2017-02-15_REVISION - C1996083 (2)

Home Browse Search

A-20 type and extent of allowable variances. A site-specific examination would determine if this stipulation would apply. CRITERION 15 Federal lands which the surface management agency and the state jointly agree are habitat for resident species of fish, wildlife and plants of high interest to the state and which are essential for maintaining these priority wildlife and plant species shall be considered unsuitable. Examples of such lands which serve a critical function for the species involved include: (i) active dancing and strutting grounds for sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and prairie chicken, (ii) winter ranges crucial for deer, antelope, and elk, (iii) migration corridor for elk, and (iv) extremes of range for plant species. Exception A lease may be issued if, after consultation with the state, the surface management agency determines that all or certain stipulated methods of coal mining will not have a significant long- term impact on the species being protected. Analysis The entire proposed project area is mapped as elk winter range. Many elk and deer winter below the proposed project area, but wintering use is influenced by snow depths. In addition, migratory deer and elk utilize the area during two major migration periods during the year when they migrate between high elevation summer range and lower elevation winter range. The migration periods are largely driven by weather patterns and snowline elevations in the fall and spring. Although CPW identifies the area as part of the overall range for moose on Grand Mesa, the plant communities on the lease area are marginally suitable for moose, and except for rare occasions, they are not expected to be present. The proposed project area is also excellent black bear habitat providing an abundance of native summer vegetation and a fall berry crop which tends to concentrate bears. Surface disturbing activities in this area caused by underground coal mining would impact elk and mule deer winter ranges and fall black bear use. Lands are suitable for coal leasing after applying the exceptions to the criteria. The review area is suitable for coal leasing with inclusion of the following special protective stipulations on those areas that are currently, or may be, designated as crucial winter range and fall black bear concentration during the life of the project: • Facility construction and major scheduled maintenance shall not be authorized within big game winter ranges from December 1 through April 15. All unavoidable surface disturbances within the winter ranges during these times would require approval of the USFS or BLM Authorized Officer and consultation with CPW. Monitoring and access to the sites by over-the-snow vehicles shall be permitted, but no snow plowing may occur. • Bear-proof containers would be used and refuse collected frequently to minimize potential for human-bear conflicts at construction sites. Employee training would include information to reduce bear-human conflicts including not feeding bears. • Noise reduction mitigation would be utilized on the individual MDW pumps to reduce impacts from their operation.