2014-10-10_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (22)

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2.04.10 Vegetation Information (1) A vegetation map is included in the permit application as Map 3. This map delineates plant communities in the area to be affected by surface operations and facilities. The delineation of plant communities is on the basis of the visually dominant perennial species. (2) The vegetation map shows the location of the Juniper Woodland and Mixed Shrub reference areas. (3) The vegetation map includes sufficient adjacent areas to allow evaluation of vegetation as important for fish and wildlife. (4) Plant community descriptions are included in the Bowie Number 2 Mine, 1995, 2001 and 2003 Baseline Vegetation Reports, located in Exhibit 5. Three major communities were identified in the area to be affected by surface operations, facilities and the surrounding area at the mine site. They are Juniper Woodland, Mixed Shrub and Meadow. Four communities were identified in the area to be affected by the unit train loadout. They are Pasture, Irrigated Hayfield, Orchard and Derelict. Two major communities were identified in the area to be affected by the new gob pile. They are Juniper Woodland and Mixed Shrub. Habitats in the Spruce Stomp lease by application area are dominated by mountain shrub communities, primarily Gambel oak, on south - facing slopes, with aspen, spruce -fir, and grasses as the next three dominant cover types by acreage. There are smaller areas of other mountain shrubs and Douglas - fir, with very small areas of sagebrush and juniper within the lease by application area. Riparian habitat is dominated by blue spruce which typically contains limited populations of narrowleaf cottonwood and willows, including strapleaf, mountain or whiplash willow (USFS, 2013a). Riparian vegetation along Terror Creek within the lease by application area contains substantial strapleaf willow and other riparian vegetation which is not represented by the vegetation map. (DOI- BLM- CO -S050- 2013 -0010 EA) PR-14 2.04-115- 01/14