lizard is restricted to rock and cliff erytlirocl1eilus habitats along the Front/ Laramie mountain ranges.

Northern prairie lizard Sce/oporus undulatus garmani G5T5/Sl The northern prairie lizard is mostly found in grasslands, but also in low shrublands and in woodlands along rock escarpments (not among large rocks and cliffs, as the red-lipped prairie lizard).

Western smooth green snake Liochlorophis verna/is G5T3Q/S2 Smooth green snakes usually occupy forested areas in foothills, where blanchardi [Opheodrys vernalis they often hide under rocks, logs and other debris. blanchardi] Milk snake Lampropeltis triangu/um GS/S2S3 USFS R2 Sensitive Milk snakes can be found in woodlands along escarpments in prairie communities below about 6,000 feet MAMMALS

Species Scientific Name Heritage Management Status Habitat Notes Rank Dwarf shrew Sorexnanus G4/S2S3 USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Historically, found in alpine rubble slopes and conifer forests above Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 4,000 m. Sometimes found in prairie and pinyon-juniper at lower elevations. Long-eared myotis Myotis evotis GS/S lB, S 1?N Wyoming BLM Sensitive, WYGF SSC2 Found in conifer forests, especially ponderosa pine. Forage over water holes and possible openings in conifer forest. Roosts: caves, buildings, mines. Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes GS/SlB,SlN USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Found in mid-elevation grasslands, deserts and woodlands. Sensitive, WYGF SSC2 Sometimes found in higher forests. Roosts: caves, mines, rock crevices buildine:s. Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus GS/S2B, SZ?N Widespread and mobile, hoary bats are found in shrublands, grasslands, and aspen-pine forests near roosting habitat. Roosts: deciduous trees. Townsend's big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii G4/S1B,S2N USFS R2 Sensitive, USFS R4 Sensitive, Hibernates and day-roosts in caves and mines and will use /Plecotus townsendii/ Wyoming BLM Sensitive, WYGF SSC2 buildings as day roosts. Typical habitat includes desert shrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and dry conifer forests, generally near riparian or wetland areas.

Spotted bat Euderma maculatum O4/SlB, SZ?N USFS R2 Sensitive, USFS R4 Sensitive, Cliff roosting, generally near perennial water in a variety of habitats Wyoming BLM Sensitive, WYGF SSC2 (including desert, shrub-steppe, and evergreen forest). Spotted bats are not documented as occurring in southeastern Wyoming, but suitable habitat exists in the area.

White-tailed prairie dog (Large to Cynomys leucurus G4/S2S3 Wyoming BLM Sensitive Found in grassland and shrub-grass communities, often with loose, sandy soils. Colonies are usually not as large or dense as black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Plains pocket mouse Perognathus jlavescens GS/S2 Found in dunes and shortgrass prairie in eastern Wyoming, especially the southeast. Silky pocket mouse Perognathus flavus GS/S2 Found in grasslands, deserts, and juniper woodlands, particularly on loose and friable soils. Hispid pocket mouse Chaetodipus hispidus GS/S2 Found in several habitats, including dunes, sage-grassland, and short- /Perognathus hispidus] and mixed-grass prairies. Plains harvest mouse Reithrodontomys montanus GS/S2 Dense grasslands and weedy fields (ie, little exposed ground), sometimes with shrubs. Preble's meadow jumping moL Zapus /,udsonius preblei GST2/Sl USFWS Threatened Plains and foothills of southeast Wyoming, in brushy, moist riparian corridors. Swift fox Vulpes velox G3/S2S3 USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Swift fox occupy shortgrass prairie, but can also be found in sage- Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 grasslands. They are associated with sparely vegetated areas such as nrairie do!! towns. MAMMALS

Ringtail Bassariscus astutus G5/S2 USFS R2 Sensitive Ringtails occur in various habitats, generally near water ( e.g., dense riparian, conifer, pinyon-juniper, deserts, shrubsteppe).

