Laserfiche WebLink
Maximum 40% mean relative cover for each of the 6 species; <br />Minimum 2% mean relative cover for each of the 3 graminoids; <br />Minimum I% relative cover for the 1 forb. <br />XII. Post -mining Land Use — Rule 4.16 <br />Information pertaining to land use is presented in Section 2.04.3 of the PAP. Information <br />pertaining to the previously approved post -mining land use is found in Section 2.05.5 of the <br />PAP. <br />The historical usage of the Hay Gulch area is varied. The bottom land areas have typically <br />been used to grow hay crops whereas the native upland regions have been used for cattle <br />grazing and wildlife habitat. Numerous abandoned coal mines dot the gulch uplands where <br />several coal seams outcropped. <br />GCC proposes to reclaim the disturbed acreage, excluding some facilities and the <br />combination haul/access road at the King I Mine, to the primary use of rangeland with a <br />secondary use being wildlife habitat. The haul road of the King I Mine will remain for access <br />to the site as requested by the landowner, Mr. Lawrence Huntington. The haul road at the <br />King II Mine will be reclaimed. GCC is not proposing any alternative land use but a <br />restoration of the area to its pre -mining land uses. <br />The Division finds, pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(1), that the proposed post -mining land use of <br />the permit area meets the requirements of Rule 4.16. <br />XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values — Rule 4.18 <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post -mining land use. The applicant has selected <br />appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife (4.18(5)(i)). <br />Information pertaining to fish and wildlife is presented in Section 2.04.11 of the permit <br />application. GCC contacted the local office of the Colorado Division of Wildlife requesting <br />their assistance in assessing any potential impacts the mining operation may have on <br />wildlife. A copy of the Division of Wildlife's response is found in Section 2.04.11 and <br />Exhibit 6. <br />The general area of the mine site is considered critical deer winter range. However, it is the <br />Division of Wildlife's opinion that, because of the long history of mining in the area, many <br />of the impacts to wildlife have already occurred. The Division of Wildlife explained in a <br />25 <br />