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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> ' ... :h .h354.-`.::f'`.§.` a. Y t'' «-..,,ps .yb,:•,..a..'::X"N•- tY a'�`nr'v:LN..rl"�eY«'.,it a"-N J't/Yr. -w.tfr ->•T.9iB izX '$ - <br /> around the mine site and take special care to avoid these species. <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 CPW in efforts to control wildlife populations to a level <br /> that can be supported by adjacent ranges. To do so, in 1990 we have entered into a cooperative effort <br /> with the CPW to establish a "Ranching For Wildlife" area located south of Hayden. Colowyo has <br /> also cooperated with the CPW in allowing public hunters access to company properties in Axial <br /> 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 CPW 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: 10/3/16 <br /> Revision No.:MR-163 <br />