Black-footed ferret Muste/a nigripes Gl/Sl USFWS Endangered, WYGF SSCl Black-footed ferrets always occur in or n_ear prairie dog colonies, generally on short or mixed-grass prairie. The only known extant Wyoming populations are in Shirley Basin near Medicine Bow, so large prairie dog towns near there could support wild ferrets.

Plains (eastern) spotted skunk Spilogale putorius interruptua GST4/S2 Usually occur near riparian areas, but also found near human settlements (fence rows, barns, brush piles, etc.). Western spotted skunk Spilogale graci/is [Spilogale G5/S2? Western spotted skunks prefer dry grasslands and shrublands. putorius] BIRDS

Species Scientific Name Heritage Management Status Habitat Notes Rank Clark's grebe Aechmophorus clarkii G5/S2B,SZN WYGFSSC4 Ponds, lakes, and reservoirs [Achemophorus occidentalis J

American white pelican Pelecanus erytl1ror/1ync/,os G3/S1B,SZN WYGFSSC3 Ponds, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs (Breeding colonies only) American bittern Botaurus /entiginosus G4/S2B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 Marshes and vegetated shorelines, esp. cattails and bulrushes White-faced ibis Plegadis chihi GS/SIB,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Marshes, wet meadows, and vegetated shorelines Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 Trumpeter swan Cygnus buccinator G4/SIB,S2N USFS R2 Sensitive, USFS R4 Sensitive, Ponds, lakes, streams Wyoming BLM Sensitive, WYGF SSC2

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola G5/SIB,S4N Lakes, ponds, rivers, reservoirs Bald eagle Haliaeetus /eucocephalus G4/S2B,S3N USFWS Threatened (proposed for de- Wooded areas usually along rivers, lakes, reservoirs. Sometimes in listing), WYGF SSC2 open country with topographic cover. Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis G5/S23B,S4N USFS R2 Sensitive, USFS R4 Sensitive, Open montane conifer forest or aspen; foothills shrublands in winter. Wyoming BLM Sensitive, WYGF SSC4

Merlin Falco columbarius G5/S2B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 Open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands sometimes in cities in winter American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum G4T3/SIB,S2N Recently de-listed by USFWS, Wyoming Mountainous zones or cliffs near large lakes and rivers BLM Sensitive, WYGF SSC3

Snowy plover Charadrius a/exandrinus G4/SIB,S2?N USFS R2 Sensitive Sandy beaches and shores of alkaline ponds Mountain plover C/1aradrius montanus G2/S2B,SZN USFWS Proposed Threatened Sparse shortgrass or mixed grass prairie. Also in short- sagebrush plains. Often associated with prairie dog towns.

Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda G5/S3B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, WYGF SSC4 Meadows, tall grass, and hay fields Long-billed curlew Numenius americanus G5/S3B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Meadows, pastures, shorelines, and marshes Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 Wilson's phalarope Pl,alaropus tricolor G5/S3B,S3N Ponds, shorelines, and wet meadows Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis GS/SIB,SZN Lakes, reservoirs, fields, and wet meadows (Breeding colonies only) Caspian tern Sterna caspia GS/SIB,SZN WYGFSSC3 Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers Forster's tern Sterna forsteri GS/SIB,SZN WYGFSSC3 Lakes, reservoirs, and marshes Black tern (Breeding colonies Chlidonias niger G4/SIB,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 Ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and marshes only) Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus G5/S2B,SZN Deciduous woods and thickets, usually along large streams Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus G5/S2B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Deciduous woods and thickets, usually along large streams Sensitive, WYGF SSC2 BIRDS

Short-eared owl Asio jlammeus G5/S2S3 Open grasslands, meadows, marshes, and farmland, especially around tall grass or weeds Barn owl Tytoalba G5/SIB,SZ?N Open country around abandoned buildings, barns, holes in cut banks, and cliffs Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia [Speotyto G4/S3B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM Plains and basins, often associated with prairie dog towns cunicularia} Sensitive, WYGF SSC4 Lewis' woodpecker Melanerpes lewis G5/S2B,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, WYGF SSC3 Open, mature ponderosa pine forest and recently burned forest

