2018-11-05_PERMIT FILE - C1981044A (3)

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SUMMARY In summary, the Mine Permit Area supports a range and diversity of wildlife species. The range of species and dynamic stability of wildlife populations indicate a healthy wildlife environment. The historical mining operations, existing facilities, and current level of activities are compatible with wildlife habitat values and populations resulting in negligible disruption to the wildlife. Therefore, the underground mining and related operations should have minimal impact to wildlife in the area. TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY The following discussion on terrestrial ecology is based on information collected by MCM and predecessor companies from; 1) The Colorado Division of Wildlife; 2) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service; 3) Ecology Consultants, Inc.; and 4) the Final Environmental Statement for Northwest Colorado Coal. After a reconnaissance of the region, sites were selected for detailed studies of the structure and composition of characteristic terrestrial communities. Care was taken to select locations which were representative of each community type. Because of the ecological variability which characterizes cultivated lands, only those areas having natural communities were sampled. It is emphasized, that the biotic communities surrounding the Mine Permit Area have been markedly affected by past and present agricultural and ranching practices. Large areas of natural vegetation have been replaced by extensive tracts of dry-land hay and grain, especially in the lower portions of the northern slope of the Williams Fork Mountains. Much of the regional sagebrush community has been modified in terms of species composition and coverage by livestock grazing. Study sites were located in areas of low grazing intensity. Four vegetation communities representing major ecosystems in the area were selected for the study: Cottonwood stand in Big Bottom Sagebrush stand in Big Bottom Sagebrush slopes and flatlands above Big Bottom Sagebrush stand on the Williams Fork Mountains The location of these intensive wildlife study areas is shown on Figure 38, Vegetation Community Sampling Locations, found in Section 2.04.10, Vegetation Information. Information was acquired from the Final Environmental Statement for Northwest Colorado Coal to show the key use areas and any migration routes for mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, turkey vultures, sandhill crane, sharp -tail grouse, and sage grouse. This information is provided on the following Figures: Figure 39, Mule Deer Use Areas and Migration Routes, Figure 40, Elk Use Areas and Migration Routes, Figure 41, Pronghorn Antelope Use Areas, Figure 42, Greater Sandhill Crane, Turkey Vulture, and Sharp -Tail Grouse Use Areas, and Figure 43, Sage Grouse Distribution, Habitat, and Strutting Grounds. The animal carrying capacities by vegetation type in the regional area is shown on Table 44, Carrying Capacities by Vegetation Type. This information was also acquired from the Final Environmental Statement for Northwest Colorado Coal. TR14 -36 2.04 -41 Revised 02/21/14