2014-05-13_REVISION - C1981044 (2)

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• many oxbow lakes and the winding of the Yampa and Williams Fork Rivers provide waterfowl habitat. Aquatic vegetation, such as duckweed, provides food and cover for the waterfowl as well as nesting. Geese occasionally feed in the wheat fields adjacent to the river. However, since the permit area is not a prime waterfowl feeding area, underground mining operations are expected to have little, if any effect on waterfowl populations. The value of waterfowl in the permit area is; 1) Limited hunting, and; 2) Observation and photography. Fur - Bearers In addition to waterfowl, beaver and muskrat are found along the Yampa and Williams Fork Rivers. The exact numbers and distribution are not available for these fur - bearing species, but the existing ecosystem does provide a suitable habitat for such animals. Striped skunk, raccoon, weasel, marmots and porcupines are also common in the permit area. Since these animals continue to inhabit the permit area as well as the surrounding area, mining apparently has little effect on these species. The principal value for fur - bearing animals within the permit area is; 1) Hunting and trapping, and; 2) Photography. Song Birds Several species of songbirds have been encountered within the permit area. These are sparrow, starlings, western bluebird, black billed magpie, and the redheaded woodpecker. Food is provided for these songbirds by insects, seeds from grasses, sagebrush, and dandelions. The value of songbirds within the permit area is 1) observation and photography, 2) eliminators of insects, and 3) spreaders of seeds through droppings. Reptiles are not abundant in the permit area. The most common reptiles found are rattlesnakes, bullsnakes, and the wandering garter snake. Rodents, insects, and some amphibians provide most of the food for reptiles. The underground mining operation or underground expansion will have little, if any, effect on the species. Threatened Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) Species The potential exists for the following Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species to inhabit the regional area: Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Osprey Sandhill Crane Greater Sage Grouse Columbian Sharp - tailed Grouse Black- Footed Ferret River Otter Colorado Pikeminnow Bonytail Chub Razorback Sucker Humpback Chub Bluehead Sucker/Flannehnouth Sucker/Roundtail Chub Detailed information on the occurrence and status of these species is presented in the Rare and Endangered Species Statement (CROW, 11/21/06), included in Exhibit 15A, Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Information. There are several other species identified on Federal and State TES listings, as potentially occurring in Moffat County, however, the CDOW indicates that there is negligible potential for occurrence of these species within the BTU EC Permit Area based on habitat preferences, known ranges, and recorded sightings. Permit Renewal RN08 -05 2.04 -40 01/15/09