Three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus G5/S3 USFS R2 Sensitive, USFS R4 Sensitive Old-growth conifer forest, especially spruce-fir and ponderosa pine or recently burned forest Hammond's flycatcher Empidonax hammondii G5/S3B,SZN Tall, moist montane conifer forest, especially along streams

Cassin's kingbird Tyrannusvociferans G5/S3B,SZN Riparian woodlands, open oak or other-shrub woodlands Western scrub-jay Aphelocoma californica G5/S2 WYGFSSC3 Juniper woodlands [Aphelocoma coerulescens] Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus G5/S2 WYGFSSC3 Juniper woodlands Winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes G5/SIB,SZN Brushy stream-sides in conifer forest Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis G5/SIB,SZN Open woodlands Virginia's warbler Vermivora virginiae G5/S2B,SZN Riparian woodlands and brushy slopes Black-throated gray warbler Dendroica nigrescens G5/S2B,SZN Juniper woodlands Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus G5/SIB,SZN Riparian woodlands Sage sparrow Amphispiza belli G5/S3B,SZN Wyoming BLM Sensitive Medium to tall sagebrush shrubland Baird's sparrow Ammodramus bairdii G4/SIB,SZN USFS R2 Sensitive, Wyoming BLM "Mid-grass" prairie and meadows Sensitive Grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum G5/S3B,SZN WYGFSSC4 "Mid-grass" prairie, tall-grass prairie, hay meadows, and open savanna. Brewer's sparrow Spizella breweri G5/S3B, SZN Wyoming BLM Sensitive Sagebrush foothills and medium-height sagebrush in basins. Also, mountain mahogany hills. White-winged junco Junco hyemalis aikeni G5T4/S2B,S3N Open woodlands and woodland edges. McCown's longspur Calcarius mccownii GS/S3B,SZN Sparsely vegetated shortgrass prairie Chestnut-collared longspur Calcarius ornatus GS/S2B,SZN Medium height grass, especially meadows around ponds WOODY RIPARIAN VEGETATION ON THE LARAMIE RIVER: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by: Gary Beauvais, Director

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

1 October 2001

The following discussion is based on tlie professional opinions of Dr. Gary Beauvais (Director, WYNDD), Dr. George Jones (Ecologist, WYNDD), Bonnie Heidel (WYNDD Botanist), Dr. Dennis Knight (Professor of Botany, University of Wyoming), and Dr. William Reiners (Professor of Botany, University of Wyoming). It is also based on the following literature sources:

Knight, D.H. 1994. Mountains and plains: the ecology of Wyoming landscapes. Yale· University Press, New Haven, Connecticut. ·

Dom, R.D. 1986~ The Wyoming Landscape, 1805-1878. Mountain West Publishing, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Assemblages of woody riparian vegetation in the Laramie Valley are composed primarily of narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) and various species of willow (Salix spp.). Such assemblages are known to occur in abundance along the Laramie River between the towns of Laramie and Woods Landing, and again along the Laramie River in and near its canyon through the Laramie Mountains. Such assemblages are also common along other major streams in the area, including the Little Laramie River, Rock Creek, and Medicine Bow River; Plains cottonwood (P. deltoides) occurs in Laramie River riparian communities at lower elevations as the river descends the east slope of the Laramie Mountains. The Laramie Valley is likely too high in elevation to support plains cottonwood except where humans facilitate its growth ( e.g., city parks and yards).

Cursory observations of the Laramie River on the Cook Ranch suggest that cottonwood and willow are very scarce along this portion of the stream. The historic, and potential future, occurrence of these plants here are in question.

