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Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board <br /> Page 11 <br /> March 2, 2018 <br /> vegetation after closure to evaluate if plant up-take of Se is an issue. Given the findings of the study <br /> supplied by the objectors, the proposed plan provided by LRM, and discussions with CPW, the <br /> application demonstrates the operation will be protective of wildlife resources. <br /> c. Request of a survey for Preble's Jumping Mouse. (12) <br /> Using the United States Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS)Information, Planning and Conservation <br /> System(IPaC)resource online program,the Division evaluated the presence and potential habitat of <br /> Threatened and Endangered species at the site. The Division confirmed LRM's finding discussed in <br /> Section 10.1 of their application that no critical habitats exist within the project area for threatened and <br /> endangered species. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse is a threatened species which may occur within <br /> the project area. However, critical habitat for this species have been designated and the proposed project <br /> is outside of the critical habitat. CPW did not indicate Preble's Jumping Mouse to be of concern. <br /> d. Concerns that the bird list contained in the application is incomplete. (13) <br /> The Division understands that many wildlife species may utilize the proposed affected land. Mining may <br /> temporarily displace some wildlife species during the operation but they often can be found utilizing the <br /> mined area as well as the reclaimed area. Based on the Division's consultation with CPW,the proposed <br /> operation should not have a significant impact on wildlife resources in the area. Given this,the <br /> evaluation of species provided by LRM is found to be sufficient. <br /> e. Concerns regarding the impact the mining operations will have on raptors. (13) <br /> The Applicant conducted an Avian Survey on January 30, 2018. The survey found two magpie(Pica <br /> hudsonia)nests within the proposed mine area. Neither nest was active during the survey. No raptor, <br /> eagle, or owl nests were identified within the project area or adjacent areas. The survey included the <br /> results of a database search of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission website. Based on <br /> this search,bald eagles nests were found to be 1.76 miles east and 4 miles northwest of the site. A gold <br /> eagle nest was found 2.1 miles northwest of the site and osprey nests were found ranging 1 to 4.6 miles <br /> from the site. <br /> LRM has proposed a monitoring plan to identify raptor nests during the operation. The site will be <br /> surveyed during August of each year to insure there are not any nests within 600 feet of the scheduled <br /> mining area for the next year. Mining activities that are to take place within 400 feet of any identified <br /> nests will be adjusted to start during a non-nesting season. Based on the Division's consultation with <br /> CPW,no known nests occur in the vicinity of the proposed mining area. The Division finds LRM's <br /> raptor nest monitoring and mitigation plan sufficient. <br /> f. Concerns regarding the impact on the migration route of deer. (1) <br />