2020-03-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (5)

Home Browse Search

RULE 2 PERMITS Sharp-tailed grouse have rarely been observed south of the permit area, but have not been known to nest in the area. Blue grouse also utilize the area for nesting, but the population is much smaller than the sage grouse population. Brood size averaged 4.8 birds in 1975. Observations during the summer of 1980 showed an average brood size of 3.6 birds. Morning doves are occasionally observed during the summer months in the mine vicinity; however, the infrequent observations indicate a fairly low population. Waterfowl A few species of ducks such as the Mallard and Green-winged teal are occasionally observed on the stock ponds which are scattered around the mine site;however,due to lack of adequate nesting cover it is unlikely that any nesting occurs. Several species of ducks, geese, and shorebirds have been-observed on the Wilson Reservoir which is located at the extreme northern end of the permit area adjacent to State Highway #13. Most of the waterfowl observations have been made at the Wilson Reservoir and are listed in Table 2.04.11-11, Wildlife Species That Occur Or Are Likely To Occur In The Colowyo Permit Area. Non-Game Birds A large variety of birds have been observed on the mine site. Most species are migrants that either nest on or near the site during the summer months, or are observed as they pass through the area. The relative abundance of species that could possibly occur on the site and those that have definitely been observed are listed in Table 2.04.11-11,Wildlife Species That Occur Or Are Likely To Occur In The Colowyo Permit Area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a seven day breeding bird sampling program on a 40-acre plot on the Colowyo mine site in 1975. The number of birds, by species, that were spot mapped in the various sampling periods is set forth in Table 2.04.11-12,USFWS -Bird Transects. Table 2.04.11-13, USFWS - Breeding Bird Transects, shows the best approximation of number of breeding birds for the Colowyo site and three other areas sampled in northwest Colorado for the seven sampling periods. Additional information and plot location are included in Exhibit 11, Wildlife Information, and the Wildlife Observations Map (Map 15). Reptiles and Amphibians The permit and adjacent areas contain rock outcropping,rock ledges, etc. which provide preferred habitat for many of the species listed in Table 2.04.11-11, Wildlife Species That Occur Or Are Likely To Occur On The Colowyo Permit Area. Although no specific population or habitat information has been collected, several species including the northern sagebrush lizard and Great Basin Gopher Snake, and the Prairie Rattlesnake are commonly observed. Rule 2 Permits 2.04-66 Revision Date: 12/20/19 Revision No.: TR-135