2014-09-02_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (2)

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of Fish Creek. Common species present include white sucker ( Catostomus commersoni speckled dace ( Rhynichthys osculus red shiner ( Notropis lutrensis and roundtailed chub ( Gila robust a ). • Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) Species — On June 25, 1997, Mr. Terry Ireland, of the Grand Junction Office of the USFWS, was contacted to identify any currently listed Threatened or Endangered species potentially occurring within the project area. Mr. Ireland identified two listed species as potential inhabitants of Township 5 North, Range 86 West, 6"' Principle Meridian, Spiranthes diluvialis (Ute Lady's Tresses), and Halieaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle). In addition, the Upper Colorado River Basin has been identified as providing critical habitat for four Endangered fish species: Pytchocheilus lucius (Colorado Squawfish), Gila cypha (Humpback Chub), Gila elegans (Bonytail Chub) and Xyrauchen texanus (Razorback Sucker). Lastly, two Candidate species were noted for the area: Boreal toad and Lynx Canadensis (Canada lynx). A more recent (October 2006) check of the USFWS Endangered Species List for Routt County indicates that the following species are identified as potentially occurring within the County: Bald Eagle, Yellow - billed Cuckoo ( Coccyzus americanus) Bonytail chub, Colorado pikeminnow (formerly sgawfish), Humpback chub, Razorback sucker, Black - footed ferret (N lustela nigripes and Canada lynx. Review of habitat preferences for the identified species indicates that preferred habitat does not exist within the planned surface disturbance or subsidence areas, so the potential for impacts on these species is minimal. No significant water depletions are anticipated as a result of the proposed mining operations, therefore, no impacts are anticipated for the endangered fish species identified. Habitat for the boreal toad typically occurs at elevations exceeding 7,500 feet. All disturbance and activity associated with this project will occur at elevations well below 7,500 feet. Lastly, the project area is generally too low to provide suitable lynx habitat during most of the year. There is some potential that lynx could utilize some of the higher areas for winter habitat, however, the mining operations should not :impact the potential for lynx to utilize these areas during the winter months. Based on more recent (2010) TES listings from both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the potential exists in the region and the eco -types associated with the Permit Area, for the following • Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species to occur or utilize these areas: Canada Lynx Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Greater Sandhill Crane Greater Sage Grouse Columbian Sharp- tailed Grouse Western Yellow - billed Cuckoo Colorado Pikeminnow Bonytail Chub Razorback Sucker Humpback Chub Greenback CutthroatTrout The TCC Permit Area is not within designated critical habitat for any TES species, and no federally - listed threatened or endangered species occur within the current Permit boundaries (Exhibit 23, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Letter Regarding T &E Species, and March 2010 USFWS Threatened and Endangered Species System Listing for Routt County Colorado). Preferred habitat for Canada Lynx is dense, isolated coniferous forest, which does not exist within the current Permit Area. Bald eagle and peregrine falcon may occasionally pass over this area during migration, or during brief hunting forays, but suitable habitat and preferred food sources for these species are not present in the Permit Area. The Natural Diversity Information System does not show the range for the Western Yellow - Billed Cuckoo as including Routt County, and identified habitat preference for this specie is warm, lowland riparian areas, which are not represented in the Permit Area. Fisheries within and for some distance downstream from the Permit Area do not support year -round trout populations, and occurrences of the other TES fish species do not extend into the Upper Yampa River Basin. The greater sandhill crane is listed as an endangered sub - species by the State of Colorado. The Permit Area lies within the region designated as a nesting range by Torres et al. (1978). Major staging and roosting areas for the • Colorado sub - population of greater sandhill cranes occur to the northwest of the Permit Area along the Yampa River and near the Hayden Generating Station. Cranes are commonly observed in Twentymile Park during spring and summer and limited nesting by cranes in the park has been documented. A survey for nesting sandhill cranes RN08 -05 2.04 -76 03/12/10