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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />as reclaimed areas are now attracting a large population of local wildlife populations. Also, suitable <br />areas within the permit for this mitigation had been increasingly difficult to find. Much of the <br />habitat suitable for improvement had already received treatment. <br />Sagegrouse Mitigation <br />In a preliminary findings document dated December 11, 1981, the Division requested additional <br />information on sagegrouse use of the Colowyo permit area and a description of habitat mitigation <br />measures. Colowyo submitted the following response, dated May 25, 1982, which satisfied the <br />remaining concerns of the Division. <br />Sagegrouse Mitigation <br />Ongoing Mitigation Offsetting Current Loss of <br />Sagegrouse Habitat Due to Mining. <br />Prior to 1976 due to the prior landowners' grazing practices, the rangeland both within <br />the permit area and surrounding areas was in an overgrazed condition. <br />After 1976 the following changes in the management of the land, then owned by <br />Colowyo, took place which indirectly increased the sagegrouse nesting and brood rearing <br />capacity of the overall area. This increased carrying capacity of the sagegrouse habitat <br />provides the mitigation for any displaced sagegrouse population during mining. <br />From 1976 until 1979 all livestock grazing was stopped in order to allow the range to <br />rest and to return to a more productive state. The immediate benefit to sagegrouse was <br />the increased production of herbaceous vegetation which, along with insects, is an <br />important component to the sagegrouse brood population diet. A secondary benefit was <br />the end of any nest trampling and end of disturbance and heavy grazing around <br />watering areas due to livestock grazing. <br />2. During 1976 a fence was constructed around the Federal coal lease which eliminated <br />all further livestock grazing in this area. Since 1976 to the present, sagegrouse have <br />continued to benefit as described as #1 above. <br />3. All other areas outside of the lease fence (approximately 6,000 acres) have been grazed <br />since 1979 at 60% of carrying capacity. This rate would allow <br />for an increased sagegrouse brood population over that which the area supported in an <br />overgrazed condition. <br />4. Since 1976, numerous areas of thick, decadent stands of the mountain shrub vegetation <br />within and adjacent to the lease area have been cleared of brush as part of the big game <br />mitigation program. As a result of the brushing, the production of succulent herbaceous <br />vegetation has increased, offering more forage for the sage grouse brood population. <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-48 Revision Date: 5/25/18 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />