2014-07-08_REVISION - C1981044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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mining operations are expected to have little, if any effect on waterfowl populations. The value of waterfowl in the Permit Area is associated with; 1) Limited hunting; and 2) Observation and photography. Fur Bearer.- 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. Songbirds Several species of songbirds have been encountered within the Permit Area, including sparrows, starlings, western bluebirds, black - billed magpies, and the redheaded woodpeckers. Primary food - sources for these songbirds include insects, and seeds from grasses, sagebrush, and dandelions. The value of songbirds within the Permit Area relate to, 1) Observation and photography; 2) Insect control, and 3) Distribution of native vegetation species through seeds retained in droppings. Reptiles and amphibians are generally not abundant in the Permit Area. The most common reptiles found in the area include rattlesnakes, bullsnakes, and garter snakes. Amphibious species include various frog species and salamanders and newts in and along the river corridors. Rodents, insects, and some amphibians are common food sources. Underground mining and related operations are expected to have little, if any, effect on these species. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ( USFWS) identifies the following as wildlife species listed as Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive (TES) potentially occurring in Moffat County (02/14 search, note that additional TES species information is provided in Exhibit 15a): Yellow - Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) Black- Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) Canadian Lynx (Lynx Canadensis) North American Wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) Humpback Chub (Gila cypha) Colorado Pikeminnow (Pytchocheilus lucius) Bonytail Chub (Gila elegans) Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Review of the USFWS IPaC mapping for Threatened and Endangered Species occurrence and habitat, indicates that the only critical habitat for T &E species within the Mine Permit Area is the Yampa River to the west, which is considered potential habitat for the identified T &E fish species based on past historical occurrence. It should be noted, however, that the identified fish species are not know to occur in the Yampa River and that documented occurrence of these species is limited to the lower reaches of the Green River and portions of the Colorado River. Given ongoing compliance with all applicable water quality discharge standards and very limited tributary water uses, the potential for mining - related impacts to these species is negligible. Habitat also exists within the general vicinity (IPaC Mapping, Exhibit 15a) for Greater Sage Grouse (GSG), although the only identified lek within the Mine Permit Boundary or immediately adjacent areas has been inactive for over 15 years (personal communication with Brian Holmes — CPW, 02/14). Given that there are no known active leks in the Permit or adjacent areas, the potential for adverse mining - related impacts is negligible. The GSG is currently identified as a Candidate Species, with a USFWS decision on listing status anticipated sometime in 2014 or 2015. TR14 -36 2.04 -40 Revised 06/23/14