Cottonwood: Narrowleaf cottonwood tends to prefer coarse alluvium, which partially explains its abundance along the upper reaches of streams ( e.g., Laramie River above the town of Laramie) and in canyon settings (e.g., Laramie River canyon below Cook Ranch). It is possible that the Cook Ranch, by virtue ofits mid-valley position, overlays alluvial beds that are too fine for growing large and vigorous stands ofnarrowleaf cottonwood. It is well known that other major streams in Wyoming (e.g., Crow Creek, Laramie County; Sweetwater River, Fremont County) did not support large cottonwood forests during pre-settlement times, and this segment of the Laramie River may be similar to these.

A very few narrow leaf cottonwood trees, most in rather poor condition, occur on the Cook Ranch segment of the river now. This suggests that the species can grow here in at least limited abundance. Historic records consistently mention the presence of small and widely scattered patches of cottonwoods along the Laramie River in this area during the early settlement period, suggesting again that at least a limited coverage of cottonwoods here is possible.

Aside from basic substrate affinities, cottonwood abundance and reproduction varies strongly with more dynamic factors that are more amenable to human manipulation. Such factors include seasonal flow regimes, fire frequency, beaver activity, irrigation-return flows, and grazing by livestock and native ungulates. Active manipulation of these factors may facilitate the expansion of cottonwood trees to their maximum possible extent on the property; again, this "maximum extent" may be best described as small and isolated stands rather than a gallery forest. Because of uncertainties surrounding substrate suitability, deliberate planting of cottonwood trees may not be wise without more site-specific research.

Willow: A few small patches of willow also occur along the Laramie River on the Cook Ranch. Willow tends to have a broader habitat tolerance than cottonwood, and thus the reason for low willow abundance on this river segment is not immediately apparent. Willow abundance and reproduction varies with the same suite of dynamic factors that affect cottonwood. The general consensus oflocal ecologists is that willow has a greater potential to form large stands along this segment of the Laramie River than does cottonwood, and manipulation of factors such as livestock grazing should lead to willow expansion. Willow tend to transplant rather easily; deliberate plantings with local stock may help speed willow expansion here. OBSERVATIONS OF MOUNTAIN PLOVER HABITAT AND POTENTIAL: Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by: Gary Beauvais, Director

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

10 December 2001

Brief field observations on the Cook Ranch suggest that the property supports a large amount of high-quality breeding habitat for mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus). Large expanses of flat ground covered by sparse mixed grass prairie (preferred breeding habitat for mountain plovers) are especially abundant north of Wyoming Highway 34 and southeast of the main ranch house. There are other areas in the Laramie Valley that support mountain plover habitat of similar quality. However, it is extremely unlikely that there is any other property under single ownership that contains nearly as much of it as does Cook Ranch.

These field observations are supported by the application of a spatially-explicit habitat model for mountain plovers to the Cook Ranch. The model, which is described in detail in [[Beauvais, G.P. and R. Smith. 1999. Occurrence of breeding mountain plovers (Charadrius montnaus) in the Wyoming Basins ecoregion. Report prepared for the USDI Bureau of Land Management - Wyoming Field Office by the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming]], is a logistic regression of the probability of mountain plover occurrence during the breeding season on topographic slope and vegetation suitability. Overall classification success of this model, estimated with independent data, is 87%. The model predicts a large area of quality habitat in the Laramie Valley in general, and the eastern Laramie Valley in particular. The Cook Ranch encompasses a significant portion of the latter area.

According to the Ranch owner, breeding mountain plovers occur in almost every portion of the Ranch and are extremely dense in the area southeast of the main Ranch house. Twenty-two mountain plover observations from the Ranch vicinity (the Ranch itself plus a 6 mile buffer) have been submitted by local biologists to the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (University of Wyoming). Most of these observations were made within the past 3 years. It is important to note that all of these 22 observations were opportunistic in nature, and did not result from formal mountain plover surveys. This is a very high density of opportunistic sightings, especially considering the large amount of privately-owned property in the area. This suggests that the actual abundance of mountain plovers in this area is rather high. BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: Spring Creek Preserve section - Cook Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Prepared by : George Jones, Ecologist Jason Bennett, Research Zoologist

Wyoming Natural Diversity Database - University of Wyoming

7 September 2001

SUMMARY A one-day survey of the Spring Creek Preserve portion on the Cook Ranch suggests that the mix of grass and shrub types exemplifies well the vegetation mosaic typical of southern Wyoming's high-altitude basins. Grasslands with Wyoming big sagebrush, Nuttall's saltbush, and birdsfood sagewort form the matrix over most of the property, with species composition varying with type of substrate. Wet meadows are well represented around the many springs, and black greasewood shrub vegetation is well developed along streams and around playa lakes. The saline substrates support a mix of salt-tolerant shrubs, forbs, and grasses. Resistant shales, sandstones, and limestones support patches of bunchgrass and cushion-plant vegetation, including one dominated by slimstem muhly that may be quite rare.

The Spring Creek Preserve supports a substantial population of white-tailed prairie dogs, and a number ofraptors -- especially Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, and Golden Eagle -- were frequently observed. Several grassland birds, such as Longspurs and Mountain Plovers, also find suitable habitat on the property. Several rare plant species may find suitable habitat on sandstone and limestone slopes, shale slopes, and wet meadows. More intensive surveys are needed to determine the abundance of these animals and plants.

LOCATION AND SIZE OF AREA Albany County, Wyoming. T21N, R75W, 6th P.M. All or parts of Sections 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 15. The Spring Creek Preserve lies at the northern end of the Cook Ranch, in the drainages Spring Creek and Meiser Creek, both of which flow north and west into Rock Creek. According to a summary sheet compiled by Wyoming Real Estate Consultants, the Spring Creek Preserve encompasses 7,418 acres.

DATE AND METHOD OF SURVEY . Thursday, Sept. 6, 2001. The authors and Allen Cook (the owner) spent the hours from ca. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. driving throughout the area on two-track roads and trails, with hikes to 30 to 60 minutes' duration through the valley of Meiser Creek and the valley of the South Fork of Spring Creek. Virtually all of the Spring Creek Preserve was seen during the survey. RESULTS PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT The landscape consists mainly of gently rolling hills, nearly flat slopes, and broad valleys developed on sandstones and shales. These landforms are covered with a veneer of Quaternary alluvium so thin that the underlying bedrock is exposed in prairie dog burrows. Steep slopes have formed along the edge of the Meiser Creek valley in the western part of the area. An anticline exposing the Dakota (Cloverly) sandstone and the limestones and siltstones of the Morrison and Sundance Formations cuts east-west across the center of the area, and the slopes on the northern and southern sides of this anticline also are relatively steep. Local topographic relief is less than 100 feet.

Two tributaries of Rock Creek, both mapped on the 7.5' topographic quadrangle as intermittent, flow through the area. Meiser Creek flows northwest along the western edge of the property, and the South Fork of Spring Creek flows in a large curve around the anticline in the center of the area. Alluvium, predominantly fine-textured, fills both stream valleys. Both streams had flowing water at the time of the survey. A large number of springs ( approximately 100, according to Allen Cook) arise from the bases of the slopes on the western end and northern side of the anticline and maintain a flow of water in the streams, especially in the South Fork of Rock Creek. None of these springs are shown on the 7.5' topographic quadrangle. Many of the springs issue forth in "soapholes", areas of semi-liquid shale up to ca. 15 feet across.

The central and southern part of the Spring Creek Preserve contains several internally-drained depressions. Meiser Lake lies in the largest of these, and is bordered on the eastern ( downwind) side by dunes formed of saline clay blown out of the depression. This depression-with-dunes is an aeolian feature seen throughout the basins of southern Wyoming.

