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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />In summary after several years of mining at Colowyo, the question is no longer whether coal mining <br />at Colowyo has had an adverse impact on local wildlife populations. The population of deer and elk <br />in the vicinity of Colowyo is reaching record levels. There is little doubt that wildlife populations are <br />drawn to the reclaimed areas because of the availability of quality herbaceous vegetation. The <br />immediate vicinity around Colowyo has become well known as a wildlife refuge, particularly during <br />big game seasons. <br />The issue now is how can Colowyo assist the CDOW in efforts to control wildlife populations to a <br />level that can be supported by adjacent ranges. To do so, in 1990 we have entered into a cooperative <br />effort with the CDOW to establish a 'Ranching For Wildlife" area located south of Hayden. Colowyo <br />has also cooperated with the CDOW in allowing public hunters access to company properties in <br />Axial Basin Ranch to increase harvest of local cow elk populations. <br />The concern for wildlife mitigation has clearly evolved from a concern for the impact of mining on <br />the wildlife population to a concern for involving Colowyo in managing increasing populations <br />especially for big game animals, particularly elk. As one of the large landowners in the region, <br />Colowyo will continue to work with the CDOW to assist where possible to manage local big game <br />populations. <br />With regard to sage grouse populations, Colowyo believes that the new revegetation metrics <br />presented within this submittal will more completely address the concern for negative impacts to area <br />populations and brooding habitat. As this new reclamation technology progresses and adapts into the <br />future, it is anticipated that sage grouse use of reclaimed lands will return to pre- mining levels, or <br />perhaps return to elevated levels as has been experienced at certain Wyoming mining operations. <br />Related to this mitigation and emphasis on wildlife populations, focus must be maintained on the fact <br />that Colowyo is the landowner on the overwhelming majority of disturbed acreage. Were it not for <br />the need for permitting of coal mining operations, and the desire to be a responsible steward of the <br />land, the company could select to manage lands in a manner similar to other Western ranching <br />operations that emphasize red meat production from livestock with little concern for the needs of <br />wildlife. <br />Protection of Hydrologic Balance and Water Quality <br />Based on the data, other references available and reclamation plans previously presented in this <br />section, the Colowyo Mine will not adversely affect the hydrologic balance or water quality of the <br />adjacent areas. <br />The Colowyo Coal Company intends to use all practical methods to maintain the hydrologic balance <br />and water quality in its present state and may improve the surface water characteristics as a result of <br />reclamation procedures. The focus of this discussion will center on the permit area as it is the area of <br />mining disturbance. <br />The hydrologic balance, previously discussed, will be protected through a number of procedures <br />designed to mitigate any potential impact from mining. Temporary and permanent diversions will <br />route runoff away from disturbed areas to minimize erosion and sediment loss. Temporary channels <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05 -47 Revision Date: 10/23/12 <br />Revision No.: RN -06 <br />