2015-11-12_REVISION - C1981035 (3)

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of these TES flora species in the project area. According to the USFWS, 7 listed species have potential to occur in La Plata County. These are the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailli extimus), the endangered Black - footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), the endangered Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), the endangered Humpback chub (Gila cypha), the endangered Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), the threatened Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucicephalus), the threatened Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), and the candidate Western boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas). The recently delisted Peregrine falcon (Falco pereginus) is also known to occur in La Plata County and may incidentally occur in or near the project area. Of the federally listed fauna species with potential to occur in La Plata County, only the Bald eagle is known to occur in or near the project area. No listed fish species occur in the project area as there are no perennial surface water resources present. Surface water depletions are not expected, and therefore there will not be any impact on listed fish species. The Western boreal toad is only known to occur above 8,000 feet in elevation; the project is at less than 8,200 feet in elevation. There are no records of the Black -footed ferret from southwestern Colorado. There is no suitable habitat (e.g., steep canyons, dense forested areas) for the Mexican spotted owl within or near the project area. There are no riparian areas in the project area providing potential habitat for the Southwestern willow flycatcher. Bald eagle may incidentally occur in the project area at any time of the year. The highest density of Bald eagles in the county occurs during the winter months (Nov -Mar). Overwintering Bald eagles commonly utilize river corridors in the county. No winter roost sites or nesting areas are known in the vicinity of the project area. LAND USE The coal estate is reserved to the United States on all of the proposed lease area. The coal estate in Section 36 is reserved for the State of Colorado. The proposed project area is utilized for livestock grazing. TRANSPORTATION Access to the project area is off of paved Colorado State Highway 140 about 3 miles south of Hesperus, then 4.2 miles west on graveled County Road 120. County road 120 recieves mg choloride treatements to reduce dust. With a production rate of approximately 300,000 tons per year, there will continue to be an estimated 18 to 28 coal trucks (thirty -ton trucks) traveling County Road 120 east of the King Coal mine site and Colorado State Highway 140 south of Hay Gulch. 15