BIOLOGICAL FEATURES Vegetation The mix of vegetation types on the Spring Creek Preserve is an excellent representation of the vegetation mosaic typical of the high-elevation basins of southern Wyoming. Grasslands cover most of the property. The species most in evidence during the survey were western wheatgrass (Elymus smithii), prairie junegrass (Koeleria macrantha ), threadleaf sedge ( Carex filifo/ia ), and plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha). Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) probably is common as well. Needle-and-thread (Stipa comata) is a common species on sandier soils. Over much of the gentle upland terrain, the grassland contains little or no shrub component. On soils derived from saline shale bedrock, two dwarf-shrubs, Nuttall's saltbush (Atrip/ex gardneri) and bird's foot sagewort (Artemisia pedatifida), contribute substantial cover. Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis) is present in small amounts on the less saline shales, and green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) grows in the grassland on sandier soils. These two shrubs form relatively dense stands on a few slopes with sandy soils. In the hills on northern part of the property, Wyoming big sagebrush is dense enough that the vegetation has the structure of an open shrubland rather than grassland.

Interestingly, blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), a major species in the Great Plains grasslands of eastern and central Wyoming, was not observed during the survey and apparently is all but

2 absent from the property. ,Allen Cook reports that the species is present farther south on the main part of the Cook Ranch, and it is common in the grasslands of the central Laramie basin. Blue grama is absent from grasslands in the higher-elevation basins to the northwest (such as the Shirley Basin and the Sweetwater Plateau). The substrate on the Spring Creek Preserve appears to be suitable for blue grama, and the property may be slightly above the altitude at which this warm-season grass can grow.

Within the grassland matrix are small patches of several other vegetation types. Ridges and slopes on resistant bedrock support sparse vegetation of cushion-form forbs and bunchgrasses. Hooker's sandwort (Arenaria hookeri) seems to be the most common and widespread species. On the Dakota sandstone (Cloverly Formation) and Morrison Formation limestone, bluebunch wheatgrass (Elymus spicatus) is the common grass. Cushion-plant patches on limestone also contain moss phlox (Phlox muscoides) and nailwort (Paronychia sp.). Moss phlox appears to be an indicator oflimestone substrates throughout southern Wyoming. An unusual patch of vegetation was noted on the Mowry shale in which the small bunchgrass slimstem muhly (Muhlenbergiafiliculmis) and Hooker's sandwort were the two main species. Slimstem muhly is a common species in low-growing vegetation on broad ridges atop the Laramie Mountains, and it is a dominant species in unusual grasslands described from mountains in Colorado.

Black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) forms small stands in the grassland matrix downwind from ( east of) at least one of the depressions (Meiser Lake) in the southern half of the property, on dunes formed of fine-textured material blown out of the depression. Farther downwind from the greasewood stands, Nuttall saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) and western wheatgrass are common on soil also modified by the wind-deposited clay.

Three other vegetation types are present with the grasslands in the vegetation mosaic. · Wet meadows are a common vegetation type on sub-irrigated soils around springs in the Morrison Formation and along the channel of the South Fork of Spring Creek. Common plant species are baltic rush (Juncus balticus), aster (probably A. ascendens), buttercup (Ranunculus cymbalaria), silverweed (Potentilla anserina), field clustered sedge (Carex praegracilis), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), and arrowgrass (Triglochin sp.). Inland saltgrass (Distichlis stricta) is common on the drier edges of these meadows, and water sedge (Carex aquatilis) grows in the wettest soils. Also common along Spring Creek, on higher surfaces above the wet meadows, are black greasewood shrub stands with western wheatgrass and inland saltgrass in the undergrowth.

On shale bedrock and saline alluvium in the Meiser Creek valley, wet soils around springs and along the stream support a wetland vegetation in which the common species are black greasewood, inland saltgrass, alkali grass (Puccinellia sp.), samphire or glasswort (Salicornia rubra), seablite (Suaeda sp.), alkali cordgrass (Spartina gracilis), and western wheatgrass. Drier soils support black greasewood stands with western wheatgrass and inland saltgrass.

