2017-03-23_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A

Home Browse Search

RULE 2 PERMITS Based on site-specific observations, water source distribution, occupied habitats, forage availability, land forms, distribution of vegetation communities, and similar landscape features and ecological characteristics, the split between the dominant land use sub -components would appear to be 80-90% livestock and 10-20% wildlife (Exhibit 10 Item 6). It is suspected that the economic impact of these two land -use sub -components would also reflect this approximate split. As these subcomponents are not exclusive (areas utilized by livestock for grazing also serve as wildlife habitat and vice -versa) the overall goal is to promote the use of seed mixes that provide benefits for both land uses. In recent years, much of the Collom area, especially western portions, has been managed under the Morgan Creek Ranching for Wildlife program, where livestock grazing utilization levels and timing have been modified to increase the quality and quantity of resident deer and elk populations for hunting. This program has also included the development of watering sources (stock tanks) and prescribed burns aimed at reducing the extent of over mature sagebrush stands and introducing a mosaic of young sagebrush and grassland communities. Given this active management for wildlife, it can be hypothesized that the split between land use sub- components is probably closer to 80/20 as opposed to 90/10, livestock grazing to wildlife habitat, respectively. The overall goal of the reclamation program is to increase the value of the areas disturbed by mining activities for both livestock grazing and wildlife habitat through increased forage production, improved plant community diversity and a greater emphasis on the establishment of sagebrush and other forb/shrub species across the area. The implementation of the detailed reclamation plan as contained in Section 2.05.4 will restore the disturbed land to the pre -mining use of rangeland/fish and wildlife habitat. The joint land uses of rangeland/fish and wildlife habitat are comprised of the two primary subcomponents "livestock grazing or grassland" and "wildlife habitat or sage grouse brood rearing habitat". Replacement of grassland will be facilitated by targeting revegetation efforts toward grassland communities with a significant effort made to establish forb/shrub species (especially sagebrush) to promote dual utilization from wildlife. Because grasslands are effective for erosion control, this community will be implemented on those lands with slopes greater than 10%. Replacement of wildlife habitat (sage grouse brood rearing habitat) will be facilitated by targeting revegetation efforts toward the re-establishment of a sagebrush steppe community. Because sagebrush steppe is less able to preclude erosion, it will be limited to those lands with slopes less than 10%. Furthermore, certain small areas with slopes flatter than 10% will receive grassland targeted efforts for reasons given in Section 2.05.4. These land use subcomponents will be specifically accomplished by the regrading of spoil in compliance with the approved post mine topography, restoration of drainage patterns, and reapplication of the topsoil followed by seeding of the appropriate seed mixture for the designated land use subcomponents (Please see Map 46 for proposed areas of focus for receiving the sagebrush steppe or grassland seed mixes). Erosion will be controlled on the newly seeded areas through the use of contour furrows, terraces, banding, and/or other metrics until the vegetation has sufficiently established. The lands will also be protected from noxious weeds or other biological processes such as cattle grazing until the stands are sufficiently established to support grazing pressure. The proposed post -mine land use of rangeland/fish and wildlife habitat for the reclaimed areas is identical to the pre -mining land use found in the area. Colowyo owns all but approximately 3,262 acres (2,525 of which is Bureau of Land Management land and 637 is State Land) of the land within the proposed Collom area expansion (approximately 16,833 acres). No change in land use is expected in the proposed land use categories. Therefore, the proposed post mine land use will be consistent with the historic land use on lands within the proposed Collom expansion area. Collom — Rule 2, Page 103 Revision Date: 11/16/16 Revision No.: MR -166