Plant Species Several rare plant species may grow in the Spring Creek Preserve, and areas of potential habitat should be surveyed at the appropriate times. The sparsely-vegetated Dakota and Morrison slopes in the central part of the area may provide habitat for Colorado tansy-aster (Machaeranthera

3 coloradoensis) and Laramie false sagebrush (Sphaeromeria simplex). Shale slopes may support slender-leaved buckwheat (Eriogonum exilifolium) and Ward's goldenweed (Haplopappus wardii). The wet meadows in the Spring Creek drainage may contain the pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum). Table 1 shows the rarity ranks for these plant species.

Animal Species Portions of the sagebrush and grassland areas of Spring Creek support high-density white-tailed prairie dog towns (Cynomys leucurus). The Ranch is solidly within the historic range of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and this prairie dog population is within reasonable proximity to the reintroduced population of ferrets currently to the northwest in Shirley Basin. If the Shirley Basin ferret population expands, they may potentially occupy the property. The prairie dog towns likely host a number of other associated species, such as Burrowing Owls (Athene cunnicularia) and Mountain Plovers (Charadrius montanus). Both species are reported by Allen Cook to live in the area, although Mountain Plovers are likely more common ih other areas of the ranch due to the rolling topography of the Spring Creek Preserve.

A number ofFerruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis), Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni), Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), McCown's Longspurs (Calcarius mccowni), Brewer's Sparrows (Spizella breweri) and a single Sage Thrasher (Orescoptes montanus) were also observed during the tour. The Spring Creek area is likely an important foraging area for raptors (and possibly nesting -- 1 old aerie observed) and breeding area for the passerines.

The sagebrush and grassland areas have potential to support several other species of concern, such as swift fox (Vulpes velox), Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus), Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli) and Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum ).

A large number of waterbirds were observed on the closed-basin wetlands. Although these birds were likely on migration, the extent and condition of waterbird habitat in the Spring Creek area and the Cook Ranch as a whole suggest the area is a major waterbird production center in southeastern Wyoming. Perhaps more importantly, ranch wetlands undoubtedly serve as a major migratory stopover for a significant number of waterbirds traveling to breeding and wintering grounds elsewhere.

Wyoming toads (Bufo baxteri) were documented on the Laramie River immediately upstream of · the Ranch in 1941 and 1963, but subsequent surveys have been negative. The historic range of this extremely rare amphibian is restricted entirely to the Laramie Basin; currently, only one free-ranging population exists. The closed basin wetlands of Spring Creek may be suitable for future reintroduction of Wyoming toads, although other areas of Cook Ranch, which more closely approximate the vegetation and landform, may be more suitable. Leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) were not observed, but may occupy the spring fed streams of Spring Creek.

Several of the springs contained small unidentified fishes. The area is part of the North Platte River drainage, and hence there is a small chance the hornyhead chub (Nocomis biguttatus),

4 suckermouth minnow (Phenacobius mirabilis) and/or orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) may occupy these streams.

EXOTIC WEEDS Canada thistle ( Cirsium arvense) is present as scattered patches along Meiser Creek and the South Fork of Spring Creek. Patches are smaller than ca. 250 sq. m each, and nowhere is thistle a dominant part of the vegetation.

Kentucky bluegrass (Paa pratensis) may be present in the riparian zones but was not in evidence during the survey.

HUMAN STRUCTURES AND IMPACTS Evidence ofrecent human use of the Spring Creek Preserve is limited to a few two~track vehicle trails, a barbed-wire boundary fence, several small reservoirs on the South Fork of Spring Creek, and two or three collapsed buildings and a water well (apparently an abandoned homestead) in the north-central part of the area.

Human use of the Spring Creek Preserve started long before the arrival of the modern livestock raising culture, as evinced by the Paleo-Indian and modern Indian campsites that abound near the springs around the anticline. This archaeological record has been documented in several reports (Don P. Davis, unpublished report to Allen Cook, September 2000; Kelly J. Pool, unpublished letter to Allen Cook and accompanying documents, January 2000).

5 Table 1. Global and state rarity ranks for plant and animal species that may occur on the Spring Creek Preserve. *Indicates species observed.

Scientific Name Common Global State Potential habitat Name Rank Rank Eriogonum Slender- G3 S2 Shale slopes in the northern and western parts exilifolium leaved buckwheat Haplopappus Ward's G2G3 S2S3 Fine-textured shale slopes in the northern a:nd wardii goldenweed western parts Machaeranthera Colorado G2? Sl Sparsely vegetated Dakota and Morrison slopes coloradoensis tansy-aster Sisyrinchium Pale blue-eyed G2G3 S2S3 Wet meadows in Spring Creek valley pallidum grass Sphaeromeria Laramie false G2 S2 Limestone in Morrison Formation simplex sagebrush Nocomis Hornyhead G5 S2 Found in clear, gravel-bottomed streams. It has biguttatus chub been collected in the Sweetwater River and in the North Platte River drainage including the tributaries of the Laramie River, but is now very rare in Wyoming. Phenacobius Suckermouth G5 S2 Found in clear water riffles with sand or gravel mirabilis minnow substrate, but sometimes in lakes. Occurs in Wyoming in the tributaries of the North Platte River and perhaps the South Platte River. Etheostoma Orangethroat G5 Sl? In Wyoming, orangethroat darters have been found spectabile darter most reliably in Lodegpole Creek (Laramie County). They prefer small streams with sand or gravel bottoms, including intermittent streams, but may also be found in small lakes. Rana pipiens Leopard frog G5 S3 Found near permanent water in areas up to about 9,000 feet. Lower elevation sites are usually swampy cattail marshes; higher ones tend to be beaver ponds. Bufo baxteri Wyoming Gl Sl This species is a Pleistocene relict restricted toad completely to the Laramie Basin. Bartramia Upland G5 S3B,SZN Meadows, tall grass, and hay fields lomzicauda Sandpiper Numenius Long-billed G5 S3B,SZN Meadows, pastures, shorelines, and marshes americanus Curlew Charadrius Mountain G2 S2B,ZN Sparse shortgrass or mixed grass prairie. Also in montanus Plover short-sagebrush plains. Often associated with prairie dog towns. Asio flammeus Short-eared G5 S2S3 Open grasslands, meadows, marshes, and farmland, Owl especially around tall grass or weeds Athene Burrowing G4 S3B,SZN Plains and basins, often associated with prairie dog cunnicularia Owl towns Amvhispiza belli Sage Sparrow G5 S3B,SZN Medium to tall sagebrush shrubland Ammodramus Grasshopper G5 S3B,SZN "Mid-grass" prairie, tall-grass prairie, hay meadows, savannarum Sparrow and open savanna. *Spizella breweri Brewer's G5 S3B,SZN Sagebrush foothills and medium-height sagebrush in

6 Sparrow basins. Also, mountain mahogany hills. *Calcarius McCown's G5 S3B,SZN Sparsely vegetated shortgrass prairie mccowni Longspur Calcarius ornatus Chestnut- G5 S2B,SZN Medium height grass, especially meadows around collared ponds Longspur *Cynomys White-tailed G4 S2S3 Found in grassland and shrub-grass communities, leucurus prairie dog often with loose, sandy soils. Colonies are usually not as large or dense as black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Mustela nigripes Black-footed GI SI Black-footed ferrets always occur in or near prairie ferret dog colonies, generally on short or mixed-grass prairie. The only known extant Wyoming populations are in Shirley Basin near Medicine Bow, so large prairie dog- towns near there could suooort wild ferrets. Vulpes velox Swift fox G3 S2S3 Swift fox occupy shortgrass prairie, but can also be found in sage-grasslands. They are associated with sparely vegetated areas such as prairie dog towns.